The Mbimba research station is located at an altitude of 1500m in Mbozi District, Mbeya Region. Rainfall patterns are un-modal starting from mid October to middle April. The average rainfall is estimated to be 1300-1800mm. It is an important and expanding coffee growing region with 246,000 progressive farmers and six estitates with 400 ha. Area under cultivation is 59,950 ha with average production of 16,500 per year of at least 250-300 gm and 280-300 kg per ha. Potential production is estimated at 50,000 tones annually.

Function of the Mbimba Sub-Station is to support the development of the coffee industry in the Southern Highland by disseminating proven technologies to district extension staff, farmers and estates through the provision of training courses and by promoting extension messages; and, to support the central research programme by facilitating on-farm research.