Zimbabwe’s coffee sector recorded strong export growth last year after earnings rose by 59 percent to US$1 million from US$600 000 in 2022, with smallholder fa...
Zimbabwe’s coffee sector recorded strong export growth last year after earnings rose by 59 percent to US$1 million from US$600 000 in 2022, with smallholder farmers playing a major role in the industry’s recovery.
The increase comes as Zimbabwean coffee producers intensify efforts to comply with European Union regulations aimed at preventing deforestation linked to exported products. Since January 2024, horticulture exporters targeting the EU market have been required to comply with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
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The regulation prohibits the export of products connected to deforestation and forest degradation into the EU market. Products covered under the rules include coffee, tea, soyabean, palm oil and beef, which are commonly associated with deforestation in tropical regions.
Under the EUDR, exporters are required to provide precise geolocation coordinates showing where products were produced. Zimbabwean horticulture producers may also face difficulties if they use inputs linked to deforestation, including packaging materials sourced unsustainably or fertilisers produced from palm oil.
Figures released by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency showed that coffee export volumes increased by 33 percent to 158 483 kilogrammes from 119 452 kilogrammes during the same period.
Despite the rise in export volumes, the average export price fell by 13 percent to US$4,61 per kilogramme from US$5,33. Zimbabwe exports several coffee products, including non-roasted and non-decaffeinated coffee, roasted coffee, coffee husks and skins, as well as coffee substitutes containing coffee.
The Horticultural Development Council said it entered week three of its EUDR mapping exercise on April 28 as part of efforts to ensure every coffee shipment can be traced back to its source farm.
“Our teams are braving fog and rough terrain to get every Zimbabwean coffee grower on the map. Traceability is key to supporting better incomes and stronger exports,” said the HDC.
The council said it was assisting farmers with mapping, tracking and compliance measures to improve competitiveness while boosting rural incomes. According to the HDC, smallholder farmers are now driving growth in the coffee sector, although compliance with EU deforestation rules remains essential for continued access to international markets.
The HDC said it expects land under coffee production to increase significantly in the coming years due to growing interest from farmers. The organisation projects that hectarage under coffee could rise to 5 000 hectares by 2050 from the current 700 hectares.
“Interest in coffee is growing, with an estimated 2 000 farmers engaged in or planning coffee production; however, the sector needs long-term financing, inputs and equipment, especially irrigation, to sustain its recovery,” said the HDC.
According to the council, smallholder farmers contributed around 50 tonnes of coffee in 2024, while large-scale estates produced approximately 250 tonnes. The HDC is currently integrating smallholder growers through its “Hub and Spoke” production model.
The council said the number of active smallholder coffee farmers increased to about 1 300 growers with at least 50 trees each, covering nearly 470 hectares. However, it noted that almost half of the planted area is still immature and has not yet started producing coffee.
Looking ahead, the HDC forecasts coffee production to increase to around 400 tonnes by 2026 as planted area expands to approximately 700 hectares. The organisation said future growth would depend on timely access to inputs and support for smallholder farmers, including seedlings and fertilisers.
Zimbabwe’s coffee industry is also banking on quality to strengthen its position in export markets. The country’s unique selling proposition is centred on producing premium coffee with balanced flavour, moderate acidity and a good aftertaste.
Coffee Growers Association of Zimbabwe president Mr Michael Jenrich said coffee production required significant long-term investment because harvesting only begins after the first four years.
“Coffee is a complex and labour-intensive high-value and high-margin crop, which is mostly produced by smallholder farmers. It suits well with the HDC’s ‘Hub and Spoke’ model where smallholder farmers can be aggregated and/or paired with larger producers for tradeable quantities and quality,” he said.
