African Fine Coffees Review Special Edition Oct-Dec - EAFCA

The Sleeping Giant
Awakes
Oct - Nov 2012
Volume 2 Issue 2
1

THE
BREWING POT
The Coffee Corner
THE BREWING POT
1. AFCA News – A round up of AFCA
Activities in the Region
The 10th African Fine Conference and Exhibition
Launched in Style
AFCA Presents the African Coffee Outlook at the ICO
Council Meeting
JETRO and AFCA partner for 4th Coffee Trade
Delegation Trip
AFCA presents on Certification at ICO Seminar
Coffee Breakfasts Held in Malawi and Zambia
2. Coffee News – Quick round up around the
Continent and World
4C Association appoints new Chairman
85,000 smallholder coffee farmers in Tanzania to
benefit from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Kenyan Coffee Producers Learn to Plan
Kilimanjaro Coffee Farmers Get Health Insurance
Cover
Cameroon Stakeholders Crusade for Better Coffee
Quality
A Celebration of Coffee at the 3rd Uganda Coffee
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South Africa’s top coffee champions were
crowned.
VISA and Travel Information for 10th AFCC & E
Delegates
Special Reports
Uganda Quality Coffee Traders Moves To Act.
Meeting Uganda’s Three time National Champion
and the 3rd African Barista Challenge Champion
The Sleeping Giant Awakes
A Ripple in the Ocean of Coffee Growing…
Around the Region
Know your Blogs
Know your Uganda Coffee Map
Sustainable Coffee Areas in Uganda
Around the region
Mitigation of Impact on Coffee Production
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Editorial Team
Editors
Samuel Kamau
Maraka Martin
Associate Editors
Filtone Sandando
Wycliffe Murwayi
Advisory Board
Harrison Kalua
Lionel H.E. de Roland Phillips
Ben Sitati
Contributors
Robin Saunders
Micheal Nuwagaba
Martin Maraka
Filtone Sandando
Wycliffe Murwayi
Publisher
African Fine Coffees Association
from the
www.coffeeboard.or.tz

THE
COFFEE CORNER
We would like to start by thanking all our members and strategic partners
as we close the 2011/2012 financial year. AFCA has come a long way
during this period as key regional brand and as a financially sustainable
organization something we hope to continue to do over the coming years.
During this period AFCA, made significantly steps in representing Africa at
various international forums such as ICO and 4C, strengthened regional capacity
through the CFC project, chapter networking through breakfasts and marketed
African coffees at various platforms both physically and digitally through the
new Taste of Harvest Portal.
AFCA is now preparing to roll out several high level trainings through the AFCA
Coffee Institute and strengthen its regional voice and impact. We also thank
key partners in the preparation for the 10th African Fine Coffees Conference
and Exhibition in Kampala, Uganda. We welcome you all to Uganda for another
memorable conference.
The October – December 2012 issue will also feature as our Annual Magazine
that will be released in print form at the 10th African Fine Coffees Conference and
Exhibition in Kampala Uganda.
The Sleeping Giant Awakes, our feature article, seeks to explore the awakening
of the Ugandan coffee industry over the last 5 to 10 years. This insightful article
provides a rare insight into what led to the industry comeback.
A ripple in the ocean of coffee growing provides a brief on the history of coffee
in Malawi from inception to independence while our Champions of Africa
blog provides an exclusive interview with Robert Mbabazi, Uganda’s three-time
national barista champion and Africa’s 2012 Barista Challenge Champion
Mitigation of Climate Change raises a case for climate change while Uganda
Quality Coffee Processors and Traders Association move to act looks at the
efforts of Ugandan traders to make significant steps to enhance quality along
the value chain.
Our special report from the AFCA Coffee Institute, Around the Region provides
an outlook from the AFCA Coffee Institute on the African Coffee Market.
Enjoy!
Mr. Harrison Kalua
Chairman Board of Directors, AFCA
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Guest of Honour – Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Hon. Tress Bucyanayandi
(Centre), joins Mr Harrison Kalua (AFCA Board Chairman, left) and Mr. Hannington Karuhanga
(Host Country Chair, right) to cut a Mocha Styled cake officially launching the 10th AFCC & E.

AFCA NEWS
In an event that had all the hallmarks of the 2012 London
Olympics Opening Ceremony, the 10th African Fine
Conference and Exhibition was officially launched at
the Kampala Serena Hotel on the 6th September 2012. The
conference and exhibition will be held from the 14th to the
16th February 2013 in Kampala Uganda at the Munyonyo
Commonwealth Resort under the theme, “Uganda,
Discover a Diversity of Coffees, from the Pearl of Africa.”
The stakeholder and media event drew over 100 guests
from the Uganda’s top coffee stakeholders and leading
media houses. Guests were also able to view finished
coffee samples, coffee seedlings, processing and brewing
equipment. Guests were further treated to a documentary
on the 9th AFCC & E that was held in Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia with interviews from showgoer on the benefits of
the conference.
The stakeholder and media event drew over 100 guests
from the Uganda’s top coffee stakeholders and leading
media houses. Guests were also able to view finished
coffee samples, coffee seedlings, processing and brewing
equipment. Guests were further treated to a documentary
on the 9th AFCC & E that was held in Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia with interviews from showgoers on the benefits
of the conference.
The 10th African Fine Conference
and Exhibition Launched in Style
The Guest of Honour, Minister of Agriculture,
Animal Industry and Fisheries, Hon. Tress
Bucyanayandi joined the Ugandan Coffee
fraternity in welcoming the coffee world
to Uganda. He further emphasised the
government’s commitment to coffee research
and production as it increasingly continues to
act as the leading source of household income
for families in Uganda.
The AFCA Board Chair, stressed the importance
of the 10th AFCC & E as a unique business
opportunity for Ugandan stakeholders to sell
their coffee on the spot, gathering valuable
coffee information and build trade relations.
The stakeholder and media event drew over
100 guests offee stakeholders and leading
media houses. Guests were also able to view
finished coffee samples, coffee seedlings,
processing and brewing equipment. Guests
were further treated to a documentary
on the 9th AFCC & E that was held in
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with interviews
from showgoers on the benefits of the
conference.
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AFCA
Presents the
African Coffee
Outlook at the
ICO Council
Meeting
On the 27th September 2012, the AFCA Board Chairman, Mr
Harrison Kalua spoke at the 109th ICO Council on the strategy of
AFCA and the coffee outlook in Africa. The speech was well received
by ICO council delegates and other stakeholders in attendance.
This is the first time that AFCA has presented the African Coffee Outlook
the ICO.
The AFCA chairman further called for engagement with African
Governments to pay more attention to the Coffee Sector.
A separate presentation on the 10th AFCC&E was made to the ICO Council
by the AFCA CEO Mr Samuel Kamau. The presentation focused on inviting
the ICO council members and delegates to the 10th African Fine Coffees
Conference and Exhibition to be held in Kampala, Uganda from 14th to
16th February, 2013.
We congratulate the team on this expedition to strengthen AFCA’s position
on the international front as key resource on information and policy change.
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SCAJ Conference Delegates
stream in at the AFCA -
JETRO Booth to learn more
about Africa’s Finest Coffees

JETRO and AFCA partner for 4th Coffee
Trade Delegation Trip
The fourth mission from AFCA to SCAJ Japan
was successful arranged with the sponsorship
of Japan External Trade Organization
(JETRO). The main objectives of the trip
were to promote fine quality African coffees
into Japan, find business opportunities in
the Japanese market, learn ways to create
additional value of African coffees and
disseminate the participants’ findings through
AFCA network.
The AFCA Team included Mr. Bernard
Sitati Kenya Chapter Chairman, Mr. John
Rebero AFCA Rwanda Chapter Chairman,
Mr. Abdullah Bagersh Ethiopia Chapter
Chairman and Wycliffe Murwayi AFCA
Coffee Specialist.
During the trip AFCA was able to secure
meetings with top japanese industry coffee
buyers like Mitsubishi Corporation, Doutor
coffee, Mi Cafeto, Ishimitsu and Co. ltd,
Tulleys coffee, Key Coffee, Horiguchi Coffee
and UCC among others.
AFCA also held several presentations and
seminars on African Coffees to Tokyo
University on Certification in Africa, African
coffee cupping seminar – attended by selected top
cuppers in Japan where they cupped certified and Taste
of Harvest Coffees and Sustainable coffee showcase
that allowed delegates to test their cupping skills on 24
specialty coffees form AFCA.
Key issues to do with challenges to African Coffees
were discussed with key areas for improvement raised
along the lines of improved African coffee branding,
Japan consumers are still in favour of quality, reduction
of cost through direct relationships with producers and
traceability.
The mission remained very successful and created
the desired impacts and needs to be enhanced. This is
evidenced by the success of Malawi coffee following
last year’s mission. During the tour the AFCA Team
were shown a shop that sold Malawi Coffee as single
origin. There was even an enquiry and request for more
sample of Malawi which AFCA hopes will result into
business.
Key issues to do with challenges to African
Coffees were discussed with key areas
for improvement raised along the lines
of improved African coffee branding,
Japan consumers are still in favour
of quality, reduction of cost through
direct relationships with producers and
traceability.
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AFCA presents on Certification
at ICO Seminar
The ICO seminar on certification was held on 25 September 2012
at the ICO council chamber. The theme of the seminar was
the Economic, Social and Environmental Impact of Certification
on the Coffee Supply Chain. With support from the CFC/ICO/EU
Project (CFC/IC/45), AFCA was invited to make a presentation on
the activities of project on building capacity in coffee certification
and verification in AFCA countries.
The title of the presentation was Activities of the CFC/ICO Project
on building capacity in coffee certification and verification for
specialty coffee farmers in AFCA countries, and lessons learnt
about certification and verification in Africa. The seminar was
held by espousing issues in two panels. The first panels discussed
the perspectives of certification bodies and the demand side of the
coffee value chain. The second panel focused on the perspectives
and experiences of the coffee producers. The output from the
seminar discussions was that sustainability of the coffee value chain
was important for both producers (supply chain) and consumers
(demand side). And that, certification should be viewed as an
integral part of the sustainability of the value chain. However, it
was noted that there were significant challenges that required to be
addressed on certification for it to be sustainable.
Presentation was made by Mr Filtone C. Sandando, AFCA Project
Manager for the CFC/ICO/EU Project (CFC/IC/45)
Coffee Breakfasts Held in
Malawi and Zambia
In August 2012, the African Fine Coffees
Association held coffee breakfasts in Malawi and
Zambia under the theme “AFCA: Discussing
Great Opportunities over a Cup of Coffee.”. Both
breakfasts attracted various key stakeholders from
the chapter countries.
The Zambian breakfast was held at the
Intercontinental Hotel in Lusaka on the 29th
August 2012 while the Malawi breakfast was held
at the Casa Mia Hotel in Blantyre on the 31st of
August 2012.
The Chapter Chairmen of Zambia and Malawi
both thanked members for attending while the
Chief Executive Officer, Mr Kamau Samuel shared
with members the AFCA Strategy.
AFCA delegation also visited the famous Munali
Estates in Zambia.

