By Sizwe Dlamini
Eswatini Coffee is looking for more local coffee farmers to meet the increasing demand for organic coffee both within and outside the kingdom.
Lindo Muzi Dlamini, a representative of Eswatini Coffee, revealed that the organization has expanded significantly since its inception in 2018, growing from just 4 hectares to an impressive 100 hectares of coffee cultivation land countrywide.
Dlamini expressed satisfaction with the growing participation of local farmers in the coffee industry, stating, “We began with only 4 hectares, and now we have grown to 100 hectares. The demand for coffee is very high, and we genuinely need more farmers to keep up with this growth.”
Since the recent trade fair, the organization has welcomed 10 additional farmers, demonstrating the increasing interest in coffee farming.
To further support local farmers, Eswatini Coffee is in the process of constructing a roasting factory, equipped with modern machinery to offer a variety of roasts for customers. Dlamini highlighted the organization’s commitment to providing technical support, including organic fumigation services and soil testing to ensure optimal coffee growth.
“We offer two types of coffee beans: Arabica and Robusta. The Robusta variety can thrive in various climates, making it an ideal choice for local farmers,” he added.
Dlamini added that Eswatini Coffee aims to create a sustainable coffee industry, emphasizing that all participating farmers will receive a share of the profits.
”We will be constructing our own coffee roasting facility in the kingdom in the not-to-distant future and we will continue to expand our network of local farmers, we envision a thriving coffee sector that will contribute to the economy of Eswatini,” he added.