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
Limmu Kossa is a family owned and operated Estate located in the Jimma Zone of Ethiopia. The Limmu
Kossa Team is dedicated to producing high-quality coffee and preserving the environment using modern
technology and indigenous trees for its shade-grown coffee, as well as leading social efforts in
their community.