Coffee production in Tanzania
Coffee production in Tanzania is a significant aspect of its economy as it is Tanzania's largest export crop. Tanzanian coffee production averages between 30,000 and 40,000 metric tons annually of which approximately 70% is Arabica and 30% is Robusta.
The nine main growing regions of Arabica are in:
The main growing region of Robusta are Kyerwa and Karagwe areas of the Kagera Region. Two new species were found recently in Tanzania's Eastern Arc Mountains, Coffea bridsoniae and C. kihansiensis. Harvest time is traditionally October to February. Ninety percent of the nation's coffee farms are smallholder, with the remainder being plantations. The industry estimates are approximately 270,000 personnel involved in the coffee industry.
Before 1990, the State coffee board and the cooperative unions were responsible for marketing coffee. Reforms in 1990 and in 1994–95 affected export pricing. Coffee wilt disease appeared in Tanzania in 1997, spreading rapidly and causing serious losses.