How coffee can change your life

Rwanda, a country known for its stunning beauty and tragic history, is now making headlines for something entirely different - its booming coffee industry. Coffee production in Rwanda has become a major player in the country's economy, bringing in close to $60 million annually in foreign exchange earnings. But the impact of this industry goes far beyond just numbers and profits, it is changing lives and uplifting communities across the nation. One such story is that of Elia Suche's Amungu, a coffee farmer living in Mutanderi's sector in Goma district, over 100 kilometers away from the capital city of Kigali. Elia, like many other farmers in Rwanda, has found hope and stability through coffee farming. With close to 9,000 coffee trees on his land, Elia has managed to not only provide for his family but also invest in a better future. By expanding his plantation to 15,000 trees, Elia has been able to send his children to school, afford medical insurance, and improve the quality of life for his entire family. This is just one example of how coffee farming in Rwanda is transforming lives and creating opportunities for its people. The journey of Rwandan coffee from the farm to the cup is nothing short of remarkable. The harvested coffee beans are transported in wide load trucks to Kigali, where they undergo a meticulous process of cleaning, roasting, and packaging for export. Since 2009, Rwanda has been focusing on producing high-quality fully washed coffee, investing in washing stations and farmer training to ensure a superior product. Today, the country exports about 10.5 million pounds of fully washed coffee annually, with a commitment to maintaining quality over quantity. Rwanda's coffee industry is not just about numbers and figures; it's about impacting lives and communities in a meaningful way. The success of Rwanda's coffee sector is evident in the statistics, with the country exporting 23,000 tons of coffee in 2017 alone. The projected increase to 24,500 tons in 2018 reflects the growing demand and reputation of Rwandan coffee on the global market. One of the most remarkable aspects of Rwanda's coffee industry is its ability to create thousands of jobs along the value chain. From farmers like Elia to workers in washing stations and packaging facilities, the coffee sector has become a significant source of employment in the country. This ripple effect of job creation is not only boosting the local economy but also fostering a sense of pride and purpose among Rwandans. As Rwanda continues to make strides in the coffee industry, the impact goes beyond economic benefits; it's about transforming lives and communities one coffee bean at a time.