At a recent gathering focused on boosting coffee production in Kagera Region, Bukoba District Commissioner Erasto Sima emphasized the crucial role of Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Societies (AMCOS) in ensuring the quality of coffee from the farm to the market.
The message was delivered during the opening event of the Kagera Cooperative Union (KCU) 1990 Ltd.
Sima stressed the importance of AMCOS closely monitoring the coffee supply chain at each stage. He particularly encouraged farmers to prioritize harvesting fully ripe coffee beans, explaining that the choice between ripe and unripe beans directly affects both the quality of the coffee and the prices farmers receive.
He criticized the common practice of harvesting unripe coffee and poor processing techniques, such as insufficient drying, which ultimately diminish the overall quality and hinder efforts to improve farmers' livelihoods.
Addressing the issue of raw coffee theft in the region, Sima revealed that dishonest individuals have been exploiting farmers by stealing unripe coffee.
He urged AMCOS officials to take a strong stance against these unlawful practices, warning that anyone caught engaging in theft would face legal consequences.
Kagera’s geographical location, bordering several countries, presents unique challenges, including smuggling, which negatively impacts both economic gains and development efforts within the country.
During the meeting, KCU 1990 Ltd provided financial updates, reporting that they managed 1.3 million kg of coffee during the 2024/2025 season.
KCU Chairperson Ressy Mashulano shared that the cooperative had successfully repaid a substantial loan of Tsh 10.4 billion from the TADB Development Bank, along with an additional Tsh 11 billion in interest.
Looking ahead, the cooperative plans to borrow Tsh 27 billion for the 2025/2026 season, with Tsh 20 billion allocated for coffee purchases and Tsh 7 billion earmarked for the construction of a new hotel in Bukoba municipality.
This strategic investment is aimed at boosting the region’s economic growth and further supporting local farmers.