PROJECT ON BUILDING CAPACITY
IN COFFEE CERTIFICATION AND
VERIFICATION FOR SPECIALTY
COFFEE FARMERS IN THE EASTERN
AFRICA REGION
Project funded by the:
• EUROPEAN UNION
• COMMON FUND FOR COMMODITIES
• INTERNATIONAL COFFEE ORGANISATION
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The
Coffee News
Mr. Robert Waggwa Nsibirwa (Pictured Right)
has been appointed the first African Board
Chairman of the 4C Council during the 3rd
General Assembly which was held in Geneva, Switzerland
on 26th – 27th September 2012 under the motto “Takeoff
for Delivery”. The meeting saw 70 members meet in
Geneva to set the future direction of the 4C Association
and outline the plan to deliver increasing volumes of
sustainably produce coffee.
The 4C Association has experienced tremendous growth
in membership since its last General Assembly – from
fewer than 140 members three years ago to 221 members
to date. Today, the majority of the coffee industry’s
key players, from producers to traders, roasters and
civil society actors are represented in this unique and
flourishing roundtable effort.
“With the new business model in place, the new governance
structure and the newly-elected Council we are now in
an excellent position to define a Three-year Plan that will
ensure the Association is taking- off for delivery,” said
Robert Waggwa Nsibirwa, the newly elected Chairman of
85,000 smallholder
coffee farmers
in Tanzania to
benefit from the
Bill & Melinda Gates
Foundation
4C Association appoints
new Chairman
the 4C Council “The 3rd General Assembly was a unique
event in the sense that it provided the opportunity for
many members to meet other members in person for the
first time, exchange ideas and make important decisions
that will shape the future work of the 4C Association,” he
added.
Mr. Robert Nsibirwa is also currently the AFCA Chapter
Chairman for Uganda and CEO of the Africa Coffee
Academy. We wish him all the best.
The German development finance institution DEG –
Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH
– has announced the launch of the Coffee Partnership
for Tanzania (CPT), a partnership bringing together Tanzanian
smallholder coffee farmers, DEG plus its private sector partners.
The four-year project aims to increase the net income of 85,000
female and male smallholder coffee farmers in Tanzania, largely
by doubling their yields and by improving the quality of produced
coffee, thereby providing a better livelihood for up to 510,000
Tanzanian .
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will support the project with
a grant of US$ 8 million. Alongside, three major implementing
partners – the two coffee traders Armajaro Trading Ltd. and Ecom
Agroindustrial Ltd. plus the private foundation Hanns R. Neumann
Stiftung – will co-finance the project with large investments into
the sector, increasing the significance of the overall project budget
substantially. Furthermore, strategic partners such as Hivos,
Solidaridad and Café Africa will support the partnership.

The Coffee Partnership for Tanzania (CPT) will substantially
support 85,000 Tanzanian smallholder farmers from 2012 –
2016. “The partnership’s goal is to enable female and male
farmers to take full advantage of the opportunities arising
from the production of coffee and additional products,
helping producers to increase their incomes and improve
their livelihood”, says Ian Lachmund, DEG Project Director
for the partnership. Supported by the Gates Foundation’s
funding, the implementing partners undertake capacitybuilding
measures to promote the empowerment of
smallholder coffee producers within the global coffee value
chain.
The project activities include promotion of the organization
of well-governed farmer groups, training of farmers in
basic business and agronomy skills, improvement of
farmers’ access to finance, and facilitation of producers’
affiliation to certification schemes – thereby increasing the
overall productivity and quality of the coffee production
and meanwhile improving smallholders’ access to stable
export markets. Additional activities in the areas of gender,
seedling multiplication and distribution, renewable energy
as well as livestock and food production further promote the
environmental and social sustainability of the partnership.
DEG manages the overall project based on its far-reaching
experience in development
cooperation with private
partners in the agricultural
sector worldwide and in Africa
in particular. The German
development finance institution
will also coordinate the monitoring
and evaluation process with
external evaluations allowing for
regular feedback from supported
farmers throughout the project’s
tenure. This will allow constant
process and implementation
improvement. Furthermore, results, lessons learnt and best
practices will be shared with the wider stakeholder community.
The mutual long-term interest of the implementing and
strategic partners as well as the lasting effect of smallholder
farmers’ capacity building will ensure a sustainable impact of
the project.
The intended increase of the coffee farmers’ net income will
contribute to poverty reduction, improving the livelihood of up
to 510,000 Tanzanian in rural areas.
The Coffee Partnership for Tanzania is a good example
of innovative partnerships between public, private and
philanthropic partners facilitating and providing investment
to empower smallholder farmers in Africa and throughout the
developing world to overcome poverty and hunger.
“The Bill & Melinda
Gates Foundation puts
smallholder farmers’
interests at the center of
their work”, says Dana
Boggess, the foundation’s
Program Officer. “We
are glad to continue
supporting Tanzanian
producers over the next
years in order to help them
improve their productivity
and the quality of the coffee
they produce. We believe the partnership will contribute to
the Tanzanian coffee industry’s growth, while increasing
incomes throughout the coffee value chain, especially those
of smallholder farmers.”
Mohamed S. Muya, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry
for Agriculture, Food Security and Cooperatives, agrees:
“The partnership’s goals and its planned activities fully
align with the Tanzanian coffee industry’s Development
Strategy that we have formulated in the sector’s Task Force
Committee. The partnership provides a great opportunity
for smallholder farmers and is expected to help us increase
the sector’s overall production volumes over the four year
tenure.”
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Kenyan
Coffee
Producers
Learn to Plan
OVER 10,000 households engaged in coffee production in
Kilimanjaro Region have benefited from health insurance
facilities introduced and coordinated by the Kilimanjaro
Native Cooperative Society (KNCU).
“By the end of this year, the number is expected to grow to 28,000
family members who will be enjoying health insurance services,”
remarked Mr Godfrey Massawe, KNCU Commercial Manager in
an interview held in Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region last week.
He added: “Our target is to serve 375,000 family members by the
end of 2014.” KNCU is a co-operative union that produces and
exports mild Arabica coffee of Bourborn and Kent variety from the
region. It serves small producer members in four districts, namely
Rombo, Moshi Rural, Hai and Siha.
Mr Massawe said the department of Health Plan was established
specifically to run the KNCU Health Plan project which is an
insurance scheme launched in August 2010. The department
prepares implements and evaluates the provision of health
insurance to its members.
‘Plan or die’ was the blunt but powerful take-home-message
from the coffee workshop on sustainable agriculture. Consultant Charles
Kabuga used the message to explain the importance of making plans for
sustainable livelihoods to the participants. He was one of the speakers at
the workshop which had 24 producers drawn from Kenya, Uganda and
Tanzania. Key topics of discussion centered on the internal and external
threads to agricultural cooperatives, their challenges in financing and how
strategic planning will support their risk management.
In second session climate change and opportunities of the carbon market
for producers were discussed. External speakers were invited to give
background and technical information to producers, and share their
expertise and practical experiences. A practical overview about carbon
credits was presented by James Gathage from Carbon Leaf. The producers
learned about the opportunity the carbon market has to offer, especially
for small-scale farmers.
Source – Fairtrade Africa
Kilimanjaro Coffee Farmers Get
Health Insurance Cover
Currently, the project covers 23 primary cooperative societies with
a view to serve all members of KNCU with the insurance scheme
by end of next year. The project operates in partnership with the
Harm Access Foundation (PharmAccess), MicroEnsure, MEMS,
EnviroCare, KCMC and ACORD.
In the meantime, Mr Massawe said coffee production has in recent
years dropped massively due to various reasons, forcing farmers to
opt for other economic activities. Some of the problems emanate
from the two major factors, namely climate change effect and the
move by KNCU to stop supplying agricultural inputs to its farmers.
The situation has forced coffee producers to procure inputs
directly from their own pockets which is largely determined by
the income level. “In actual sense, coffee is only profitable to those
who apply correct management in production irrespective of price
fluctuation,” he said.
Source - Tanzania Daily News

