Creating A Sustainable Future For Coffee
From: bizcommunity.com
Africa, specifically the East African countries of Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda with their ideal climate and rich farmlands, plays a vital role in the industry as one of the world’s major coffee producers. Africa.com predicts that East Africa’s coffee industry is likely to grow by 7.5% from 2019 to 2024 and claims that there is even speculation that it will replace South America (Brazil being the world’s largest coffee producer) at the “top of the global market within the next five years”.
Africa.com also refers to a survey that shows that “South Africa’s coffee industry is also thriving, with 13.3% increase in coffee consumption from 2014-15 to 2017-18.”
But, Hivos.org warns things aren’t as rosy as they appear. While major traders and roasters are capitalising on the growing demand, farmers are struggling to see similar profit margins while battling various stress factors such as price volatility, climate change and recurring outbreaks of pests and diseases – meaning that there’s a real threat that demand will outgrow supply if action is not taken.
