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🇹🇿 Tanzania
Page updated: @December 10, 2024
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Contents
- Contents
- Location
- History
- Coffee Production
- Sustainable and Environmental Practices
- Community Engagement
- Marketing Assets
- Producer Updates
Ngila Estate Ltd is a Tanzanian coffee producer situated on the slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater in northern Tanzania. Founded in 1920 and incorporated in 1961, Ngila Estate consists of 100 hectares of coffee trees cultivated with environmentally sustainable practices. Ngila has a strong commitment to producing high-quality coffee production, as well as contributing to the local community. It is located at an elevation of 1,500–1,600 meters above sea level, near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and is owned by Vera Stücker.
Location
Ngila Estate is located at an elevation of 1,500–1,600 meters above sea level, on the edge of the cloud forest that surrounds the Ngorongoro Crater in northern Tanzania. The farm covers approximately 100 hectares and borders a 50-hectare forest corridor that allows local wildlife, such as elephants, to access traditional migration paths and mineral-rich caves. The estate’s proximity to the Ngila River also supports seasonal reforestation efforts, which help mitigate erosion and promote biodiversity in the region.
Ngila is home to both native wildlife and seasonal animal migrations. While larger animals such as elephants and buffalo are fenced out to protect the coffee trees, smaller species like antelope, leopards, wild boars, and dik-diks roam freely on the property.
History
The Ngila Estate was initially established by a German settler, Mr. Quellhorst, in the early 20th century. Following World War II, it was listed in the British "Book of Enemy Property" and was made available for British army veterans interested in settling in Tanzania.
In 1992, the farm was purchased by Rudolf Meyer, at which point the estate consisted of just 30 hectares of neglected coffee trees. Though Rudolf initially managed Ngila himself, eventually his wife Vera Stücker, an electrical engineer, would join him.
In 2021 Vera took over as director following Rudolf’s passing, and now runs the estate with the support of an experienced local team.
Coffee Production
Ngila Estate grows a range of Arabica coffee varieties, including Typica, Bourbon, SL28, Pacamara, Geisha, Batian, and Kent. The Glenmalure section of the estate is dedicated to specialty coffee, while more commercial-grade coffee is grown elsewhere on the farm. Ngila’s coffee consistently scores above 84.5 on the specialty coffee grading scale, meeting the standards of premium markets worldwide.
The estate spans 100 hectares and maintains approximately 150,000 coffee trees, yielding an average of 120 tons of coffee annually.
Traditional and sustainable practices are employed at every step of coffee production. Hand-picking ensures the careful selection of ripe coffee cherries, while washing and fermentation processes, combined with sun-drying on raised beds, optimise the coffee’s quality and flavour. Processing innovations, such as water-efficient pulping equipment, further support Ngila’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
Ngila estate operates a dedicated washing station with pulping, fermentation, and drying facilities, including African raised drying beds. There is also a small huller with a capacity of 250 kg per hour for specialised processing. Coffee beans are processed without mechanical dryers, using sun-drying techniques to preserve their natural flavours.
Sustainable and Environmental Practices
Ngila Estate is Rainforest Alliance Certified, which owner Vera Stücker values for the external audits, which ensure Ngila’s continued compliance with sustainability standards.
Ngila has implemented several initiatives to protect its surrounding environment and promote sustainable farming. The estate maintains an 8-hectare wildlife corridor adjoining the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which allows local fauna to access natural resources and maintain their migration routes. Since 2004, the estate has planted 4,000–5,000 indigenous trees annually to combat soil erosion and foster reforestation. Biochar production, introduced in collaboration with ReyCoal, has become a recent focus, providing long-term soil health and carbon sequestration benefits.
Recognising the importance of water management, Ngila Estate has acquired and reforested lands along the Ngila River to prevent erosion and promote ecosystem health in partnership with local farmers. Through a plot-leasing program, Ngila engages local farmers in land conservation practices, encouraging sustainable land use in the region.
Community Engagement
Ngila Estate supports its workers and the local community through fair wages, medical assistance, education funding, and skills training. Many of the estate’s 100 employees have worked there for over 30 years. During the harvest season, additional employment opportunities are provided to over 250 workers, contributing significantly to the local economy.
The estate supports its workers with fair wages that exceed the government minimum, along with other benefits such as healthcare support, retirement fund contributions, health insurance through the National Social Security Fund, and assistance with school education. Ngila Estate also offers training on safe chemical and fertiliser handling and promotes the use of organic fertilisers among surrounding smallholder farmers.
Since 2005, Ngila has partnered with coffee roasters to support a nearby primary school. Contributions have included installing solar panels, connecting the school to the power grid, constructing roof gutters, and providing water tanks, books, and desks.