COFFEE GROWING AREAS IN EAST AFRICA.

Coffee is grown all over the world, but it is primarily grown in regions along the equator between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn because it needs to be cultivated in a humid climate with the proper amount of rainfall.

When you begin to explore the coffee growing regions in East Africa, you will find that the many flavors available from these regions are very delicious with fruity and floral undertones.

In Uganda coffee almost does well across the country but Robusta coffee is grown mainly in the low altitude areas of central eastern south eastern and western Uganda; with up to 1,200 meters above sea level and on the other hand, Arabica coffee on the other hand is grown in the highland areas on the slopes of Mount Elgon in the east and Mt. Rwenzori in the west. The coffee was introduced to Uganda from Ethiopia and naturalized along the slopes of Mount Elgon.In Tanzania approximately 70% of the coffee grown is Arabica and 30% is Robusta. This country produces Arabica beans in the North, South, and West regions and the main coffee growing areas are the northern Kilimanjaro/Meru area, Mbeya, Matengo Highlands, Mbinga for Arabica coffee and Robusta is mainly grown in the Bukoba area of the Kagera Region.

In addition, smaller amounts of coffee are grown in the Uluguru and Usambara mountains and the highlands of Ngara, Kigoma and Ruvuma.

Coffee from this country has a bright flavor and acidity with a medium body, and coffee that comes from South Tanzania has further fruity undertones.

For Rwanda, coffee was introduced at the beginning of the 20th century and it is grown mainly by small scale coffee farmers estimated at 500,000 in number with an average of 165 coffee trees per farmer.

The country therefore exclusively grows Arabica coffee in the areas of Kivu, Muhazi, Akagera,Kizi rift and Virunga. Other areas that grow coffee in Rwanda include; Butare, Byumba, Gisenyi, Kigali-Ngali, Gitarama, Kibungo, Kibuye, Cyangugu and Gikongoro.

And lastly in Burundi, over 600,000–800,000 families are involved in coffee-growing according to The World Bank coffee report on Africa; 2011.

Large parts of Burundi have excellent conditions for growing coffee; the volcanic soil and approximately 1,200 mm of rainfall a year which create a great environment for growing coffee. Volcanic soil is rich in nutrients such as nitrogen, which coffee plants need, and tends to hold water well.

Burundi has five main coffee-producing regions: Buyenzi (Kayanza and Ngozi), Kirimiro, Mumirwa, Bweru, and Bugesera. That isn’t to say you’ll never find coffee outside of these regions; however, these are the biggest, most common ones, and they are also known for their quality crops.

In all these areas, it should be noted that coffee does well under temperatures of 14 to 26°C although Arabica coffee can tolerate temperatures of up to 30°C

Overall, if you are looking to sample a wide variety of robust and complex coffee flavors, then you can’t go wrong with East Africa. This is a diverse coffee growing area of the world that will provide you with the fullness and richness in your cup that you have been looking for!