Kilimanjaro launches Kahawa festival promoting coffee
KILIMANJARO: THE Kilimanjaro regional government has stressed the vital role of collaboration in coffee production due to the crop’s significant economic value.
Speaking recently, Region Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner Nurdin Babu said the regional administration will fully throw its weight to support for ongoing efforts to improve coffee production in the area.
He said this during the launch of the sixth season of the Kahawa Festival, held at the Tanzania Coffee Board (TCB) premises in Moshi, Kilimanjaro “Coffee not only boosts the national economy but also plays a crucial role in improving the livelihoods of individuals by providing employment and income,” Babu said.
He said that the government has initiated various programmes to enhance coffee production nationwide, including improving extension services, ensuring the availability of agricultural inputs and upgrading irrigation infrastructure in coffee-growing areas.
Commenting on the event, Mr Babu commended the Tanzania Coffee Board and other coffee stakeholders for establishing the Kahawa Festival, which he said significantly supports government efforts to increase coffee production.
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“I have been informed that the sixth season of the Kahawa Festival aims to encourage young people and the general public to recognise the economic opportunities within the entire coffee value chain. This initiative is commendable as it will help involve more people in producing this important cash crop,” he noted.
Mr Babu also urged coffee farmers to take good care of their coffee trees and avoid uprooting them unless absolutely necessary.
“No one should remove a coffee tree without valid reasons. When removal is unavoidable, the tree must be replaced immediately to maintain the pace of increasing coffee production,” he emphasised.
For his part, the Tanzania Coffee Board (TCB) Director General, Mr Primus Kimaryo said the festival aims to promote local coffee consumption and establish guidelines among stakeholders to boost coffee production in the country.
“This festival serves as an important platform for coffee stakeholders from across the country to exchange ideas and experiences related to coffee production,” Kimaryo said.
He added that the festival provides participants with the opportunity to learn about new developments in coffee, including advancements in roasting and preparation technologies. Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Kahawa Festival Mr Denis Mahulu organising committee said the three-day event, which is part of the annual World Coffee Day celebrations, is scheduled to take place from October 3 to 5th this year.
“During the festival, participants will receive education on the economic benefits of coffee, its advantages to consumers and the new environmental protection law related to coffee farming,” he said.
