RWANDA – MUSHONYI

Description

Country: Rwanda

Region: Rutsiro

Washing Station: Mushonyi Station

Producer/Farmer: Small Farm Holders

Altitude: 1800-2000 MASL

Variety: Arabica – Red Bourbon

Processing: Fully Washed

Flavours: Poached Pear, Raisins, Butterscotch

In Rwanda, most coffee is smallholder-grown at altitudes ranging from 1350 to 1850 meters on family farms averaging less than a hectare in size, and typically possessing fewer than 200 trees. 1,810 smallholder farmers contribute their crops to this coffee, 68% of whom are men, and 32% women. The are provided with training and resources by RWACOF through ‘Farm Field Schools’, Demo-plots, and free access to coffee nurseries. Educational programs are provided on best agricultural practices, sustainable farming, business and economics information, and social wellbeing.

On arrival to the Mushonyi station, the cherries are quickly inspected, weighed, and loaded into a de-pulping machine. Farmers receive their payment according to the quantity of coffee they provide, as well as the quality. The cherries are fermented in tanks for 24 hours and then thoroughly washed to remove the mucilage. Finally the parchment is left to dry on waist-high drying beds made of wood and mesh. Around 150 people participate in careful monitoring of the drying beans, ensuring they are turned and shifted for even desiccation until they reach 12% moisture.