Sustainable Coffee Futures: Building climate and value chain resilience in Cyato, Rwanda

Project Details

Delivered in partnership with coffee co-operative Tropic Coffee, farmers participating in this project will receive training and resources, including the establishment of demonstration farms, to adopt sustainable farming practices to improve their production of speciality coffee and increase their income through enhanced productivity and increased climate resilience. 

Further training in financial literacy and leadership skills will be provided to empower female farmers, and the co-operative will receive training to prepare for certifications in organic and Fairtrade.

This project will support 500 coffee farmers (259 women) in the Cyato sector of Nayamasheke where Tropic Coffee operates a Coffee Washing Station. Over the past three years, coffee yield has declined with yield per hectare reducing from 3,500 kg to 2,800kg (20% decrease) reducing smallholder household income. 

The decline is attributed to the effects of climate change including irregular rainfall patterns and high temperatures which has led to a rise in coffee pests and diseases. Farmers also struggle to access markets due to a lack of certifications, often selling to middlemen, reducing profits by up to 30%. 

This project will help smallholder farmers meet the criteria required to obtain organic and Fairtrade certifications, enabling access to international markets, increase sales and earn premiums contributing towards community development.

Project aims 

• 500 coffee farmers will rejuvenate their coffee farms by planting 100,000 climate and disease resistance coffee seedlings.
• All 500 project participants will implement climate resistant techniques and sustainable agricultural practices on their farms.
• 300 female farmers will adopt improved farm management skills to run their coffee farming business.