Turihamwe

Turihamwe Turashobora, which translates from Kirundi to "Together We Can!," is a pioneering women-led coffee organization based in the Ngozi province of Burundi. Situated near Mparamirundi, close to the borders of Kayanza and Rwanda, the station serves as a flagship project for JNP Coffee. The organization emerged from the Burundi chapter of the International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA), representing a collective effort by local women to transition from mere coffee growers to owners of their own processing infrastructure.

The establishment of the Turihamwe wet mill in 2018 was a landmark achievement for the group. By pooling premiums earned through JNP Coffee’s "Dushime" payment program—a system designed to reward quality and provide transparent financial incentives—the women were able to fund the construction of their own facility. This investment allows them to maintain rigorous quality control standards and bypass traditional intermediaries, ensuring that the value generated by their labor remains within their community.

Leadership at the station is defined by a deep commitment to excellence, exemplified by figures like Pauline Ntaconkurikira, one of the few female wet mill owners in Burundi. Her dedication to the craft is such that she has been documented working late into the night at the station to ensure the processing of the harvest meets specialty standards. This hands-on approach is central to the identity of Turihamwe, where the focus is on elevating the quality of the coffee to compete on the global specialty market.

The coffee produced at Turihamwe typically features a blend of Bourbon, Jackson, and Mibirizi varieties, cultivated at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 1,950 meters. These high-altitude conditions, combined with the meticulous washed processing methods employed at the station, result in a distinct flavor profile. Roasters and consumers often describe the cup as having vibrant acidity, with notes ranging from black tea, bergamot, and stone fruit to sweet caramel, chocolate, and citrus.

Beyond the technical aspects of coffee production, Turihamwe has become a symbol of social impact. The organization has been featured in collaborative initiatives, such as partnerships with roasters like Joe Coffee, where proceeds from the sale of Turihamwe coffee have supported youth programs, including the Lincoln Center’s Young Artist Pipeline. These efforts highlight how the cooperative’s success extends beyond the farm gate, creating a "double impact" that benefits both the women producers in Burundi and broader community development projects.

For the specialty coffee industry, Turihamwe represents a shift toward greater equity and traceability. By providing a platform for women entrepreneurs to manage their own business operations, the project challenges historical gender disparities in the coffee supply chain. The success of the station serves as a case study for how targeted premiums and direct trade relationships can foster sustainable development and professional autonomy for women in East Africa.

Today, Turihamwe stands as a testament to the resilience and expertise of Burundian women. It is frequently cited by industry professionals as a standard-bearer for JNP Coffee’s ethos, proving that when farmers are given the tools and financial agency to control their own processing, the result is not only a superior product but a more robust and equitable coffee economy.