Cameroon Stakeholders Crusade for
Better Coffee Quality
Stakeholders in the coffee sub sectors have been sensitizing
small and medium-size producers on the importance to
consolidating the quality of the produce so that it remains
competitive in the world market. The campaign that falls under
the fertilizer sub sector programme is placed under the auspices of
the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and is being
managed under a technical supervisory scheme, “The Support
Project for the use of fertilizer in the Cocoa /Coffee Subsectors”
(SPUF2C).
The campaign that held from the September 23 - 28 was headed
by Difo Gnilachi Robert, head of mission to the West Region
and the campaign took the delegation to Menoua, Upper
Nkam, Bamboutos and Noun Divisions where the cocoa/coffee
farmers were drilled and sensitized on the activities and project
intervention for fertilizer development integrated approach. Difo
Gnilachi, who was accompanied in his sensitisation campaign by
the Regional Delegate of Agriculture and Rural Development for
West, Tazanou Martin, had as resource persons Mpoh Eboue and
Tabandjou Gaston, all Agric-Engineers, specialists in the cocoa/
coffee sub sectors.
Addressing the farmers at the various stops, Mr. Difo said the
project specifically intends to help coffee (and cocoa) producers
A Celebration
of Coffee at
the 3rd Uganda
Coffee Day
master the use of fertilizers,
increase their annual yields
in these crops that are
considered as the main
stay of our economy. He
said after a careful study by
government and its partners
they agreed to invest in
the sub sector through
what he described as
“Sustainable intensification
of Cocoa /coffee sector” in
Cameroon. He further said
that the sector will support
producer’s organisations of
2nd and 3rd levels (Union of CIGs, federations, cooperatives and
confederations) through the supply of fertilizers, adding that in
the months ahead Menoua, Noun, Bamboutos and Upper Nkam
Divisions where Robusta and Arabica coffee are grown, will be
used as experimental and pilot fields for fertilizer. Lively debates
between farmers and officials of SPUF2C ended each meeting.
Source - Cameroon Tribune
As Uganda prepared to celebrate 50 years of independence, the coffee fraternity
came together to celebrate the 3rd Uganda Coffee Day on Thursday 4th October
2012 at the Coffee Research Centre, Kituuza, Mukono District under the theme “
Uganda @50 Years: Milestones of the Century and Strategies for the Future.”
The event drew over 200 people from Uganda’s coffee fraternity to the famous research
station. Key speeches came from the Host Dr. Emily Twinamasiko – Director General
– NARO, Robert Waggwa Nsibirwa – CEO, Africa Coffee Academy, Mr. Hannington
Karuhanga; Savannah Commodities - Board Member UCF and UCDA, Mr John Schulter:
Café Africa and Francis Chesang, UCDA.
Exhibitors from Brazafric, AFCA, UCDA, NARO and NUCAFE also came to show their
support of the industry as well as conduct business.
Guests were a treated to a live performance of beautiful traditional dances as a celebration
of coffee and culture.
The key message from all the presentations was that the importance of coffee to the
economy of Uganda could not be underestimated and it’s therefore important for Uganda
celebrate it with the nation.
Attendees were further encouraged to attend the upcoming 10th African Fine Coffees
Conference and Exhibition to be held in Kampala Uganda. This conference would provide
a unique platform for Uganda to showcase its brand coffee to the world.
The 3rd Uganda Coffee Day is proudly sponsored by aBi Trust, USAID LEAD and
Solidaridad Network with support from UCDA.
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South Africa’s top coffee champions
were crowned.
South Africa’s top coffee champions were crowned at the
at the 2012 Good Food & Wine Show in Johannesburg.
The National Barista Championship title went to
Lovejoy Chirambasukwa, 31, (Western Cape) from Origin
Coffee Roastery.
Lovejoy, originally from Zimbabwe, moved to South Africa
in 2009 and started training as a barista under trainers Jake
Easton and Wayne Oberholzer.
“It means four years of hard work come to fruition. I have
learned a great deal since first entering this competition two
years ago. My coffee career started in SA and I’m grateful
for the opportunity to represent SA at the World Barista
Championships in Melbourne next year.”
Maxine Keet (KZN) took honours in the Cup Tasters
Championship and will compete in Nice, France in the World
Championships in 2013.
“I feel amazing. Words can’t describe how hard my
heart is pumping. Cupping is my passion. Nice here I
come!”
Phumlani Sibeko (Gauteng), from Stil.Coffee won the
Latte Art division.
“Latte art is special to me - it’s part of the presentation
and gives the customer something to remember.
Latte art is the start of the experience and tells you
immediately about the care that’s gone into making the
cup of coffee.”
Two-time former SA Barista Champion, Ishan Natalie
(Gauteng) from Tribeca Coffee won the Aeropress
division, the newest division in the Championships.
“I’m ecstatic. I really wanted this, I had a whole lot of
stuff that no-one else on stage.
I tried some unconventional things. I’m so happy, I
really want to go to the Worlds and represent SA in this
division.”
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VISA and Travel Information for 10th
AFCC & E Delegates
Before you travel to Uganda, there a few aspects that you may need to
know. About travel documents, accommodation, climate, transport, health
and safety, all is presented below.
Where is Uganda located?
Uganda lies astride the Equator in Eastern Africa between longitudes 29
½° East and 35° East and between latitudes 4 ½° North and ½° South,
at an average altitude of 1,100 meters above sea- level. The total area is
236,580sq.Km.
Do I need a visa to enter into Uganda?
Yes! With effect from March 1, 1999, the Government of Uganda
introduced visa requirements for all visitors entering Uganda. However
this is in exemption of the following countries:
East African Community (EAC) Citizens Nationals of COMESA
countries( Angola, Comoros, Eritrea, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius,
Madagascar, Rwanda, Seychelles, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia,
Zimbabwe) Other countries e.g. Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize,
Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Jamaica, Lesotho, Malta, Sierra Leone, Singapore,
Solomon Islands, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Tonga, Vanuatu, Italy
(Only diplomatic passports) and Cyprus.
Where do I apply for a visa from?
You can acquire a visa at Uganda’s High Commission or embassy in your
country of residence or on arrival at Entebbe International Airport.
What immunizations are required when I’m travelling to Uganda?
Yellow fever vaccine is essential.
Hepatitis A and B, Meningitis, Tetanus, Polio and Typhoid are also
recommended.
Expecting to get closer to wild animals, rabies vaccination should be
prioritized.
Traveling Around
Travelling around Uganda has never been easier than today, flexibility
exists in use of private or public transport. The improving transport
network and extended communication facilities to upcountry regions is
commendable.

Travelling around Uganda is truly an elegant adventure. There are several ways to get
around in Uganda, and the option you choose will depend upon your time constraints
and your budget. Travelling by road is the most accessible and probably the cheapest
way to travel, and public transport connects all major locations, and ventures far off
the beaten track.
Public Transport
Buses, Taxis, VIP vans and several touring trucks operated by Individual tour
operators are all available for the tourists to use and reach to their destinations.
Motorcycles (Boda Bodas), as they are locally known can always be used for short
distances and at the minimum speed possible.
Please note that there’s no guarantee of safety on using any of the above. Make sure
that you find the right operator or guide to assist you in this.
Costs for all these vary from time to time
Driving
Driving in Uganda requires a driving license, this can be obtained from face
technologies, Uganda.
The procedure to acquire a Ugandan Driving permit necessitates one to visit the
Uganda Revenue Authority licensing office and the face Technology Center.
More Information can be obtained from www.ura.go.ug
Water transport
There is a regular inland ferry connecting Nakiwogo in Entebbe and the Ssese
islands on Lake Victoria and one between Bukakata pier near Masaka town.
Information about Uganda, destinations, attractions, tourism developments, events,
exhibitions, press releases and news is available for all interested parties. Tourists,
visitors, travelers, investors, businessmen, planners, public and private agencies, and
individuals can now find all the information here.
You can contact us for any information you would wish to know using the address
below.
The Uganda Tourism Board
42 Windsor Crescent, Kololo, Kampala
P.O. Box 7211, Kampala, Uganda.
Tel: +256 (414) 342 196/7
Fax: +256 (414) 342 188
OR by utb@tourismuganda.info
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SPECIAL REPORTS
Uganda Quality Coffee
Traders Moves To Act.
It is not un-common to find someone else to blame
whenever a problem occurs in our lives or business. It
even gets more complex if the numbers of players are
in different locations and at diverse stages, making it even
harder to point a finger on where the bark starts and stops.
This scenario floated over the minds of most industry players
about the idea of closing gaps in Uganda’s coffee quality value
chain.
Motivated by the desire to improve quality through sustainable
and coordinated arrangement, the Uganda Quality Coffee
Traders and Processors Association was born. A confluence
of main traders, middlemen, farmer representatives and
exporters giving a mix that is a perfect dressing for the
occasion. The association seeks to supplement UCDA`s
statutory mandate of ensuring total quality management of
the coffee product and process throughout the supply chain.
Hardly a year since its birth, the association has taken giant
steps in both achievements and partnerships, boasting of
over 1500 registered members and development partners.
In a ground breaking countrywide tour, in partnership
with UCDA, USAID-Lead project, Uganda Police, local
leaders and farmers, the association generated deep sense
of stakeholder responsibility towards quality and quantity
improvement.
The discussion centered on addressing the core issues
such as coffee quality deterioration indicators, Changes in
the Ugandan coffee quality trends, Methods and ways of
preserving quality, Incentives of quality produced especially
increased prices and value, Constitutional & regulatory
framework on coffee quality control, Disadvantages of poor
quality produce and also GAP (Good Agronomic Practices).
During the sensitization workshop Mr. Ssekitoreko a coffee
farmer in Masaka district since late 90’s, enumerated how he
carefully sorts and minds his quality, but despite his individual
efforts, his neighbors out of a mixture of ignorance and lack
of incentive don’t pay full attention to their crop which in the
end ruins Mr Ssekitoreko’s coffee, as middle men would bulk
these coffees and even at times adulterate with foreign matter.
Harvesting of immature, unripe cherries, poor drying
methods, poor processing techniques were all key factors
Scaling up quality coffee production in Uganda
Beans from the Pearl
affecting the
quality and
production of
coffee at the farm level.
“The story of Ssekitoreko is played out through the
value chain where different players shift the blame
to a third party highlighting the gravity of the
quality crisis.” According to Mr. Aloysius Lubega the
chairman of the association.
With this association a practical conversation has
been started and the industry seems to be shaking
off the blame game, as each of tiers in the value is
involved in action to improve Uganda’s coffee quantity
and quality. To the much delight of the founders, Mr
Edmund Kananura the head of quality at Uganda
Coffee Development Authority has resonated well
with the cause and after a few months UCDA has
presided over a turn around of Drugar coffee from
Kasese restoring its superb cup profile and total
elimination of Robusta traces.
But here is the real question: could this association
present a different kind of opportunity, one that
disperses power into the hands of the many rather
than consolidating it in the hands of the few; one
that radically expands the We, rather than Them? In
short, could UQCTPA be the beginning of A People’s
Quality improvement answer? Recent results are
pointing to a brighter future and the industry could
have woken yet another sleeping actor.
By Michael Nuwagaba
About Beans from the
pearl
In this blog, our correspondents
report on the developments with
Uganda, better known famously by
the name given to it by Sir Winston
Churchill -
“The Pearl of Africa”

