While Tanzania produced 54,000 tonnes of coffee last season, only 45,000 tonnes are expected this season.
Coffee exports have earned the country about TShs1 trillion ($725.2 billion) in the past six years, but future prospects may be dimmed by the recent drought.
The income was derived from direct coffee exports and auctions by the Tanzania Coffee Board (TCB). According to the TCB Director General, Mr Adolf Kumburu, the sales cover the period from 2006/07 season to this month.
A total of 30,000 tonnes of coffee have been exported so far this season, earning the country some TShs183.873 billion.
The season is expected to end in June. Overall coffee production is expected to decrease this year.
But while Tanzania produced 54,000 tonnes of coffee last season, only 45,000 tonnes are expected this season. “Climate change, which caused prolonged drought in many areas which produce coffee, is the factor behind the decreasing production,” Mr Kumburu said.
He named Japan and Germany as the major buyers of Tanzania’s coffee. TCB has now embarked on a major campaign to encourage locals to drink coffee.
Less than 10 per cent of coffee is consumed locally. The marketing campaigns, Mr Kumburu added, are paying off as local coffee consumption has risen from between one and two per cent several years ago to seven per cent now.
