Tanzanian Coffee Farmer's Story Shows How Government Aid Can Make A Critical Difference – CoffeeTalk

Wilifaston Ishengoma, a smallholder coffee farmer in Tanzania’s Kagera Region, has been working tirelessly to uplift his 22-acre farm nearing its first harvest in 2025. His journey began in 2007, when he bought 20 acres of land and planted pines. He decided to shift his focus to coffee farming in 2023, with the goal of uplifting not only his farm but also his community. The government initiatives aimed at supporting smallholder farmers like Ishengoma, under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, made this shift possible.

Ishengoma received a share of the 10,000 coffee seedlings distributed by the government to farmers in the region, marking the beginning of a transformative chapter for his farm. However, the challenges of farming in a region like Muleba cannot be understated. Ishengoma faces frequent issues with water access, an essential need for his crops. Despite being unable to invest in an irrigation system with a pump from the nearby Ngono River due to financial constraints, he found innovative solutions. This form of water collection is costly and inefficient, especially during dry spells when the precious liquid access becomes even more crucial.

The struggles of coffee farmers like Ishengoma are shared by many across the country. As coffee prices fluctuate on the global market, ensuring a steady income from coffee farming requires not just planting and harvesting but investing in the right tools and infrastructure. For Ishengoma, improving irrigation methods is one of his top priorities. With further investment, particularly through access to affordable loans and solar-powered irrigation systems, he will be able to mitigate the challenges posed by water scarcity.

However, many smallholder farmers in his area are still struggling. They face systemic barriers in accessing capital for crucial investments such as equipment, water infrastructure, and proper drying facilities. The drying process alone is a major bottleneck for many coffee farmers, and Ishengoma himself lacks the proper drying facilities, often facing delays that affect the quality of his harvest.

The government could play a more significant role in helping farmers secure the resources they need to expand their operations. By providing loans to farmers, especially smallholders, to invest in farm infrastructure, irrigation systems, and drying facilities, the government can increase productivity and contribute to the nation’s economic growth.

Tanzanian farmers are experiencing some improvement due to government subsidies and infrastructure development loans. However, the real turning point for farmers lies in recognizing the scale of investment required for the coffee sector to thrive. Farmers like Wilifaston Ishengoma believe that better access to credit and financial support is necessary for their future success. The government’s role in facilitating growth through targeted financial assistance is essential for ensuring the long-term success of smallholder farmers and the sector as a whole.

Tanzania’s coffee sector, which produces around 800,000 metric tonnes annually, is evolving as both local and global markets show a growing appetite for high-quality beans. With the global coffee industry reaching a market value of nearly $500 billion in 2025, Tanzania has seen a steady increase in demand for its Arabica and Robusta varieties. Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to supporting coffee farmers, addressing everything from processing to infrastructure and sustainable farming practices.

However, smallholder farmers face significant challenges in tapping into these opportunities, such as limited access to technology, irrigation, and quality fertilizers. To leverage this demand, Tanzania needs continued investment in infrastructure, climate-resilient farming, and market access. With the right support, Tanzania could become a more influential player in the global coffee industry.

Wilifaston Ishengoma stands as an example of what can be possible when farmers have the right resources at their disposal. Collaboration between farmers, the government, and the wider community is crucial for making coffee farming in Muleba and across Tanzania more prosperous and sustainable for future generations.

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