Meeting Uganda’s Three time
National Champion and the
3rd African Barista Challenge
Champion
Champions Of Africa
In October 2012, I had interview with Robert
Mbabazi at Emin Pasha Hotel in Kampala. Robert
was as usual as distracted as a child in a shop full
of toys. He was conducting an training for Barista’s
at the hotel and with Robert, coffee comes first and
passionately so.
Qn. Tell us about yourself?
I am a 26 year old professional Coffee Quality Controller
and Barista Consultant with cross-functional expertise
in business and restaurant management with over six
years in the field.
I have substantial work experience in all aspects of the
coffee industry including green coffee bean grading,
roasting, cupping, marketing, and barista skills and
training. I have also received certifications in various
courses including being a licensed ‘Q’ grader, a Specialty
Arabica coffee grader meeting international SCAA
standards.
Qn. What got you into Coffee?
My coffee adventure began back in 2006 when a friend
invited me to go spend a few weeks at his coffee farm in
Eastern Uganda.
It’s here on the slopes of Mt. Elgon, with its majestic
scenery; I had my first glimpse of flowering coffee trees
and immediately set out to spend all my time interacting
with the farming community.
Their hard work and effort to grow and produce quality
coffee, with very little reward, was all I needed to give
me the motivation to learn all I could about coffee.
Back in Kampala, I immediately signed up for the
Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA)
training program in basic coffee quality control and
barista skills, and thanks to some great professional
coffee training from experts around the world, I was
determined to become a professional Barista.
Qn. How did it feel to be crowned the Champion of
Africa?
Being crowned the Africa Barista Champion was the
epitome of my Barista Career, especially after winning
the challenge at the source and birthplace of coffee
(Ethiopia). As a coffee Barista, I could never ask for
more, I wish to continue using my title to promote
domestic consumption of coffee in my country and also
to inspire the youth into doing something creative with
their lives.
23

24
Robert Mbabazi,
The 3rd African Barista
Challenge Champion

The Epitome of his
Career - Lifting the
Coverted Trophy
Qn. What do you think is the future of the Ugandan
Coffee Industry?
There has been a tremendous shift within the Uganda
Coffee shop culture. A few years ago, we could only hear
of two or three prominent coffee shops, Ban Café, Café
Pap and 1000Cups, right now, we count over twenty and
the number is rising by the day as people are shifting
away from going to the bars for meet ups and breaks and
now they would rather be seen in a coffee shop. With the
right products to offer, soothing ambience and a good
service, we are going to see more Ugandans getting a
buzz from coffee.
I am very convinced that with emphasis on serving
high quality products and educating our customers
about coffee; we will see more Ugandans and expats
enjoying our coffees. Hence, the creation of more jobs
for the youth out there! It is my ultimate goal to continue
supporting the coffee shop culture in Uganda by sharing
and training Baristas and everyone out there with all
the necessary skills. The future of the Ugandan coffee
industry is going to reach a point where we Ugandans
regulate how much coffee is exported since we shall be
drinking most of it!
Qn. What advice do you have for young aspiring
Baristas?
A very big percentage of young people in Uganda are
unemployed. The coffee sector in Uganda has the potential
of cubing these numbers down. My only advice to the
youth (aspiring Baristas) out there who have not yet got
their dream jobs, please start thinking about the coffee
and service industry. By approaching organizations like
the Uganda Coffee Development Authority, African Fine
Coffees Association, a whole new line of opportunities
can be opened up. There are plenty of jobs within the
coffee industry at all levels; I believe they cannot fail to
get something that interests them.
Conclusion
During the class one of the students asked the
Robert why more and more people seem to love
coffee. Robert smiled and replied,
“Coffee triggers memories in a way almost
impossible to explain. A good coffee will trigger
great memories almost as strongly as a bad
coffee will trigger awful memories. It is your
role as Barista to make great memories. But
most importantly, a good coffee is a tribute to
not art of Barista but to the farmer that waited,
cared and loved the plant for four years. Respect
the farmer and you will respect the coffee.”
by Martin Maraka
About Champions
Of Africa
“Champions of Africa”
is a series dedicated
profiling & celebrating
the activities of the top
baristas in the AFCA
Region.
25

26
The Sleeping Giant
Awakes
As Uganda celebrated 50 years of independence, the
drums of the nation beat as one while the streets
and its citizens were dipped in black, yellow and red.
There was a lot to be proud of. Uganda has survived a dozen
or so unrests, run through 9 presidents like a wealthy female
actress through shoes and remained world over an unknown
country who’s most popular export still remained a dark
towering Field Marshall with peculiar fondness for violence
and speeches that left people in stitches.
There was a lot to reflect on. Who were we in the region?
What is expected of us? How can we be better? What do we
do we have get us there?
Tough questions but all together the right ones.
Beans From the Pearl
Uganda has been growing coffee since the 1920’s and coffee
remains very much a part of who we are as Ugandan’s.
Ingrained both economically and socially it holds a special
place.
In the early 1990s, exports reached their highest-ever levels
of just over 4 million (60kg bags) bags (240,000 tons) during
the years 1995–1997 as the consequence of a combination
of higher international prices and a much greater farm gate
share of export prices and these were due to two consecutive
major frosts in Brazil at the end of June 1994. Since
then, however, volumes have fallen; primarily because
of both the occurrence of coffee wilt disease - CWD
(first identified in early 1960s and recurrence in 1993).
Another major factor was the 2000–2003 coffee crisis,
when international coffee prices reached all-time lows.
With in that period the nation had several reasons to
give up. One blow was bad enough but the second was
prolonged and hit the producer nation even harder.
Three key events occurred during this period that
altered this near industry collapse
Mindset
“History made when mindset changed.” Toba Beta
As one of the key points of any revolutionary change,
the industry sought to make huge strides to change
the mindset both of the industry and among actors
themselves. A spirit of togetherness was fostered and
“we are all in this together” was developed.
Events such as the stakeholder meetings and local
breakfasts allowed participants to put aside differences
to save a crop that had given them so much and with
better planning would offer much more.

Efforts by the Uganda Coffee Development Authority and stakeholders
to train and strengthen quality practices throughout the value chain
were also imperative in shifting the mindset.
Now in Uganda once a year, a day is dedicated to the crop where all
stakeholders gather to reflect on the coffee year, discuss strategies on
the future and celebrate the life of a crop vital to the survival of so
many.
Coffee is back into public foray and scarcely does a week go by without
mention of the industry in the press and media. The crop is clearly
back onto the national agenda.
Research
“All I am armed with is research” – Mike Wallace
By 2009, the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) reported
that the disease had reduced the countries Robusta Coffee Plantations
by 50% or 150 million trees, which has cost Uganda, an estimated $500
million over the past decade.
The disease, is caused by a fungus, Fusarium xylariodes, and is a major
problem for coffee farmers in Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia and the
Democratic Republic of Congo
Heavy investments were poured into research and development of the
several CWD resistant lines over the decade. This investment paid off
with Coffee Research Centre (COREC) succeeding in carrying out
research on the CWD and holding the disease at bay.
Currently Uganda’s farmers demand 200 million plantlets to boost
coffee output in the next 5 or so years. Should this request be met,
output could reach 4 million bags by 2015.
Unfortunately while COREC has the capacity to raise enough coffee
wilt resistant plantlets but is operating at just 10% due to financial
constraints.
Farmers clearly needed to be supported with improved disease varieties
and also equipped with modern farming techniques to enable them to
produce improved yields.
The new varieties needed to be multiplied faster. Currently the average
Ugandan farmer produces 600kg per hectare, an output way below the
Vietnam 2000 kg per hectare. This has inclined farmers to divert their
attention to more profitable crops increasing shoving coffee to the side.
Fortunately the call for increased concerted efforts to boost support for
the coffee research in the country both by the direct stakeholders and
in the media had been heard. UCDA, COREC and the various other
stakeholders have moved greatly multiply the crop both significantly
through tissue culture.
This renewed interest in research played and still continues to play a
definitive role in the revival of this industry.
The Rise of “the” Institutions.
“Cometh the hour, cometh the man” - An
English Proverb
As the decade rolled over, Uganda saw a rise
in institutions desperately ready to solve the
various problems. Café Africa, Good African
Coffee, NUCAFE, Uganda Coffee Farmers
Alliance, Uganda Quality Coffee Traders &
Processors Association and even African Fine
Coffees Association, this magazine’s publisher,
were born of the fire to mention but a few.
Each of these organizations provided practical
and different solution to challenges facing the
industry.
The institutions further provided the perfect
incubation ground that favored the rise of
individuals and icons who soon be appointed
Ugandan coffee ambassadors around the world
in various capacities. This key positioning
further strengthened a renewed interest in the
industry.
However what remained key about the
institutions was their inability to remain
stagnant. Their constant need to innovate and
find practical solutions to the various challenges
affecting the industry.
Conclusion
“Gakyali Mabaga” – A Luganda Proverb
This is only the beginning and a fine one it has
been to watch.
In the 2011 – 2012 season alone three events
show evidence of this.
1. The La farge group operating in Uganda
under the brand name Hima Cement initiated a
3 year comprehensive concept to boost coffee
production in Kasese and Kamwenge districts;
while establishing an alternative energy source
for the plant in Kasese.
Started in late Sept 2011, the program worth
1.53 Billion Ugandan Shillings (UGX) is meant
to boost coffee production which in turn
increases the quantity of coffee husks used as
an alternative fuel for burning clinker at the
new line and to improve the livelihoods of
households through increased incomes.
27

