About the Producers
Gashonga Cooperative
Tasting Notes: Orange, Toffee, Peanut Brittle
- Region - Gashonga Sector, Rusizi District, Southwestern Rwanda
- Process - Washed
- Harvest - December to April
- Elevation - 1,650 MASL
- Varietal - Bourbon
In 2009, 85 women coffee farmers started the Gashonga Cooperative to pool their resources and become stronger as a group. The cooperative struggled in its early months, as it suffered from poor management and was unable to find market access. However, the cooperative persevered and grew stronger, thanks in part to training from the nonprofit sustainable growers. These trainings taught farmers about best agricultural practices to improve quality and volume. The trainings also stressed to the farmers the importance of working together as a team to improve the cooperatives collective future.
Today, the cooperative is fair trade certified, has grown to 104 members, and has managed to increase its income from coffee. With these increased profits, Gashonga has invested in initiatives such as education for its members and agronomic inputs to strengthen its coffee plants. Gashonga’s members have been able to acquire health insurance, empowering their security and safety through their success.
Southwest Highlands of Ethiopia in the Jimma, Oromia Region
Tasting Notes: Jasmine Tea, Blackberry, Sweet Basil
- Process: Washed and dried on bed
- Varietals: Heirloom Ethiopian
- Elevation: 1,800- 2,100 MASL