Addis Ababa – Qahwa World × Buna Kurs
Following yesterday’s high-level policy commitments, the focus of the Third African Coffee Week shifted today from the corridors of power to the laboratory and the field. Scientists, researchers, and agronomists gathered at the Skylight Hotel for the 7th African Coffee Scientific Conference, under the theme “Climate-Resilient Coffee: Innovation for a Sustainable Future”.
While Day One established the policy framework for the continent, Day Two provided the scientific “how-to,” focusing on breeding, pest management, and the institutionalization of African coffee research.
A New Era for Robusta: The Regional Breeding Network
A major highlight of the morning session was the formal launch of the Robusta breeding network, a collaborative initiative involving Ghana, Uganda, and Rwanda. Led by Robert Kawuki, the network aims to modernize breeding efforts for a variety that is increasingly seen as a cornerstone of climate adaptation due to its relative heat tolerance compared to Arabica.
The session, moderated by Dr. Geofrey Arinaitwe, also delved into the genetic foundations of Ethiopian coffee. Researchers Natol Bakala and Wakuma Merga presented findings on the genetic diversity of “Laage” coffee landraces, emphasizing that preserving Ethiopia’s unique genetic reservoir is critical for the global coffee industry’s survival.
Science-Driven Adaptation and Pest Management
As climate change shifts ecological zones, the conference addressed the alarming migration of pests and diseases. Kifle Belachew Bekele presented a critical study on why Coffee Leaf Rust (Hemileia vastatrix) has begun migrating to highland Arabica growing areas in Ethiopia—territories previously considered “safe” due to their altitude.
Other scientific breakthroughs discussed included:
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Disease Resistance: Admikew Getaneh shared research on the phytochemical basis of resistance to Coffee Wilt Disease, while Monyo Grace presented new F1 hybrid genotypes resistant to Coffee Berry Disease.
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Eco-Innovation: Mariamawit S. Kassa explored “Beyond the Brew,” highlighting the hidden potential of spent coffee grounds, while Mohammed Aman discussed using the Desmodium plant for sustainable production.
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Pest Control: Innovative “locally made” traps for the Black Coffee Twig Borer in Northern Tanzania were showcased by Aden Mbuba as a low-cost, high-efficiency solution for smallholders.
Institutionalizing Knowledge: The African Coffee Research Center
The afternoon session marked a pivotal moment for the continent’s intellectual infrastructure. The Inter-African Coffee Organisation (IACO) and the African Coffee Research Network (ACRN) announced the establishment of the African Coffee Research Center. This center is designed to be the “brain” of the continent’s coffee sector, ensuring that the research presented today translates into scalable field solutions.
To wrap up the day’s proceedings, the Secretary General of IACO and the Chairperson of the ACRN officially launched the new coffee manual, a comprehensive guide intended to harmonize best practices across Africa’s diverse coffee-growing regions.
The conference concluded with closing remarks from the IACO Chairman, signaling a transition from scientific theory to a unified, continental implementation strategy.
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