28
Hima will provide 42,000 farmers with around 14.2 million
seedlings in three phases. The first phase already started in
September- December 2011; the 2nd phase started in March
2012, and finally the third phase in September 2012.
This unusual interest shown the cement group in planting
efforts might by a sign of more non-coffee sector participation
in the industry
2. Middle men and traders in Uganda, had for a long
time been treated as outsiders who brought only problems to
the trade. following continued deterioration of coffee quality
with glaring examples of mal-practices exhibited through
poor handling at farm level and outright adulteration along
the way to the exporter, alarm bells were sounded but
everyone thought it wasn`t their duty but solely for UCDA.
Farmers pointed to middlemen, middle men pointed to
primary processors, exporters couldn’t find who to blame
and the chain of blame game was overwhelming. Faced with
this scenario, an association was born with roots in each of
the coffee players to own the reverse of the trend.
The Uganda Quality Coffee Processors and Traders
Association (UQCTPA) as highlighted earlier in this
magazine came together to be the change. Already registering
success through strong partnerships with Uganda Police,
UCDA, USAid and several other bodies, the once “bad boys”
of coffee may prove to be the real tipping point in improving
the coffee quality.
3. The 2011/2012 coffee year saw Uganda take to seats
of significant seats in the world. The International Coffee
Organisation and 4 Cs Association have their chairmanship
held by Uganda. The coffee grapevine further suggests a
West African role may also fall to Uganda. This recognition
could mean one of two things; either Uganda earned these
positions because Africa’s growing appeal as key investment
destination or because Uganda truly earned it as result of
huge strides.
I choose to believe the latter.
Huge potential lies in the growing fine Robusta
Market, domestic coffee consumption, sustainability
initiatives through increased production, market
branding, access to finance and infrastructural
developments.
Now like a volcano dormant for thousands of years,
if the forecasts are anything to go by, we are definitely
in for an industry eruption like never before.
Written by Martin Maraka
About Beans
from the Pearl
In this blog, our
correspondents report on the
developments with Uganda,
better known famously by
the name given to it by Sir
Winston Churchill - “The Pearl
of Africa”

A Ripple in the Ocean
of Coffee Growing… A brief on the history of coffee in Malawi: from
inception to independence. (Part 1)
The Heart Warming Cup from the Warm Heart of Africa
There are conflicting reports about when coffee
was first introduced into Malawi, and dates vary
between 1876 and 1879, but according to a CABI
Report titled: “COFFEE PESTS, DISEASES AND THEIR
MANAGEMENT” “a single tree of var. typica” “was taken
from Edinburgh Botanic Gardens (UK) to Malawi (then
Nyasaland) in 1878.” There is general consensus that it
was introduced by Scottish Presbyterian missionaries
during this period into the Southern Region, specifically
around Zomba and Blantyre. The main objective of these
missionaries was to eradicate the slave trade prevalent
in the area at the time and that had been un-covered
by an earlier expedition by the famous explorer David
Livingstone in 1859.
In response to the influx of these missionaries into the
region, and a subsequent need to provide them services,
the African Lakes Company was formed in 1878, by a
group of traders who predominantly hailed from Glasgow.
At the time Malawi was as yet un-named, and after “a
consul of the British Government was accredited to the
‘Kings and Chiefs of Central Africa’ in 1883”, Malawi
was then established as the ‘British Central African
Protectorate’ in 1891 (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History of
Malawi/3.6&4). During this time, coffee production was
taken up and grown by the first European planters in
and around Mlanje (now Mulanje), Cholo (now Thyolo)
and Zomba, and soon became established as the primary
export crop.
Coffee exports from the late 1890s to the early 1900s
were said to range from “300,000 to more than 2,000,000
pounds”, just over 907 thousand kilograms, and by 1900
the country was recorded as having 16,917 acres of
producing coffee (Chisolm, Hugh ed. 1911).
Interestingly, this is also the year that Nyasaland,
introduced coffee to Uganda, through the export of ‘Nyasa’
seed.
The country, which changed in name in 1907 to
‘Nyasaland’ or the ‘Nyasaland Protectorate’, continued
to produce coffee predominantly by planters in the
south of the country (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History
of Malawi/5). But even at this early stage there was an
evident reduction in the cultivated area of coffee, which
had declined to 6134 acres in the same year. This decrease
was confirmed in the “Annual Report for Nyasaland 1908-
1909”, which stated that coffee “now occupies the second
place in point of acreage and value of export; before the
introduction of cotton it was the principal crop
of the Protectorate”. The report went on to
make particular mention of the difficulties with
un-predictable rainfall and the resultant erratic
outcome of the crop, in terms of yield (Annual
No. 619, 1909).
By 1910 coffee was seen as “a very speculative
crop” by the administration (Annual No. 655,
1910) and the view at the time was such that
coffee was to be slowly replaced by cotton
and tobacco. To illustrate the decline, figures
for 1909-1910 indicate that only 3,957 acres
of land remained with productive coffee, and
export figures for 1910 were down 187,000lbs to
748,410lbs. (Annual No.655, 1910).
To corroborate this, in 1911 it was reported that
“Africa, the origin of coffee, did not make any
significant contribution to world production.”
(WH Ukers, 1922). The report went onto state
that this was mainly as a result of low prices
offered for the produce on the world markets
and better remuneration on other locally grown
crops, such as cotton tobacco and tea.
With a shift in focus to cotton production
throughout the country, especially from 1916 to
1918 where “Nyasaland” exported up to as much
as 3.4 million pounds of cotton, emphasis on
coffee growing was declining. In fact by 1917 the
cultivated area of coffee had reduced drastically
to 1,300 hectares with the resultant export
production having fallen to 122,796lbs (Annual
No.955, 1917).
The cotton run was not to last long, and with a
number of mitigating factors, the main crop in
Nyasaland shifted towards what is in modern
days seen as its’ “green gold”; tobacco. There
were several reasons for this major shift,
amongst others, a) during export of the 1917-
1918 crop the exports were heavily limited due
to shipping restrictions; b) growers at the time
refused to invest in new more effective seed; c)
in 1917 changes were made to fumigate tobacco
prior to shipment – which enabled tobacco
to fetch higher prices from buyers and finally
d) tobacco as a crop was more profitable than
cotton (Annual No. 996, 1919).
29

In addition to the above, after 1920 the country was shifting to
more emphasis on tea on the plantations that previously grew
coffee, and as a result it was beginning to be overlooked as a
major contributing crop and by 1928 was largely discarded.
Nonetheless, it was still being grown, albeit to a lesser degree,
by European planters and for the first time it is documented
that smallholders were also growing the crop in the north of
the country (Annual No. 1445, 1929).
In the meantime, tobacco continued to dominate agricultural
exports in Nyasaland, apart from the great collapse in 1928,
but by the early 1930s’ it had re-established itself as the
primary export crop, where it would remain until 1955 when
it was overtaken by tea.
It is thereafter that tea production came into its own,
especially in the 1930s after the introduction of the
International Tea Regulation Scheme of 1933 which restricted
exports from leading tea producers and offered protection
in pricing. From 1925 to 1938 it is clear to see the effect of
prices on the London Auctions for both coffee and tea, and
the subsequent prevalence of tea as a main export. In 1925-
39 the price index for both coffee and tea was 100, but by
1938 the price index for tea was 81 and for coffee was 35. It
must be noted that the grave economic hardships as a result
of depression did nothing to help matters during this time,
from a coffee pricing point-of-view. This is substantiated by
export figures for coffee that were garnered from 1931 to 1933
which were as follows: in 1931 93,424lbs were exported for
GBP 1989.00; in 1932 exports had reduced to 88,354lbs for
GBP1840.00 and by 1933 exports had dropped to 39,993lbs
for a paltry GBP833.00.
As mentioned prior, as early as the 1920s, the expansion of
coffee is documented to have been extended to smallholder
farmers in the north of the country. This is supported by
the “Nyasaland Annual Report 1933” that mentions while
“coffee is a small industry…efforts are being made to increase
it, particularly through…encouraging local, smallholder…
growing.” The report goes on to mention the need for shade
coffee to counter the effects of drought and also highlights the
White Stem Borer as a serious pest (Annual No.1776, 1933).
By 1935 the Nyasaland administration distributed coffee
seedlings for planting in the ‘Henga Valley’ and in the ‘Misuku
Hills’. This was in an effort to promote the smallholder
growth of coffee. At the same time they reported the
success of the demonstration plots at ‘Nchena-chena’. The
administration was pleased with the growth in this new
sector, but still held reservations over the “suitability of
Nyasaland for coffee growing”. This reserved opinion was
heavily influenced by the poor market prices being offered for
coffee at the time, but also taking into account the extended
dry season that Nyasaland experienced annually. This long
dry season was not conducive to coffee growing. In light of
this the administration was of the view that “rapid expansion
of the industry was not recommended” (Annual No.1776,
1935).
On the outbreak of World War 2 in September 1939 – the
London Auctions closed down and were replaced by the
British Ministry of Food.
By this time coffee production had been ravaged by
disease and pests and was all but abandoned.
During the war period from September 1939 up
until January 1945 – there is very little literature
in terms of the production of coffee in Nyasaland,
and it is assumed that, considering that Nyasaland
was a British Protectorate at the time, most of the
human resources of the time were directed towards
the war effort – and very little attention was given
to trying to resuscitate a dying industry. What is
known during this period is that global supply of
coffee continued to increase whilst demand was
diminishing and as a result world coffee prices were
abjectly dismal (www.ico.org/history.asp).
It is documented that by 1945 the coffee growing
industry had reached a low point and production
was down to “almost nothing”, but a resolute
attempt at reviving the industry was undertaken to
promote the crop again, specifically as a substitute
for tung as a crop due to a major slump in tung
oil prices in the post-war period. This drive to
revive the industry was two-pronged, one was to
re-establish the crop in certain southern plantations
and the second was to promote it as smallholder
crop in the more amenable and “moister remote
hills of the north” (Kettlewell, R.W., 1965).
This resurgence was assisted by increasing world
coffee prices which experienced a boom from the
late 1940s up until 1953. Unfortunately the next
ten years would experience a huge plummeting of
prices, which would lead to a world coffee crisis and
the establishment of the first International Coffee
Agreement in 1963 (www.ico.org/history.asp).
This inopportunely would coincide with an
outbreak of an epidemic of Fusarium Bark Disease
(FBD), which had a considerable impact on the
production of coffee in Nyasaland, and gripped the
estate sector in 1950. This had such a debilitating
effect on the crop, that together with later outbreaks
of White Stem Borer almost killed the industry
altogether (Kettlewell, R.W., 1965).
Interestingly the varieties being grown in the
northern highlands did not succumb to the
Fusarium Bark Disease, and this became hugely
valuable for the future of Nyasaland coffee.
Coffee exports from the late 1890s
to the early 1900s were said to range
from “300,000 to more than 2,000,000
pounds”, just over 907 thousand
kilograms, and by 1900 the country
was recorded as having 16,917 acres of
producing coffee (Chisolm, Hugh ed.
1911).
31

