Online Reporter
Edgar Vhera
ZIMBABWE’S coffee sector is showing signs of recovery after export earnings surged by 59 percent to US$1 million last year, up from US$600 000 in 2022, largely driven by smallholder farmers. This comes as the country steps up efforts to comply with European union (EU) market requirements.
Horticultural exporters targeting the European union market have, since January 2024, been required to comply with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which prohibits the export of products linked to deforestation.
The EU regulation on deforestation seeks to curb the importation of commodities associated with forest degradation.
These products include tea, coffee, soyabean, palm oil and beef, which are often linked to deforestation in tropical regions.
Under the EUDR, companies must undertake due diligence processes, including obtaining precise geolocation coordinates indicating where the product was produced. However, Zimbabwean horticultural producers may face challenges in meeting EU requirements if they rely on inputs or materials associated with deforestation, such as unsustainably sourced packaging or fibres, including printed packaging and fertilisers derived from palm oil.
Statistics from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) show that the volume of coffee exports increased by 33 percent to 158 483 kilogrammes from 119 452 over the same period.
The average price, however, declined by 13 percent to US$4,61 per kg from US$5,33.
Zimbabwe’s coffee exports include unroasted or non-decaffeinated coffee, roasted coffee, coffee husks and skins, as well as coffee substitutes containing coffee.
The Horticultural Development Council (HDC) said it entered week three of its EUDR mapping exercise on April 28 to ensure that every coffee shipment is traceable back to the 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 HDC is assisting farmers with mapping, tracking and compliance efforts to improve competitiveness while enhancing rural incomes.
“Now driven by smallholder farmers, the sector faces EU rules on deforestation prevention where compliance is a key requirement for market access,” added the HDC.
The council is optimistic that hectarage under coffee will expand to 5 000 by 2050 from the current 700 hectares, citing growing enthusiasm among smallholder farmers establishing new plantations.
“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. In 2024, smallholder farmers contributed roughly 50 tonnes, while large-scale estates supplied 250 tonnes,” said the HDC.
The HDC is incorporating smallholder farmers through its ‘Hub and Spoke’ model.
Last year, the council said the number of active smallholder farmers had steadily increased to about 1 300 growers with at least 50 trees each, cultivating roughly 470 hectares.
“However, half of that area is still young and not yet bearing fruit. Looking ahead to 2026, production is forecast to rise to about 400 tonnes as total planted area expands to around 700 hectares. Growth will depend on inputs and support for smallholder farmers, such as seedlings and fertilisers, being made available efficiently and on time,” the HDC continued.
Zimbabwe’s unique selling proposition (USP) lies in its high-quality coffee, characterised by a rich flavour, balanced acidity and a distinctive aftertaste. The USP is a marketing statement that differentiates a product or brand from its competitors.
Coffee Growers Association of Zimbabwe president Mr Michael Jenrich said coffee production was a long-term investment, requiring significant capital outlays in the first four years before harvesting begins.
“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 (hub or nucleus farms) for tradeable quantities and quality,” he said.
