Madagascar’s Coffee Plantations Shrink Amid Falling Prices

Madagascar’s coffee farms are disappearing—and the reason isn’t climate or disease. It’s economics. As international coffee prices stay low, farmers are giving up on coffee in favor of more profitable crops or leaving agriculture altogether. The numbers tell the story clearly: over the past two decades, nearly 30,000 hectares of coffee-growing land have been lost.

Today, Madagascar has just 190,000 hectares dedicated to coffee—down from around 220,000 two decades ago. That loss mirrors a broader trend affecting many origin countries where smallholder farmers struggle to make coffee farming viable.

How Much Coffee Does Madagascar Still Produce?

Despite the shrinking plantings, coffee remains a key agricultural export for Madagascar. The country produces around 67,000 metric tons of coffee annually. Of that, almost 40,000 tons are exported—making coffee one of the more significant contributors to the nation’s foreign income, despite the reduced growing area.

Where Is Madagascar’s Coffee Grown?

Madagascar’s coffee cultivation is concentrated in two main regions. The majority comes from the Sava and Analanjirofo regions in the country’s southeast. Specifically, the Sava region alone accounts for 40% to 45% of the national coffee output, highlighting its importance within the fragmented domestic industry.

What Types of Coffee Does Madagascar Grow?

Madagascar produces both Robusta and Arabica coffee. These two species make up the entirety of the country’s output. Robusta tends to dominate in lower-altitude areas, while Arabica is grown in higher, more suitable zones—though exact regional breakdowns by variety are not specified in the data.

The origins of coffee in Madagascar date back to the 19th century, when it was introduced by settlers from Réunion. Since then, the crop has become deeply embedded in the agricultural landscape, even as its footprint shrinks.

Who Buys Madagascar’s Coffee Exports?

Madagascar exports most of its coffee to just a few European markets. The top destinations are France, Belgium, and Italy. Notably, France is the single largest buyer, importing approximately 17.76% of Madagascar’s total coffee exports. These three countries collectively absorb the bulk of the 40,000 tons shipped out each year.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much has Madagascar’s coffee farming area decreased in the last 20 years?

Madagascar’s coffee-growing area has shrunk by nearly 30,000 hectares over the past 20 years, from an estimated 220,000 hectares down to around 190,000 hectares today, according to the latest data from the Malagasy Ministry of Agriculture.

How much coffee does Madagascar produce each year?

Madagascar produces approximately 67,000 metric tons of coffee per year, with nearly 40,000 tons of that total being exported to international markets.

Which countries are the main importers of Madagascar’s coffee?

The primary export markets for Madagascar’s coffee are France, Belgium, and Italy. France alone accounts for about 17.76% of the country’s total coffee exports.

Where in Madagascar is most coffee grown?

The majority of Madagascar’s coffee is grown in the southeastern regions of Sava and Analanjirofo, with the Sava region producing between 40% and 45% of the nation’s total coffee output.

What types of coffee beans are grown in Madagascar?

Madagascar grows both Robusta and Arabica coffee beans. These are the only two species cultivated in the country, with regional differences likely based on altitude and climate suitability.

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