Kanzu Washing Station

The story

The Kanzu washing station was established in the mid-2000s by Alphonce Kayijuka. It was later acquired by the coffee company C. Dormans, which continues to operate the facility. The station serves as a central processing hub for smallholder farmers in the Nyamasheke region.

Challenges

The station operates in a region where smallholder farmers often manage very small plots of land, sometimes with fewer than 200 trees each. The area is also subject to the logistical and environmental complexities of high-altitude, mountainous terrain near Lake Kivu.

Innovations

The station employs rigorous quality control measures, including cherry flotation and dry fermentation techniques. Additionally, they have implemented sustainable water management practices to support their processing operations.