32
It was therefore no surprise that the smallholder schemes in the
north were expanded upon in the 1950s by the government of
the time, with specific emphasis on support to the smallholders.
This led to an encouraging interest in the crop by these
smallholders and inevitably led to the formation of several
coffee co-operatives, the first such co-operative being named the
‘Ntchenachena Coffee Growers Co-operative Society’ based in
Rhumpi in 1950, followed by the ‘Misuku Coffee Growers Cooperative
Society’ in Chitipa later in 1957 (Chirwa et al, 2007).
In the interim, Nyasaland was to undergo further political
transformation and the ‘Federation of Rhodesia & Nyasaland’
(also called ‘Central African Federation’) was created in 1953
and included the joining of Northern Rhodesia (Zambia),
Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) and Nyasaland (Malawi) into
one federal realm under the British Crown (en.wikipedia.org/
wiki/HistoryofMalawi/7).
By 1960 production had increased to “200 tons of parchment
coffee” of which around 65% was grown by smallholders. Whilst
these figures are a drop in comparison to prior historical figures
it was a vast improvement of the level experienced up until 1945.
During 1960 it is recorded that 2,840 smallholder growers were
farming over 1,130 acres of coffee.
The prevailing government of the time raised further seedlings
to produce a further 250 acres of smallholder grown coffee,
whilst the southern plantations were recorded to have grown
nearly 1,000 acres of coffee. During 1960 most of the coffee
was young and as yet not bearing (Kettlewell, R.W., 1965).
Regrettably world coffee prices (as mentioned above) plummeted
to unprecedented levels and by 1960 were on average fetching
just above 32 USC per lb.
The world coffee prices would have a major impact on
the future production of coffee in the country and as one
commentator, R.W. Kettlewell, reporting on coffee at the time
put it: “despite the importance of new varieties, considerable
investigational work, and much encouragement, the future (of
coffee production) seemed still to hang in the balance in 1960”
(Kettlewell, R.W., 1965).
All along reservations had been held by the government over the
suitability of coffee as a crop for the country and it was still felt
that the climate was unsuitable or “at best climatic conditions
were marginal for coffee” with the long dry season between
annual rains. Nonetheless efforts continued despite these
drawbacks and the outbreak of the fungal disease, Fusarium
Bark Disease also known as Fusarium lateritum (Kettlewell,
R.W., 1965).
In the meantime, the political landscape of this small landlocked
country was about to change again, as the complicated
federation struggled to co-exist. It is said that the federation was
beleaguered from the start and ultimately political differences
led to its’ demise and subsequent disbandment in 1963, when
Nyasaland and Northern Rhodesia became independent of
British rule (flagspot.net/flags/frn.html).
This overlapped with the bottoming out of world coffee prices,
and the resultant establishment of the first International Coffee
Agreement in 1962, which would bring about welcome stability
in world coffee prices after the volatile and variable post war
period (www.ico.org/history.asp) . With the country
gaining independence in 1964 and becoming ‘Malawi’,
coffee was to remain on the map as it were and still does
to this day! However, the next stage of evolution in
coffee production from Independence to present day –
will be the subject of our next installation aptly named
“Its’ all in the genes.”
Reference List: Books, Journals & Reports
Chirwa et al, 2007. Reforming the Smallholder Coffee
Sector in Malawi: A Case Study of Smallholder
Commercialisation.
Chisholm, H, 1911. Encyclopaedia Britannica (11th
Edition). London, Cambridge University Press.
Kettlewell, R.W., 1965. Agricultural Change in
Nyasaland, 1945 – 1960. Food Research Institute,
Stanford University.
Ukers, W.H., 1922. All About Coffee. New York, The Tea
& Coffee Trade Journal Company.
Colonial Reports – Annual No. 619, 1909. Nyasaland
1908 -1909. London, Darling & Son Ltd.
Colonial Reports – Annual No. 655, 1910. Nyasaland
1909 – 1910. London, Darling & Son Ltd.
Colonial Reports – Annual No.955, 1917. Nyasaland
1916 – 1917. London, His Majesty’s Stationery Office.
Colonial Reports – Annual No.996, 1919. Nyasaland
1917 – 1918. London, His Majesty’s Stationery Office.
Colonial Reports – Annual No.1041, 1919. Nyasaland
1918 – 1919. London, His Majesty’s Stationery Office.
Colonial Reports – Annual No.1445, 1929. Nyasaland
Report for 1928. London, His Majesty’s Stationery
Office.
Colonial Reports – Annual No.1665, 1933. Nyasaland
1935: Annual Report on the Social and Economic
Progress of the People of Nyasaland, 1933. London, His
Majesty’s Stationery Office.
Colonial Reports – Annual No.1776, 1935. Nyasaland
1935: Annual Report on the Social and Economic
Progress of the People of Nyasaland, 1935. London, His
Majesty’s Stationery Office.
Reference List: Electronic sources
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History of Malawi: 3.6 European
explorers, missionaries and traders; 4 British Central
African Protectorate; 5 Nyasaland; 7 The Federation of
Rhodesia and Nyasaland; 9 Malawian Independence.
Flagspot.net/flags/frn.html
www.ico.org/history.asp
At the bottom put;
About The Heart Warming Cup from the
Warm Heart of Africa
In this blog, our correspondents report
on the developments within the Malawian
coffee industry.This blog takes its name
from the beaming smiles and genuine,
disarming warmth extended to anyone
that has the pleasure of visiting Malawi.
Written by Robin Saunders for the Coffee
Association of Malawi

34
Know your Blogs
Beans from the
Pearl
In this blog, our correspondents report
on the developments with Uganda, better
known famously by the name given to it
by Sir Winston Churchill - “The Pearl of
Africa”
A Thousand Hills
In this blog, our correspondents report on
the developments with Rwanda. The blog
gets its name from Rwanda’s famed hilly
topography. Its beauty and landscape is
often tagged to a Rwandan saying “God
roams the world but comes to rest in
Rwanda.”
A Comprehensive Fan Guide to The African Fine Coffees Review
Magazine Blogs.
Sokoni
In this blog, our correspondents report on
the developments within the Local Coffee
Markets and Trade Floors. This blog takes
its name, Sokoni, from its local Swahili
meaning; In the Markets.
Over the Mara River
In this blog, our correspondents report
on the developments within the Kenyan
coffee industry. This blog takes its name
from the annual wildebeest migration over
the Mara River. Often called The Greatest
Wildlife Show on Earth, the event draws
visitors from around the world to watch
over 1.5 million wildebeest and zebra trek
against numerous odds in search of greener
pastures in the race of a lifetime.
Certified.
In this blog, our correspondents
report on the developments within
Sustainable Certification and
Verification Industry in the AFCA
Region.
Mosi-oa-Tunya
In this blog, our correspondents
report on the developments within
the Zambian coffee industry. The blog
takes its local name Mosi-oa-Tunya
meaning “the smoke that thunders”
from world’s largest & renowned
waterfall, Victoria Falls.

The Heart Warming
Cup from the Warm
Heart of Africa
In this blog, our correspondents report
on the developments within the Malawian
coffee industry.This blog takes its name
from the beaming smiles and genuine,
disarming warmth extended to anyone that
has the pleasure of visiting Malawi.
Kibo
In this blog, our correspondents write
about the developments within the
Tanzanian Coffee Industry. This blog
takes its name from Mount Kilimanjaro’s
highest volcano cone. The highest peak
on Kibo is called Uhuru Peak, which
means “freedom” in Swahili . Uhuru peak
is Africa’s highest natural point and thus
part of Seven summits. It is a popular
mountain climbing destination and lies
in the region of some of Tanzania’s finest
quality coffees
Champions of Africa
“Champions of Africa” is a series dedicated
profiling & celebrating the activities of the
top baristas in the AFCA Region.
Sisters in Coffee
In this blog, our correspondents report
on the efforts undertaken in the Region to
support Women around the Coffee Value
Chain. The blog takes its name from the
sister-like bond forged by this crop that
has lead to increased cooperation among
women in the sector to ensure they are
increasingly represented at all levels.
Franco
In this blog, our correspondents write
about the developments within the
Democratic Republic of Congo Coffee
Industry. This blog takes its name from one
of country’s greatest exports to African and
International Music Scene. Franco Luambo
or, simply, Franco was known for his
mastery of rumba, he was nicknamed the
“Sorcerer of the Guitar” for his seemingly
effortlessly fluid playing. His most famous
hit “Mario” released a few years before
his death drew praises from across the
continent and still evokes strong memories
of live band era of African Jazz.
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Under the Hood
In this blog, our correspondents report on
the developments and latest technologies
within coffee machinery industry.
The Blog takes its name from English
expression “under the hood” that is
associated with world of car sales where a
car buyer would check under the bonnet
to see what the engine looked like before
they bought it.
An Inconvenient
Truth
In this blog, our correspondents write about
the developments within the efforts to
mitigate climate change. This blog takes its
name from 2006 documentary film directed
by Davis Guggenheim about former United
States Vice President Al Gore’s campaign
to educate people about global warming
via a comprehensive slide show. Since the
film’s release, An Inconvenient Truth has
been credited for raising international
public awareness of climate change and
reenergizing the environmental movement.
The documentary has also been included
in science curricula in schools around the
world.
Ngoma
This blog our correspondents write about
the developments within the Burundi
Coffee Industry. This blog takes its
name from Burundi’s has a rich musical
heritage, particularly in the area of
percussion. Drummers from Burundi are
world famous, and the country’s main
coffee export is called Ngoma, which
means Drum.
Kassa Hailu
In this blog, our correspondents write
about the developments within the
Ethiopian Coffee Industry. This blog takes
its name from birth name of Emperor
Tewodros II of Ethiopia, whose rule is
often placed as the beginning of Modern
Ethiopia. Examples of his influence are
seen in plays literature, folklore, songs,
artworks and names given to Ethiopian
children.

