The Itimba Plantation: A Model of Sustainability in Tanzania

Where coffee grows alongside trees and regenerates the land

Amid the green hills of the Mbeya region, in southwestern Tanzania, lies one of East Africa’s most innovative coffee plantations: Itimba, part of the Songwa Estates agricultural holding.
At over 1,400 meters above sea level, coffee here is more than just a crop — it’s a regenerative project. It represents the beating heart of ConSenso, an initiative that brings together science, agriculture, and technology to highlight the environmental value of the coffee supply chain.

A Diverse and Productive Ecosystem

The Songwa plantation spans 350 hectares, only 34% of which are cultivated with coffee. The remainder consists of forests, streams, hedgerows, and natural areas that create a remarkable ecological balance.
Over 160,000 Coffea arabica plants coexist with nearly 900 shade trees of various species, including Grevillea robusta, Faidherbia albida, Jacaranda mimosifolia, and even avocado trees (Persea americana).

This diversity is intentional: every element is designed to support the health of the ecosystem, promote biodiversity, enhance resilience to climate change, and preserve natural resources.

Biochar and Compost: Cultivating While Capturing Carbon

One of the most innovative practices adopted at Itimba is the production of biochar — a type of charcoal made from pruning residues — which is mixed with compost derived from coffee pulp, husks, manure, and other local organic matter.
This blend is incorporated into the soil, where it can store carbon for centuries while simultaneously improving soil fertility.

The results:

• Greater drought resistance

• Faster growth

• Better nutrient and water absorption

It’s a simple yet powerful solution that reduces emissions and locks CO₂ in the soil, actively contributing to the fight against climate change.

Technology and Water Efficiency

In 2020, the plantation installed a new high-efficiency, low-water coffee processing line, which uses only 3% of the water consumed by the traditional system.
Additionally, parts of the plantation are irrigated through natural channels fed by mountain springs, minimizing reliance on artificial sources.

Other techniques include:

• Controlled shading through regular tree pruning

• Selection of drought-resistant and early-ripening coffee varieties

• Manual weeding, balanced fertilizer use, and integrated pest management

A Replicable Model

The example of Itimba shows that a coffee plantation can be both productive and sustainable.
With a holistic and regenerative vision of agriculture, even a global product like coffee can become a tool for climate mitigation, while supporting and empowering local communities.