In the absence of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), it can be difficult for coffee farmers to access the finance they need to manage the day- to-day running of their farm and household. Sometimes, coffee farmers have to sell their immature coffee at a low price, generally resulting in a loss.
But with the establishment of VSLAs and introduction of non-coffee activities, such as bee farming, poultry rearing, and other small livestock farming, farmers are better placed to support their families without selling their immature coffee.
With their extra income, many of Kahawatu Foundation’s beneficiaries invest in income-generating activities as confirmed by Gloriose, a Mukenyezi Terimbere association member, who owns a plantation with 100 coffee trees:
“Thanks to trainings by Kahawatu on financial literacy and VSLAs, I was able to open a store with the money I saved last year in my VSLA group; . I also added to the income from my coffee crop and was able to buy a plot in a swamp for investment in peanut and bean crops.
Today, the schooling of my children is no longer a problem: I know that if something happens to me that requires an amount that I don’t have, I can ask for a loan from my group and I will be able to pay it back without problems. Without these associations, it would be very difficult for us women, especially widows, to become economically independent.”
Stories of change
Amplifying voices from coffee communities.
Improve wellbeing , Professionalize farmers
Case study: Frederick’s story
Burundi
June 22, 2023
“In the 1990s and 2000s, the cultivation of coffee in our area was almost abandoned, but I did not stop
Build confidence , Professionalize farmers
Case study: Denyse’s story
Rwanda
June 22, 2023
“Denyse completed secondary school but couldn’t afford to go to university so she started helping her parents in the farm.”
Build confidence , Improve wellbeing
Case study: The role of women’s associations
Burundi
June 22, 2023
“In the 1990s and 2000s, the cultivation of coffee in our area was almost abandoned, but I did not stop
