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Kahawatu Foundation in 2024: A Year of Action & Progress
As we embark on a new year, we are reflecting on the progress we made at Kahawatu Foundation in 2024.
With the dedication and support of our teams, board, partners, donors and other stakeholders, we’ve continued to make a meaningful impact on the lives and livelihoods of coffee farmers and their communities in East Africa.
Throughout 2024, we collaborated with our incredible partners to co-design and implement projects and programs that empower coffee farmers through training and knowledge-sharing, improving wellbeing and building confidence. Here’s a glimpse of what we’ve achieved together:
Burundi
- In collaboration with Technoserve, our 38 farmer trainers and agronomists implemented a 2-year training program for 14,000+ farmers on good agricultural practices, financial literacy and income-generating activities (IGAs), as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food for Progress Burundi Better Coffee Initiative.
- Facilitating 139 Village Savings & Loan Associations (VSLAs) and providing school materials to over 3,500 children from coffee farming families through a project with Blue Bottle Coffee.
Rwanda
- Partnering with Nestlé Zoégas to help set up 217 VSLAs (with 5,865 members) and 11 IGAs that support 321 farmers, as well as supporting 170 individual farmers to set up small businesses.
- Working with Rwacof and 100 Weeks to support 750 farmers through training on coffee tree renovation and distribution of pruning saws. 116,650+ aged coffee trees have been stumped.
- Training 4,300+ farmers on reproductive health and identifying 31 VSLAs, which were supported with cash and livestock investment to enhance their capacity and diversify their income sources, as part of a project with Rikolto International.
Throughout the year, we had the privilege of working with some truly dedicated farmers, 3 of whom have shared their inspiring Stories of Change.
“I am happy that my sessions are helping people, especially fellow women, to change their mindset about coffee production.”
“Today I am the role model for many women in my community, I have 5 women whom I teach how to start small income-generating activities to become self-employed.”
– Read Godiose’s story
“The savings and knowledge I’ve gained have empowered me to think beyond my current situation. I aim to grow more coffee and create a sustainable source of income for my family.”
– Read Xavera’s story
We are incredibly grateful to all the people and organizations who contributed to Kahawatu Foundation’s work in 2024, including our teams, valued partners and donors. Your support has made a real difference, and we’re excited to continue this journey together in 2025.
Want to learn more or get involved? Contact our team – we would love to hear from you!
Stories of change
