The history of coffee: Rwanda, peace through coffee sales
In the interior of Central Africa lies the Republic of Rwanda. It is a small country characterised by high wooded hills and lakes. It ranks among the top 30 coffee producers in the world. Despite the fact that it cannot match the coffee production of nearby and coffee-famous Ethiopia, Rwandan coffee has a lot to offer.
RWANDAN COFFEE PRODUCTION
Rwanda began growing and exporting coffee in the early 19th century with the arrival of German settlers. Thelocal countryside has excellent conditions for growing coffee. In the 1980s, Rwanda had the highest coffee production in its history. At this time, Rwandans produced over 400 000 bags of coffee (1 bag - 60 kg). At that time, coffee accounted for about 70% of the country's export earnings. In recent years, production has exceeded 250 000 bags of coffee.
Arabica coffeeis the main coffee grown in Rwanda . The most common types of coffee are mainly Bourbon and also Caturra and Catuai. Usually the coffee is processed using thewet (washed) method or the natural method. Rwandan coffees from the Western Province around Lake Kivu are known for their high quality. The beans from Rwanda have gained popularity among coffee lovers because of theirbalanced, delicate flavour, full of sweet and floral notes.
The quality of coffee has become a central focus for coffee growers in Rwanda over the past few years. Through government support to the coffee industry in collaboration with other organizations, many changeshave been made toimprove socio-economic conditions in Rwanda. The government has initiated the establishment of more than 300 central washing stations. Private companies and organizations support education and provide training on good agricultural practices or coffee quality control.
HATRED, TERROR AND MURDER AMONG NEIGHBOURS
Abloody history preceded thelocal collective effort to create a quality product and gain economic stability . In this small African country, people belong to two ethnic groups - Hutu and Tutsi. Historically, there has been constant strife and fighting between members of these groups. These have transformed into civil war. In 1990, a Tutsi rebel army invaded Rwanda. Peace agreements collapsed until finally the shooting down of a plane carrying the presidents of Rwanda and Burundi in 1994was the beginning of the Rwandan genocide.
Hatred between Hutu and Tutsi led to ruthless killing. If you visit Rwanda now you will not only see coffee trees growing, but also remnants of the war and hear the horror stories of the locals. Painful memories of how the Tutsis hid in the forests or worse if they ran to hide in a church. There they became easy mass targets for Hutu radicals.
Amillion people were murderedin the Rwandan genocide and even more fled across the border to save their lives. The fighting spread to neighbouring countries, Zaire and Burundi. The civil war also led to thecollapse of the economy. At that point, coffee became a major lifeline for many.
THE RISE OF FEMINISM, COFFEE AND THE ECONOMY
Women began to take over farming, which had been run exclusively by men in the past. In war-torn Rwanda, women began replanting coffee trees. Step by step, they saved to give birth to their coffee farming. Thetraditional practice of hand-picking coffee cherries was then followed by processing them at home. At home, the growers crushed the ripe fruit of the coffee tree, washed the beans and spread them on the floor to dry. This processing procedure resulted in poor quality commodity coffee.
Investment by the state and organizations in washing stations and training of coffee growers, has led to a significant increase in the quality of Rwandan coffee. Fair Trade has provided the inspiration to grow quality coffee, as this can be certified and the farmer can be assured of at least a minimum wage even if the price on the exchange falls. But Fair Trade is only one way of promoting the cultivation of quality coffee for economic growth.
HATRED, TERROR AND MURDER AMONG NEIGHBOURS
Abloody history has preceded theconcerted local effort to create a quality product and gain economic stability . In this small African country, people belong to two ethnic groups - Hutu and Tutsi. Historically, there has been constant strife and fighting between members of these groups. These have transformed into civil war. In 1990, a Tutsi rebel army invaded Rwanda. Peace agreements collapsed until finally the shooting down of a plane carrying the presidents of Rwanda and Burundi in 1994was the beginning of the Rwandan genocide.
Hatred between Hutus and Tutsis led to ruthless killing. If you visit Rwanda now you will not only see coffee trees growing, but also remnants of the war and hear the horror stories of the locals. Painful memories of how the Tutsis hid in the forests or worse if they ran to hide in a church. There they became easy mass targets for Hutu radicals.
Amillion people were murderedin the Rwandan genocide and even more fled across the border to save their lives. The fighting spread to neighbouring countries, Zaire and Burundi. The civil war also led to thecollapse of the economy. At that point, coffee became a major lifeline for many.
THE RISE OF FEMINISM, COFFEE AND THE ECONOMY
Women began to take over farming, which had been run exclusively by men in the past. In war-torn Rwanda, women began replanting coffee trees. Step by step, they saved to give birth to their coffee farming. Thetraditional practice of hand-picking coffee cherries was then followed by processing them at home. At home, the growers crushed the ripe fruit of the coffee tree, washed the beans and spread them out on the floor to dry. This processing procedure resulted in poor quality commodity coffee.
Investment by the state and organizations in washing stations and training of coffee growers, has led to a significant increase in the quality of Rwandan coffee. Fair Trade has provided the inspiration to grow quality coffee, as this can be certified and the farmer can be assured of at least a minimum wage even if the price on the exchange falls. But Fair Trade is only one way of promoting the cultivation of quality coffee for economic growth.
QUALITY OF LIFE IN RWANDA INCREASES WITH EVERY BEAN SOLD
Coffee fermentationmethods , organic farming, as well as the prestigious "Cup of Excellence" award- which Rwanda's coffee first won in 2008 - are all ways growers can increase the value of their coffee and grow their business. Coffee brings not only money to poor Rwandans, but also abetter standard of living and self-worth. Through organised training, local people have learned to understand the 'coffee language' - the taste of coffee.
At coffee testing stations, inspection cuppings of coffeeare carried outby qualified Rwandan tasters. Tastes are discerned, coffee quality is assessed and recorded . The funds that the coffee cooperatives bring to the local community are put into, for example, the construction of schools. People regain their value and dignity through coffee. Rwandan villagers are experiencing change. Coffee cooperative offices have sprung up next to their huts, businesses such as restaurants and hairdressers are being set up, and the fact that their children have shoes is a big change for the locals.