Ninga washing station

The Ninga washing station is a cornerstone of the Long Miles Coffee Project, an initiative founded by Ben and Kristy Carlson in 2011 to address systemic challenges in the Burundian coffee industry. Located in the Kayanza province, Ninga was established as a strategic expansion to support farmers who previously faced significant logistical hurdles. Before its construction, producers in the area were forced to transport their coffee cherries long distances to the project's original Bukeye station, a journey that often discouraged selective picking and compromised the integrity of the harvest. By placing the station near the Nkokoma River at an altitude of 1,900 meters, Long Miles created a centralized facility that allows for immediate processing, which is essential for maintaining the quality of high-altitude coffee.

In practice, Ninga functions as a bridge between thousands of smallholder farmers and the global specialty coffee market. The station is designed to process coffee with a focus on traceability, often separating lots by the specific 'colline' or hill where the coffee was grown. This granular approach allows roasters and consumers to identify the unique characteristics of coffee from specific micro-regions, such as Bumba Hill, which has gained recognition for producing exceptional lots with distinct flavor profiles like poached pear, baking spice, and citrus.

Processing at Ninga follows rigorous specialty standards. Cherries are typically hand-picked at peak ripeness, floated, and hand-sorted to remove defects before being de-pulped. The fermentation process is meticulous, often involving a dual-stage approach: an initial dry fermentation followed by a submerged water fermentation. After rinsing and density grading, the coffee is dried on traditional African raised beds for several weeks until it reaches the ideal moisture content. This level of control ensures that the inherent quality of the Bourbon-heavy varieties grown in the region is preserved.

For the farmers, the existence of the Ninga station represents a significant shift in the economic landscape of their communities. By providing a reliable, high-quality processing partner, the project helps farmers secure better prices for their labor. The expansion of the Long Miles network—which now works with thousands of families across multiple countries—is rooted in the success of these localized washing stations. The station acts not just as a factory, but as a community hub that facilitates the transition from commodity-grade production to high-value specialty coffee.

For roasters and drinkers, Ninga-processed coffees are prized for their clarity and complexity. The station’s ability to maintain lot separation means that the specific terroir of the Kayanza region—characterized by high elevations and rich soil—is clearly expressed in the cup. Whether it is a washed process or a honey-processed lot, the consistency achieved at Ninga has made it a sought-after source for specialty roasters worldwide who prioritize transparency and direct impact.

Today, the Ninga washing station stands as a testament to the impact of infrastructure investment in coffee-producing regions. By reducing the physical and economic distance between the farmer and the market, the station has helped elevate the reputation of Burundian coffee on the international stage. It remains a vital component of the Long Miles Coffee Project’s mission to foster sustainable, high-quality coffee production that benefits both the producer and the final consumer.