KOLCAFE - Smallholder coffee revenue enhancementEmpowering coffee farmers by improving agronomic practices



KOLCAFÉ is pursuing an innovative organic farming approach that is designed to increase coffee yields 3 to 5 times through application of manure-based compost, proper pruning and selective harvesting. KOLCAFÉ also integrates in its programme a marketing strategy with tailor-made microfinance. Coffee is the world’s second largest traded commodity (by value) after oil. Demand and prices are predicted to grow, primarily due to emerging middle classes in China and India. The programme will not only improve the quality and selling prices but will also maximise revenue through construction of value-adding infrastructure in the village.
Partners
Kolping Society of Tanzania (KST) aims to improve the quality of life of the rural poor. They promote rural business initiatives and have trained farmers in over 100 villages.
VSO – Tanzania provides volunteer business and project management expertise to assist the KST in conceptualising and scaling up the project.
Tanzanian Coffee Research Institute (TaCRI) will provide technical guidance on the agronomic practices and application of improved husbandry to produce higher yields and quality of coffee.