TCDC-TCB partnership seen as catalyst for coffee production growth

KILIMANJARO: THE strategic collaboration between the Tanzania Cooperative Development Commission (TCDC) and the Tanzania Coffee Board (TCB) has been lauded as the primary force driving the growth of coffee production across the country.

The synergy between the two bodies was highlighted by the Registrar of Cooperatives, Dr Benson Ndiege, over the weekend while officiating the opening of the 6th annual Kahawa Festival in Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region.

“TCDC is working diligently to promote cooperative societies engaged in coffee cultivation, while TCB is supporting these cooperatives to increase coffee production through a variety of initiatives,” said Dr Ndiege, who also serves as Chief Executive Officer of TCDC.

He revealed TCB’s support mechanisms, including the distribution of coffee seedlings, provision of timely and reliable agricultural inputs and ensuring cooperatives access dependable markets for their coffee.

“All of these efforts, particularly access to reliable markets, have encouraged more people to engage in coffee farming, thereby boosting production of this important commercial crop,” he added.

Dr Ndiege also noted that TCB is currently implementing a plan to produce 20 million coffee seedlings, a move expected to yield long-term results.

“This initiative is highly commendable and its impact will become more visible over the next five years as the seedlings begin to significantly contribute to increased coffee production,” he said.

Speaking on the significance of the Kahawa Festival, Dr Ndiege praised it as an innovative platform that brings together all stakeholders in the coffee value chain, from farmers and roasters to exporters and consumers.

“This festival fosters valuable exchanges of experience and knowledge among stakeholders, which ultimately contributes to higher productivity and improved coffee quality,” he said.

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For her part, Tanzania Coffee Board Chairperson, Professor Aurelia Kamuzora, said the festival has played a key role in encouraging farmers and other stakeholders to engage more deeply in coffeerelated activities.

“This is evident from the growing number of exhibitors and sponsors each year,” Prof Kamuzora noted. She explained that when the festival was first launched in 2020, it had only 20 exhibitors.

This year, the number has surpassed 50, alongside a notable increase in sponsors. “Among the sponsors are financial institutions, whose participation underlines the economic importance of coffee, not just to the national economy, but to individual livelihoods as well,” she added.

Earlier, the Chairperson of the Kahawa Festival Organising Committee, Mr Denis Mahulu, expressed appreciation to the government for its continued support in improving the coffee sector.

“This year alone, the government facilitated two major international conferences on coffee, reaffirming its commitment to the sector. Such efforts have encouraged many people to recognise the value of coffee farming and become more involved,” Mr Mahulu said.

He said that the Kahawa Festival coincides with World Coffee Day, celebrated globally on October 1 each year. The festival offers a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to share insights aimed at improving both the quantity and quality of coffee produced in Tanzania.