COCAHU (Cooperative des Caféiculteurs de Humure)

June 2025

Active members: 212

Female members: 47

Male members: 165

Active from year: 2005

Total production of members (estimate): 45,000 KG

Product: Coffee

Harvest Season: March-July

Export season: From August to December

Certifications: N/A

EUDR: “EUDR ready” for the 2025 harvest

Sales information

Product : Arabica Bourbon Coffee

What makes COCAHU special?

COCAHU has a very well-equipped washing station, recently complemented by a first-class coffee warehouse and the acquisition of a truck through a grant from USADF. They now want to boost their coffee production from two to four containers.

In 2022 the cooperative acquired a three-hectare plot which is shared between the 46-strong women’s association and the recently founded youth association. The first significant harvest will be in 2025, and COCAHU would like to produce a microlot of around 500 kilos.

The cooperative would like to gain RFA and Fairtrade certifications as soon as they see market demand.

History

COCAHU was established in 2005 as a cooperative with 213 members, including 46 women. Since 2007, it has been recognized by the Rwanda Cooperative Agency (RCA) and was officially registered on May 17, 2010, in accordance with RCA requirements. COCAHU’s vision is to empower coffee farmers who have long faced the challenges of small-scale farming. Recognizing coffee’s potential as a driver for change, we united to form a cooperative that provides farmers with a stronger market presence, better resources, and opportunities to improve their livelihoods.

Key Achievements

  • Increased Coffee Production: We have successfully increased the number of coffee trees among small-scale farmers, leading to a higher volume of coffee production.
  • Improved Coffee Quality: Through focused efforts on training and better farming practices, the quality of the coffee produced has significantly improved.
  • Enhanced Farmer Income: As a result of increased production and improved quality, the income of small-scale coffee farmers has seen a notable rise.
  • Social Initiatives: We’ve implemented social programs, including job creation, health insurance for members, and social security contributions, which have positively impacted the well-being of our community.

Milestones

  • Sustainability Efforts: We have initiated several sustainability projects aimed at reducing the environmental impact of coffee farming, ensuring long-term viability.
  • Community Development: Our cooperative has played a pivotal role in community development, improving the livelihoods of farmers and their families.
  • Training Programs: We have conducted numerous training sessions focusing on modern coffee farming techniques and risk management, equipping farmers with the necessary skills to thrive.

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Buhanga coffee cooperative

June 2025

Active members: 400
Active from year: 2009

Female members: 134

Male members: 266

Youth (18-35): 52

Total production of members (estimate): 500.000 kg of cherries

Product: Coffee
Certifications: in process (Fair Trade)

Harvest Season: March-June

Export season: From September to December

EUDR: “EUDR ready” for the 2025 harvest

Sales information

Product : Arabica Bourbon Coffee
Annual export volumes (Historical): Has only exported microlots to date, other coffee is sold locally

What makes Buhanga different?

The newly elected board is deeply committed to fostering greater involvement of young people in coffee production, recognizing the vital role they play in shaping the future of the industry. To achieve this, we are taking two key approaches:

  • Encouraging farmers to provide their children with a portion of land and coffee trees to manage, giving them the opportunity to earn an income and develop hands-on experience.
  • Supporting initiatives led by inspiring young leaders like Anesia, our 23-year-old agronomist. In 2022, Anesia established a savings group for young people, which began with 30 members meeting weekly. Today, the group has grown to 52 members, and alongside financial empowerment, Anesia provides valuable agronomy training.

Looking ahead, we are excited about the possibility of producing and marketing a special “Youth Coffee,” showcasing the talent and dedication of the next generation.

Mission

To improve livelihoods and financial independence of its cooperative members through preparing its production in heavy quantity with quality to promote farmers and securing access to economical and environmental sustainability.

Vision

To become the leading producer of specialty Arabica coffee, positioning Buhanga Coffee as a competitive, high-quality green coffee brand on the international market through exceptional taste and export excellence.

Farmer engagement

Assist cooperative members in covering health insurance for farmers, supplying livestock to support organic manure production, preparing and providing shade trees to help farmers protect soil from erosion, and promoting solar energy use to reduce CO2 emissions.

Key achievements

  • Production has increased due to preparing and distributing 30,000 seedlings to farmers each year at no cost.
  • Soil and environmental protection has improved by providing shade trees to our farmers.
  • Staff are highly qualified, having received extensive training in agroecology (agronomists) and financial management (accountants).
  • Strong governance has been achieved, supported by capable leaders committed to cooperative sustainability.
  • Coffee quality has improved, with cupping scores increasing from 84 to a range of 85–87.
  • Soil analysis has been conducted, enabling soil improvements based on results to boost production levels.
  • Coffee traceability has been enhanced by collecting data through the Beyco app.
  • Skills in price risk management help protect our business from losses due to market fluctuations.
  • Training in marketing has provided knowledge on finding buyers and building stronger relationships.

Contact Progreso for more information: yasmin@progreso.nl

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Looking back on some incredible years at Progreso

It’s not easy to say goodbye to someone who’s made such a lasting impact in a short time. After these past few years of her time at Progreso, we’ve said farewell to our Managing Director, Anneke Goede. And while her departure leaves us a little nostalgic, we mostly feel proud and grateful for her leadership, her care, and everything we’ve built together during her time at Progreso.

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