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Founded in 1999, the Abakundakawa cooperative now has over 2,100 members in northern Rwanda, over 40% of whom are women. These small Arabica coffee growers produce high-quality coffee, certified fair trade since 2005 and organic since 2017, exported directly to some 15 customers.
Rwanda is a relatively politically stable country, with one of the highest population densities in the world (over 500 inhabitants / km2) and still significant demographic growth (2.3% / year), but is not one of the countries most at risk from climate change according to the Germanwatch ranking. The country’s corruption perception index (Transparency International) is better than the regional average (ranking of 52nd out of 180), and its environmental policy is stricter than in neighbouring countries (land use, water and waste management).
The lack of alternation at the top of the state, continuing high levels of inequality, and the country’s still low HDI (165th out of 189 countries) are the most significant risk or limiting factors.
Quality certifications and facilities provide access to the international market, as well as better prices and operational efficiency, which in turn leads to better remuneration for producers. Producers also benefit free of charge from the cooperative’s training and monitoring services, as well as its nurseries and aids. Specific actions help to promote the inclusion of women and young people. Abakundakawa’s activities are also helping to create jobs in the Rushashi area: 23 permanent employees and 254 seasonal workers by 2022.
