Malawi coffee growers call for partnership

The African Fine Coffee Association (AFCA) has asked public and private sectors in Malawi to support coffee for the crop to gain international recognition.

AFCA chairperson Harrison Kalua said this at a coffee breakfast organised by the association in Blantyre on Friday to share notes on how the body can boost coffee production.

Malawi’s coffee is on high demand in South Africa, China and other European countries, according to the association.

“There is need for team work; hence, the need for all sectors to join the association.

“It will be pleasing to see government departments, banks, shipping companies becoming members of the association,” said Kalua.

He said the association wants to empower women in the country to start growing coffee.

“Women empowerment to improving coffee production is also under our plans. We want to train them on how to grow quality coffee. In this regard, banks, shipping and farm input institutions are also crucial and they have to take part,” said Kalua.

AFCA has said plans are underway to hold a mega coffee conference in Uganda in 2013.

AFCA has 11 member countries such as Malawi, Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and others.

Prospects are high that more countries such as Cameroon will join the association by the end of the year.