Know your Uganda
Coffee Map
White Nile Coffee
Rwenzori Coffee
Arabica Robusta
Mt Elgon Coffee
Kisoro Arabic Coffee Nyakishenyi Arabic Coffee Bugisu Arabic Coffee
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Sustainable Coffee Areas in
Uganda
White Nile Coffee:
This is Arabica Coffee that comes from the North
Western Part of Uganda.
The coffee is characterized by having a rich creamy,
buttery body, refined acidity with a clean disappearing
aftertaste.
Rwenzori Coffee
Rwenzori Arabica Coffee is grown on the Volcanic
Soils along the slopes of mountain Rwenzori
located in the western region of Uganda.
The Coffees are constantly irrigated by the waters from
the crater lakes of Mount Rwenzori. The naturally
processed Rwenzori Coffees have a strong mouth feel
with a floral and winy flavor, while the wet processed
coffees have a tight knit month feel, soft acidity and
distinctive flavor.
Nyakishenyi Arabica
Coffee:
Grown in the highlands of Southwestern Uganda,
this Nyakishenyi coffee has a well balanced cup
with a crispy acidity, smooth mouth feel and a
rich flavor.
Kisoro Arabica Coffee
Grown on the slopes of Mountain Muhavura in the South
Western Uganda, it has a lively acidity, creamy mouth
feel, a sweet flavor with a pleasantly lingering aftertaste.
Mount Elgon Coffee:
This is a fully washed Arabica Coffee grown in
the volcanic soils on the slopes of Mt. Elgon in
Eastern Uganda. The beans produce a round
bodied brew with a complex flavor characteristics a
lively acidity and pleasant lingering.
Bugisu Arabica Coffee
Grown in the Highlands of Eastern Uganda Bugisu
Arabica has a smooth body, sweet flavor, refined
acidity and pleasantly lingering aftertaste.
Uganda Fine Robusta
Coffees:
Special Attributes
• Robusta coffee originates from Uganda
• High Altitude grown (900 -1500m) that enhances
acidity, a mild soft sweetness and give it a neutral
Robusta taste.
• Generally cultivated with no application of
chemical fertilizers, fungicides or pesticides so it
is organic by default.
• It has high frothing properties suitable and ideal
for espressos.
• There is availability of the crop throughout the
year.
Source: Uganda Coffee Development Authority

Around the region
The 2011/12 coffee season came to an end last month with the Eastern Africa region producing/exporting about 500,000 Mt
of coffee (8.5 million bags). There were notable declines in Uganda, Ethiopia and Tanzania on previous year’s crop. However,
this is likely not to be a decline in production but an increase in producer stocks due to the falling market price trend which
encourages producers to withhold stocks in the hope of a quick re-bounce.
In the 2012/13 season, production is expected to increase as the market stabilizes and producers release stocks in order to accommodate
new crop. Expected increases are in Ethiopia and Uganda due to stock turnovers, Kenya, Burundi and Tanzania due to the counter
cycle. The other countries are more or less even. All the countries face better prospects resulting from investments in agro-input
use spurred by the recent good coffee prices. Sales of new crop have started in earnest in Kenya and Tanzania with both auctioning
average 15,000 bags weekly, Ethiopia and Uganda. Peak sales are expected in the quarter January to March 2013.
Country 2011/12 Production/Export 2012/13 Estimate (Mt)
(Mt)
% change
Burundi* 14,000 23,000 60
Ethiopia* 169,000 200,000 18
Kenya** 45,000 50,000 10
Malawi 1450 1,500 20
Rwanda* 14,000 20,000 40
Tanzania** 34,000 55,000 60
Uganda* 163,000 196,000 5
Zambia 800 800 0
Zimbabwe 330 380 5
Congo DR 21,000 21,000 0
TOTALS
*Export figures
** Auction sales figures
462,580 567,680 22
Table 1: Regional 2012 Production and 2013 Estimates in Metric Tons (Mt) (source: national coffee authorities and industry)
Uganda:
Regional Overview:
Although the 2011/12 crop is down on previous year, the production trend for Uganda coffee is
upwards. Of particular note is the trend of the Arabica variety which is has been growing on average
5% annually. Robusta on the other hand has weathered the scare of the coffee Wilt Disease (CWD)
and should recover and grow from here supported by good policy and improved international prices. The
coffee industry in Uganda is in a good state of harmony with good engagement between government and
private sector that are working together well and supporting industry for growth. This is exemplified by the
now regular coffee days, where industry players meet and exchange ideas and views on how to grow the sector.
It is likely the coffee research centre (COREC) will be upgraded into an independent research body for coffee
following concerted industry engagement with the authorities. This will have the effect of attracting funding to
coffee research from both public and private sector. From the forgoing, Uganda’s 2012/13 crop should return
to over 3.3 million bags and barring any sudden calamities see production move to the 4.5 million bags in the
next 5 years as the UCDA has set in its strategic plan.
Figure 1: Uganda 7 Year Historical Coffee Exports
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Kenya:
Kenya has seen stagnated production despite good prices for its coffee over the last 5 years with an
average of just below 50,000 mt. Two likely reasons for this are the conversion of coffee plantation
land into real estate and the higher cost of production as the economy grows. It is therefore
likely that production in Kenya may decline further as new planting in the west is initially likely to lag
behind lost production in central. Several initiatives to slow this trend include waiver of old debts owed
by cooperative producers and release of new disease resistant varieties to farmers. The outcome of this
scenario is that marginal farmers
are exiting the scene leaving serious
ones who are concentrating on
quality. It is therefore expected that
the quality coming out of Kenya
will be enhanced with a higher
percentage of specialty coffee.
Figure 2: Kenya 7 Year historical
Coffee Sales (Auction)
Tanzania:
Tanzania crop has been steady but cyclic oscillating between 35,000 tons on the down cycle and
55,000 tons and the up cycle. It is therefore expected that the 2012/13 crop will come in at
about 55,000 tons with 60% Arabica and the balance Robusta. With 90% of production coming
from smallholder farmers, productivity is a challenge. However, herein lies the opportunity to increase
productivity from currently 0.25 kg per ha to 1 kg per ha. The authorities are also encouraging new
plantings to raise coffee acreage by 50%.
With sustained good Robusta prices, the
trend for Tanzania is likely to be upwards.
For Arabica, there is concerted effort to
improve on quality of southern coffees
through centralized primary processing.
Figure 3: Tanzania Historical Coffee Sales
(Auction)
Ethiopia:
Ethiopia has seen increased production and export over the recent 5 years. Official figures show
that exports peaked at 196,000 tons in 2010/12. This trend is likely to continue despite growing
local consumption. Smallholder farmers account for 95% of production with. low productivity
is a challenge meaning the opportunity to increase yield exists. There are 2 marketing channels, with
almost all smallholder coffee selling through the ECX (coffee Auction). Direct export model, open to
commercial farmers and large cooperative unions is under pilot. Major Ethiopian coffees qualities are
65% sundried naturals, 25% Sidamo, Limu, Tepi and Bebeca, 6% Harrar, 4% washed yirgacheffe, and 1%
special preps.
Figure 4: Ethiopia 7 Year
Historical Production and
Exports

Burundi:
Burundi coffee production has remained steady in the last 5 years. The country like other small holder
based producers experiences cyclic production. With recent privatization of the coffee primary
processing facilities, new investments are noticeable and there is likely to be increase in fully washed
coffees and hence overall
quality.
Figure 5: Burundi 6 Year
Historical Exports.
Rwanda
Rwandan crop production has been steady fluctuating between 14,000 Mt on an off year and 18,000 mt on
the counter cycle. The important statistic in Rwanda is the rise in fully washed coffees from 5% (less than
1,000 tons) five years ago to 30% of total crop. This is projected to get to half by year 2015. This concerted
quality drive from Rwanda is
being noticed by the market
and today Rwanda coffee can be
found in most quality conscious
markets.
Figure 6: Rwanda 7 Year
Historical Exports.
Malawi
Malawi has seen a slight decline in production over the last 5 years mainly from the estate sector.
However, this is expected to level at around 1500 mt annually due to revival of the northern
estates and sustained production from smallholders enjoying recent high international prices.
Presently focus is on quality
improvement and Malawi
coffee is conquering new
markets including Japan.
Figure 7: Malawi 6 Year
Historical Production
Zambia.
The story of Coffee in Zambia is not as rosy as the rest of the region. Production has plummeted
to less than 1000 tons from nearly 4000 mt just 5 years ago. This has mainly been due to the
plantation dominance of the sector which means a few decision makers control a large portion of
the production. The sector suffered from both low international prices and bad weather leading to a brief
stoppage in production. However with the plantations under new management, we expect a rebounce in
fortunes.
Figure 8: Zambia 5 Year
Historical production
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Zimbabwe
Zimbabwean coffee has also been undergoing lean times with production dropping from just below 2000
mt five years ago to currently just 360mt. A rebound is expected within the next 4 years due to current
massive replanting, which has seen acreage increasing to about 800 hectares in the estate and smallholder
sectors.
Figure 9:
Zimbabwe 5
Year Historical
Production.
Democratic Republic of Congo.
As can be expected, with the current situation in the Congo, it is difficult to keep accurate statistics of
production and export. However, the ICO reports Congo producing 21,000 Mt of coffee by 2009/2010. Of this
60% was Arabica and the balance Robusta. With relative peace before the current flare-up, some farming areas
had revived old plantations and production could be even higher than 2 years ago. Farmers from Watsa and
Faradje area export each year about 750 Mt of Robusta coffees to South Sudan. The Oriental Province’s coffee
production can reach about 1000 Mt of Robusta and 4000Mt of Arabica per year. In the regions of Isiro and
Wamba , people restart to open their Robusta coffee land with a new variety, given by INERA Yangambi. We
hope that after 3 or 4 year we will get a first harvest. Most of Congo production near border areas ends up in
neigbouring countries by road.
About Around the
Region
In this blog, our correspondents
provide summary of production
statistics and outlook from the
AFCA Region. This blog is a
special feature produced by the
AFCA Coffee Institute Written
by Wycliffe Murwayi

