Impressions: vanilla, nectarine, sweet almonds, hazelnut, dried blueberries
Roast degree: medium (2.5/5)

Country: Rwanda
Region: Southern Province
District: Nyaruguru District
Variety: Red bourbon
Process: Washed
Exporter: Baho Coffee
Partner importer: Semilla
Farmers: 60 smallholder women producers

This coffee is a prime example of what we mean when we say our coffee menu is tasty AND impactful!

The Fugi Ikezere is back for a third time in four years. This group is made up of single mothers, many of whom are widowed, and face the difficult task of navigating a Rwandese society that still struggles with much patriarchal discrimination. The Ikizere lots were the highest-paid coffees at the farm gate level, at about 50% over the national average. (see our transparency report)
Supporting those women was important to Baho and Semilla, and we are glad to be able to play our small part by offering you a delicious coffee that truly has an impact for the producers. 

A few words from the importer, Semilla:

“Back in 2019, Emmanuel (from Baho) presented to us a handful of lots that were traced back to communities living on specific hills near his washing stations. As this is quite unique for East African coffees, this initiative immediately sparked our interest and kickstarted our discussions on how we could expand and deepen this type of traceability.

As buyers, it’s always exciting to find more information about where coffee is coming from; but additionally, Emmanuel made it very clear that it was helpful to Baho and their producer network as well. By connecting more closely with producers this way, we’re able to ensure we continue to build with them into the future and this motivates these growers to work with Baho, and also inspires growers around them as they see a possibility not only for solid pay for their coffee cherries, but also for recognition and relationships not normally offered to smallholder growers.”