Location

Viphya North occupies part of North Viphya Plateau separated from Nkhata Bay Highlands by the deep valley of Lizunkhumi River. The general altitude ranges between 1200m and 1500m. In some places this rises to 1800m above sea level. It is located 80km from Mzuzu City.

Soils

The soils are deep and are acidic red clays or clay loams/ sand clays, Eutric Nitosols with moderate drainage.

Climate

The annual rainfall ranges between 1500mm and 1800mm and higher rainfall occurs in the higher parts of the surrounding Uzumala Reserve. The mean annual temperature ranges between 15 and 18 degrees Celsius. The mean monthly range is about 7 degrees Celsius, with July being the coldest month and November being the hottest month.

Production

About 11% of Coffee marketed comes from this area which is 7 % of all the Coffee Growers forming the Union.