Abakundakawa Co-op Rusashi Fairtrade

The story behind Abakundakawa Co-op Rusashi Fairtrade

“A story about a Rare and exquisite coffee, from an elegant and brave People” – Arthur Karuletwa Abakundakawa (“Those Who Love Coffee”) Coffee Cooperative, first established in 2004, is located in the northern mountainous region of the district of Gakenke. It is perched at an altitude of 1700-1900 meters and is flanked by five distinct growing zones. Though the coffee cooperative was first established and formed in 2004 it is well known for courageously recognizing the first Women’s Only Farmer Association of its kind in Rwanda soon after inception.

Abakundakawa coffee cooperative is now well represented by two women's coffee associations, Hingakawa (“Let’s Grow Coffee”) and Dakundakawa. (“We love Coffee”). The women of Hingakawa, a subsidiary association of Abakundakawa Co-op, are both a witness and victims of some of the darkest periods in Rwanda’s history - the 1994 Rwanda Genocide.

Hingakawa, as the name suggests (“Let’s Grow Coffee”), is more of a chant than it is a mere statement. It is less about ‘growing coffee’ and more of a resolution to lock arms and fight a social endemic that has crippled and claimed the lives of their brothers and sisters - “Poverty.” These women have had enough and have come together to yell out loud “LET’S GROW COFFEE” together - and reclaim our lives.