The Contribution of the International Coffee Agreement (ICA) to the Development of Export Markets for Small Scale Coffee Farmers in Manicaland, Zimbabwe

Abstract

The International Coffee Agreement (ICA) aimed at strengthening the global coffee sector through the promotion of its sustainable expansion in a market-based environment for the betterment of all participants in the sector. This goal was meant to be achieved through five strategies, namely, (1) promoting international cooperation on coffee matters, (2) encouraging consumption that balances demand and supply, (3) providing market development, (4) facilitating fair-trade and (5) enhancing coffee financing for small scale farmers in developing countries. An exploratory study aiming at assessing to what extent the ICA has contributed to the development of export markets for small scale coffee growers in Manicaland, Zimbabwe showed that the ICA is failing to promote international market development. 99% of the respondents agree that it is doing it to a lower extent. This study recommends that the ICA should put in place a platform to incorporate the small scale farmers so that they increase their market spectrum in order to increase its export volumes and sustain the sector.