Bavyeyi

The Bavyeyi producer group represents a significant model of specialty coffee production in northern Burundi. Located in the Ngozi province, the group is composed of roughly 600 smallholder farmers who cultivate coffee in the region's high-altitude, volcanic soil. The name 'Bavyeyi'—meaning 'parents' in the Kirundi language—was chosen by Jeanine Niyonzima-Aroian, the founder of JNP Coffee, to honor her own mother and the countless parents in the region who rely on coffee farming to provide for their families' futures.

This group is notable for its focus on women's empowerment and its collaborative relationship with JNP Coffee, an exporter and importer dedicated to supporting Burundian farmers. Many of the farmers within the Bavyeyi group are Muslim women who work closely with JNP’s Q-graders. This partnership emphasizes the direct link between quality control and financial empowerment, as farmers are trained in precise cherry selection and processing techniques to meet the rigorous standards of the specialty market.

Coffee production in this region is characterized by the cultivation of the Bourbon variety, which thrives in the microclimates of Ngozi. The farmers typically intercrop their coffee trees with other essential food crops, such as bananas, beans, and cassava. This traditional, small-scale farming approach is supported by the infrastructure provided by JNP Coffee, which facilitates the processing of these cherries into both washed and natural lots.

Processing is a critical component of the Bavyeyi identity. The group is known for producing high-quality natural processed coffees, which are increasingly sought after for their distinct flavor profiles, often described as having juicy, berry-forward notes and a smooth, chocolatey finish. The meticulous sorting and drying processes employed at the washing stations are essential to achieving these profiles, as the region's limited infrastructure makes the logistics of post-harvest processing a complex, labor-intensive endeavor.

For the roaster and the consumer, the Bavyeyi tag signifies more than just a geographic origin; it represents a commitment to social equity and transparency. By working with groups like Bavyeyi, roasters can ensure that the premiums paid for high-scoring coffee directly support the farmers' ability to invest in their households and communities. This model helps mitigate the historical challenges of the Burundian coffee industry, which was long hampered by state-controlled systems that prioritized volume over quality.

Today, the Bavyeyi group stands as a testament to the potential of Burundi’s specialty coffee sector. Through the support of organizations like JNP Coffee and the advocacy of the International Women’s Coffee Alliance, these farmers have gained a platform to showcase their work on the global stage. The success of Bavyeyi highlights how targeted investment in education, processing infrastructure, and gender equity can transform the livelihoods of smallholder farmers while delivering exceptional coffee to the international market.