Rwanda, a landlocked East African nation, shares borders with Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Despite its relatively modest annual coffee production of 20,000 tonnes, Rwanda has earned acclaim in the specialty coffee sector. Coffee cultivation traces back to the early 1900s, with significant expansion occurring under Belgian colonial rule, albeit with an initial focus on quantity rather than quality. The tragic events of the 1994 genocide profoundly impacted the industry; however, recovery efforts included initiatives such as the National Coffee Strategy, developed in collaboration with the World Bank. Baho Coffee operates eleven washing stations around the country and benefits from strong relationships with the local producers. This connection to local traditions and cultures inspires them to develop. new experimental processes or varieties. The specialty coffee scene is gradually gaining momentum in Rwanda, partly due to the burgeoning tourism industry and rising disposable incomes. Coffee cultivation typically entails small plots of approximately 250 trees, often intercropped withkookaburra COFFEE CO. staple crops, serving as the primary income source for many farmers. Government-led initiatives, in partnership with international organizations, seek to enhance coffee quality by establishing new washing stations and providing assistance to farmers. Washing stations like BAHO Coffee play a pivotal role, offering improved prices and support to farmers dedicated to enhancing their yields.