Mitigation of Impact
on Coffee Production The case for Climate
Change…..
An Inconvenient Truth
Climate change is increasingly
impacting business operations and
supply chains around the world.
Global coffee production is currently under
pressure from the impact of climate change.
New scientific evidence suggests that climate
change is accelerating at a much faster pace
than previously thought. In fact, Scientists
predict an increase in the frequency and
intensity of tropical storms and hurricanes
as well as the phenomena of El Nino and
La Nina. A vivid example is the recent
occurrence of the Super storm Sandy in
North America and the Caribbean Islands.
In the same vein the International Trade
Center (ITC) reports that important tipping
points leading to irreversible changes in
major earth systems and ecosystems may
already have been reached or even overtaken.
Furthermore, the International Coffee
Organisation (ICO) considers climate change
to be the most important factor affecting
future global coffee production.In this
regard, the African continent will be hit hard
by changing climate conditions and weather
extremes. The agricultural sector (which
includes the coffee subsector), which many
African countries base their economies on,
is one of the economic sectors hit hardest by
climate change. The smallholder subsector
is, no doubt, the most vulnerable to the
adverse impacts of climate change.
The causes of Climate Change…….
In order to mitigate the impact of
climate change on coffee production, it is
important to understand why the climate
is changing. The climate is currently
changing due to human activities such
as the large expansion of industry and
accelerated growth of population. It is
also attributed to the direct consequence
of burning petroleum, coal and natural
gas and to a lesser extent deforestation
and slash-and-burn agriculture. These
activities lead to the accumulation of
greenhouse gases in the atmospherewhich
generates “the greenhouse effect” by
tapping solar energy close to the surface
of the earth and impeding their return
back into space causing global warning
of the earth. The greenhouse effect is
a natural phenomenon that makes life
on the earth planet possible. The main
gases that make the greenhouse effect
are carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), methane
(CH 2 ) and nitrous oxide (N 2 O). The 4C
Association reports that solar energy
heats the earth and as the temperature
increases, the heat is radiated back to
through the atmosphere as infrared
energy. This has an impact on the climate
with regard to temperature increase and
erratic rainfall patterns. These trends
culminate into the fluctuation of global
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coffee yields.Baker and Haggar (2007) report
that temperature rises over lower lying areas
adversely affect coffee yields. In the same
vein, quality also is affected in that, with rapid
rise in temperature, coffee will ripen more
quickly leading to a fall in quality. Increase
in temperature also favors certain pests and
diseases.
Mitigants for Climate Change…….
For coffee production systems to be
sustainable, it is imperative to take pro-active
measures that mitigate the impacts of climate
change. In mitigating the impact of climate
change, different options may be undertaken.
Coffee producers have several options to
undertake in order to minimize the adverse
impacts of climate change. The International
Trade Center (Climate Change and the
Coffee Industry, 2012) have categorized
these options into short-term and long-term
strategies. The adaptation of these strategies
to coffee production and processing in the
light of the current climate variability varies
according to the different coffee producing
countries in the world.
The short-term mitigation strategies include
better farming practices and more efficient
on-farm processing. The ripple effects of
good agricultural practices (GAP) and good
management practices (GMP) are that water
and soil conservation are attained. As a result,
it leads to adaptation to global warming and
lessening the impacts of climate change. In
the same vein the International Trade Center
(Climate and the Industry, 2012) lists some
of the other technical mitigants in the field
as follows:
• Shading to mitigate increased solar
brilliance, reduce temperature variations
and help retain moisture;
• Improving irrigation and water resources
management;
• Planting hedges and contours to mitigate
wind and water damages;
• Terracing / contouring, drainage and
trapping run-off water;
• Mulching to reduce evaporation, avoid
erosion and improve soil fertility.
The long-term mitigation strategies require
involvement of countries in agreements to
work towards reducing the impact of climate
change. An example of such an agreement
is the Kyoto Protocol. The Kyoto Protocol
is an international agreement linked to the
United Nations Framework Convention
on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The
major feature of the Kyoto Protocol is that
it sets binding targets for thirty-seven
industrialized countries and the European
community for reducing greenhouse gas
emissions. This amounts to an average of
five per cent against the 1990 levels over the
five-year period 2008 – 2012.In this regard,
long-term strategies to improve framework
conditions for adaptation to climate risks are
essential for the coffee industry. It is essential
for nations to invest in technologies that will
enhance more access to renewable energy.
It is the responsibility of global stakeholders
to undertake carbon foot printing, vis-à-vis
an assessment of greenhouse gas emissions
and the impact on the coffee industry and
further draw up strategies that mitigate the
impacts of climate change.
References:
Baker, P. and Haggar, J (2007). Global
Warming: The Impact on Global Coffee.
International Trade Center (2012). Climate
Change and The Coffee Industry
By Filtone Chinyemba Sandando Project Manager, AFCA
About An
Inconvenient Truth
In this blog, our correspondents write about
the developments within the efforts to mitigate
climate change. This blog takes its name from
2006 documentary film directed by Davis
Guggenheim about former United States Vice
President Al Gore’s campaign to educate people
about global warming via a comprehensive slide
show. Since the film’s release, An Inconvenient
Truth has been credited for raising international
public awareness of climate change and reenergizing
the environmental movement. The documentary has
also been included in science curricula in schools
around the world.

Nestlé Global CEO visits
NESCAFE PLAN in Kenya
In August 2012, the Nestlé Global CEO
Mr. Paul Bulcke visited Kenya to support
and review the efforts of the NESCAFE
Project in Kenya.
NESCAFÉ PLAN is a global initiative
by Nestlé S.A., which brings under one
umbrella the company’s commitment on
coffee farming, production and consumption
which will help Nestlé to further optimize its
coffee supply chain.
To start the roll out of the NESCAFÉ PLAN
in Kenya, Nestlé entered into a partnership
with Coffee Management Services (CMS)
Ltd to implement the project which would
initially run for 3 years. The project targets
9 FCS (Farmer’s Cooperative Society)
with 27 wet mills and over 26,000 farming
households in different coffee growing zones.
The company is assisting coffee farmers
in the region to improve their agricultural
practices as demand for NESCAFÉ coffee
grows in the region. Nestlé has been buying
coffee from Kenya for over 30 years.
Through this initiative, Nestlé aims to work
with Kenya coffee farmers on three
crucial aspects:
• Farmers connect – which is designed
to improve quality, ensure stable
production and increase farmer’s
revenue
• Nescafé Better Farming Practices:
Aims at reducing coffee farming
footprint, increase yields on existing
land and increase farmers income
• Nescafé plant expertise and provision:
Designed to provide farmers with elite
varieties
The key objectives of the project are
to improve productivity, quality (more
specialty Grade coffees) and increased
production, ensure higher incomes
for coffee farmers hence improving
the living standards of the farmer
community.
Nestlé will also work with the coffee
farmers and assist them to grow their
coffee in an efficient and sustainable
manner hence becoming Common
Code for the Coffee Community (4C)
verified by the end of the project.
Globally, Nestlé will be investing about
29 Billion Kshs in The NESCAFÉ®
PLAN over the next ten years (2011 –
2020) which builds on the 17 Billion
Kshs investment in coffee projects over
the last ten years.
Mr. Bulcke visits one of the project nurseries
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Nestlé and Coffee Management Services
Ltd will also soon be launching a project of
improving opportunities for Women and
Youth in Coffee. This will be done through
leadership and financial trainings with the
aim of promoting gender equality and also
empowering them to become leaders in the
coffee sector.
During his visit, Mr. Paul Bulcke reiterated
Nestlé’s commitment in improving the
quality of life of the communities in which
we operate by providing technical expertise
and other resources that will also ensure
continued supply of raw materials required
by Nestlé.
Mr Bulcke attends one of the training
sessions
Mr Bulcke and Purity whose farm is used as a demo plot for the project.
For more details on the project,
please contact Christine.masta@
ke.nestle.com

11 th African Fine Coffees
Conference & Exhibition
15th - 17th February 2014 Bujumbura, Burundi.
Gitaga drumers Fort Allemanda Usambara Mountains
To be the worlds leading origin of fine coffees
Burundi is a small African nation of souring mountains and languid lakeside communities. Bujumbura has a lovely location on
the shores of Lake Tanganyika, while outside the city are some of finest inland beaches on the continent.
Coffee in Burundi accounts for two thirds of the exports income. Burundi Coffee is full bodied, balanced, brightly acidic with
a sweet flavor and interesting wild note often associated with Eastern African Coffees.
Burundi has a rich musical heritage, particularly in the area of percussion. Drummers from Burundi are world famous, and the
country’s main coffee export is called Ngoma, which means Drum.
Statistics Table
Types of Coffee Arabica
Monetary Unit Burundi Franc
Languages Kirundi, French(official) and Swahili
Growing Areas Country Wide
Marketing System Auction and Direct Sale
Processing Wet Processing
Harvest Season February – June
Port of Shipment Dar-es-Salaam
Export Destinations Belgium, Germany, Holland, Japan, USA, Australia
Burundi DR Congo Ethiopia Kenya Malawi Rwanda South Africa Tanzania Uganda Zambia Zimbabwe
www.africanfinestcoffee.com
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