Kazoza N’Ikawa cooperative

The story

The Kazoza N’Ikawa cooperative was founded in 2007 with the objective of improving the livelihoods of local farmers through the production of specialty coffee. Located in the Kayanza region of Burundi, the cooperative is composed of over 900 smallholder producers who deliver their cherries to the Mpemba washing station. The name Kazoza N’Ikawa translates from Kirundi to 'the future is coffee.'

Challenges

The cooperative faces significant logistical hurdles that threaten their supply chain and the livelihoods of the farmers involved.

Innovations

The cooperative has utilized grant funding to distribute avocado, papaya, and Neem seedlings to members to improve food security, provide organic pest control, and diversify income sources.