The Life Changing Power of Coffee

Coffee is a simple bean, and yet has a profound impact. As the world’s second most traded commodity, it shapes economies and changes  lives, supporting more than 125 million people across the globe. 

In Rwanda, the story of coffee is one of hope and shared prosperity. The unique taste of Gorilla’s Coffee is a result of the skillful nurturing provided by the coffee farmers we work with. 

One of those cooperatives is COCAMU, made of almost 400 farmers. 

Located on the shores of Lake Kivu, the farmers of COCAMU have pioneered the successful cultivation of the finest pure Arabica beans. Coffee farming in Musasa Sector, where the cooperative is based, is a heritage deeply rooted in the community and one passed down through generations. 

Egide Munyaneza, who began cultivating coffee at a young age, carries on a family legacy, representing this rich tradition. 

“Coffee farming is more than just a livelihood for us, it’s a cultural heritage that we cherish,” he says. 

Josias Harerimana, Founder of COCAMU, has led the cooperative from a small group of 16 farmers to the vibrant community it is today. His vision was to enhance the value of local coffee farming, ensuring that each farmer earns a dignified income. 

Since 2019, COCAMU’s partnership with the Rwanda Farmers Coffee Company has provided a reliable market and fair prices. The partnership has given COCAMU farmers confidence in a sustained demand for their coffee. According to Josias, this motivates them to continue improving their craft of coffee farming.

With the steady income generated from coffee growing, farmers have been able to transform their lives and the future of their families. A significant achievement has been the ability to provide education for their children. 

“Coffee is the source of my income, and it’s the reason I’ve been able to support my family and put my four children through school,” Egide says.

With support from the Rwanda Farmers Coffee Company, COCAMU has developed initiatives to give back to the community. 

“Beyond farming, we contribute to the welfare of our community by providing health insurance for the less fortunate and improving access to clean water,” Josias says.

Additionally, their commitment to the environment is equally admirable. 

“We ensure that our farming is environmentally friendly, and that is shown by our certifications from Fairtrade and the Rainforest Alliance. These certifications serve as an evidence of the cooperative’s efforts in managing waste responsibly, avoiding hazardous fertilisers, and tree planting on our coffee farms,” he says

Every purchase of Gorilla’s Coffee, grown by the COCAMU cooperative and roasted by the Rwanda Farmers Coffee Company, is an investment in the lives of farmers like Egide. 

At the Rwanda Farmers Coffee Company, we are proud to work together with coffee farmers to create a flavourful future for the cherished beverage we all adore. 

So, with every cup of Gorilla’s Coffee, you not only savour the great taste of 100 percent Arabica coffee from Rwanda, but support the passion of dedicated farmers who believe in the power of the coffee bean.