This was the third Coffee Conference since 2001 when it was held in London and followed by another one held in Brazil in 2005.  World Coffee Conferences are enshrined in the International Coffee Agreements of 2001 and 2007.

The Conference in Guatemala attracted over 1200 people from over 70 countries and was officially opened by the President of the Republic of Guatemala, H.E. Alvaro Colon Cuballeros.

The major theme of this Conference was “Coffee for the Future: Towards a sustainable Coffee Sector” and sought to discuss all elements that are essential to the long-term viability of the coffee sector.

The Tanzanian delegation was under the leadership of Hon. Stephen Wassira, Minister for Agriculture, Food Security and Co-operatives.  Other members of the Tanzanian delegation were Mr Pius Ngeze, Chairman of the Tanzanian Coffee Board, Mr Adolf Kumburu, Director General of TCB, Professor James Terri, CEO of Tanzania Coffee Research Institute and Mr Yusuf Kashangwa, Director of Tanzania Trade Centre in London. Mr. Ali Mchumo was in his capacity as a Managing Director of the Common Fund for Commodities.

A total of 31 presentations covering different topics were made by experts, revolving around the issue of sustainability in different aspects of the coffee industry such as economic, social and environment spheres both in producing and consuming countries.

ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY

The whole day was devoted to addressing the question of economic sustainability.  The situation in producing countries was analysed including the challenges farmers face in their attempt to meet ever-growing demands of consuming countries.

Economics Of Production

It was observed that in order for coffee to be sustainable in producing countries, factors affecting supply such as increasing cost of production (inputs, transportation and labour) and changing climate conditions need to be addressed in terms of adopting appropriate strategies.

It was also noted that the coffee sector in Africa deserve particular attention due to declining production levels due to challenges mentioned above.

On the positive note, it was observed that the values of the genetic materials due from research activities as presented by an expert from the Research Institute in Ethiopia need to be preserved.

The coffee industry in producing countries was seen also to have social and environmental benefits in terms of its capacity for bio-conservation and in mitigating the effects of climate change.

In analysing the consumption side, growth in consumption was noted even in some producing countries.

The Economics Of Demand

This session looked at the world consumption in terms of trends and outlook. It was observed that demand was a strong driver of sustainability of the coffee sector.  However for coffee sustainability in the mainstream markets, a multi-stakeholders approach is needed to support farmers in producing countries.  Buying certified coffee was seen as a key driver, led by specialty certified coffee; as complimentary to other efforts.

With regard to consumer changes and trends, analyses have shown that the mainstream sector has remained strong demanding increased supplies, productivity and quality coffee.

The future outlook for coffee seems to be promising thanks to the promotion efforts made in emerging markets (like Russia) and in producing markets themselves, as traditional markets seem to have reached maturity.  USA, Japan (and its neighbours: China, and ROK) appear to provide positive prospects for increased consumption.  As a general conclusion, promotion of sustainable coffee appears to make sense.

ENVIORNMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

This session examined the issue of climate change and how it is expected to impact on coffee production.  It was observed that climate change is a real phenomenon and its effects are imminently felt around the world, as the growth rate of CO2 emissions in the atmosphere is very high.

Therefore it was noted that the coffee sector has certainly been affected by climate change and its effects are by no means uniform, requiring different approaches.

Therefore efforts have to be made in getting elaborate practises for mitigating the effects of climate change e.g. through adoption of various cultivation methods, use of improved seed varieties, intercropping for shading coffee plants (as has been the case in India).

However, further studies on the effects of climate change in some African countries were seen to be necessary, in order to assess the situation for developing mitigation and adaptation strategies:

SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY

This session focused on the social dimension of sustainability.  The roles and opportunities for youths and women in the coffee sector were discussed.

It was observed that education and empowerment of women through micro-credits were important in improving their lives in producing countries. Particular examples of the progresses made by women groups in Costa Rica and India were presented.

With regard to MDGs and Capacity Development in support of producers, it was observed that although UN set a target of halving extreme poverty by 2015, this seems unattainable given especially the current situation in the African coffee producing areas, where there is an aging population in coffee production and therefore difficult to attract the youth in agricultural activities in general and specifically in coffee production.

The recommended strategy to address this problem is to ensure fair and remunerative prices to coffee and International co-operation as appropriate instruments, just to compliment government support as is the case in India.

As regards to the post 2010 prospects, health and coffee was recommended as an important initiative for increased coffee consumption even in producing countries.