Rwanda

Product Info

The Gasharu Coffee Company was started by Celestin Rumenerangabo in the 1970s. Spending nearly all of his savings, he initially purchased 380 coffee trees and expanded the business by purchasing coffee cherry from local farmers as well. The business grew significantly from 1978 to 1994, but the Tutsi genocide drove Celestin and his family to flee the country. In 1998, they were finally able to return and begin re-establishing the business from almost nothing. While the coffee farms were intact, they lost the majority of their partners and had little money to start again. It was a difficult time, but they now operate a thriving business with over 8,500 trees and two washing stations, Muhororo and Gasharu—they are leaders of social and economic change within their community. Umuko Coffee, the exporter who works directly with Gasharu and other farms, is focused on paying farmers a living wage and putting the dignity and well-being of farmers first. Additionally, they support local healthcare and social community programs to contribute to stronger, more resilient families and neighborhoods.

Elevation: 1700-2100 MASL

Process:  Natural

Cultivar:  Bourbon

Farmer Impact Fund 

Bellwether’s Farmer Impact Fund further invests in coffee communities through direct balloon payments to producers who have autonomy to use the money on community and farm-level projects. By adding a small surcharge to your green coffee purchase, these funds are directly distributed to farmers, providing a direct connection between you and your customers to the lives of producers for the first time in the coffee industry. 

Through the Farmer Impact Fund, the Gasharu Coffee Company was able to offer subsidized healthcare for regional coffee producers, enabling them to access previously-unavailable medical care. Contribute to the Farmer Impact Fund today to continue investing in the producers of this region. Your contribution unlocks marketing materials for you to promote your impact with your customers.