#24 of the coffee-producing countries.
- The tropical humid climate and the fertile volcanic soils are ideal for coffee cultivation and even allow 2 coffee crops per year.
- The coffee is grown for export and today, together with cocoa, is one of the most important resources of Gabon.
- Between 1981 and 2012, however, Gabon lost 92 % of the harvest area.
- The reason for this is the low level of governmental support for coffee production, with a focus on oil and mineral reserves.
- When the global coffee prices fell sharply from 2000 – 2004, many coffee farmers moved into urban areas.
- The coffee production and quality of the coffee beans decreased.
- Many coffee farms were neglected or completely abandoned.
- The increasing world demand and higher coffee prices have resulted in Gabon investing in the agricultural sector.
- With the CAISTAB – state stabilization funds founded in 2016 of CFA 200,000 ($ 334.000), the annual cocoa and coffee crops are bought.
- This guarantees at least 3,000 farmers the income.
- The aim is to increase the gross domestic product from 5% to 20% by 2020.
- Initiatives such as wet processing brings the Robusta quality to specialty coffee level.
- In addition, Fairtrade coffee is produced.
- 2015/2016, Gabon exported 500.000 Säcke à 60 kg of coffee – as much as Thailand and Venezuela.
- The fondness for coffee is also reflected in the African and Portuguese influenced cuisine.
- Ground coffee is used as a spice, which gives the dishes the special something.
I would like to know how can I get a sample of Gabon’s coffee. See, I work with coffee here in the USA and until I understand the taste of your coffee and where I can get the coffee. I can’t help anyone.
Hey Rick, sorry for the late reply. I dont produce coffee – I only write about coffee production and tradtions around the world on my blog.
Best, Daniela