Rwanda - Maraba Coop Women's Coffee

The Maraba Cooperative, established in 2001, has significantly impacted Rwanda's coffee industry. Initially formed by 20 growers as part of a USAID-funded development program to improve the lives of farmers in the mid-90s, it now includes over 1,500 members, with about 35% being women. The cooperative operates four washing stations in the Southern Province, allowing meticulous processing and drying of coffee.  The cooperative provides financial support for school fees, health services, and access to a credit fund for home loans and farming equipment. Profits are reinvested into shared infrastructure, resources, and training to improve coffee yield and quality. Maraba also offers organic pesticides at a discount and produces its own organic fertilizer. Training on sustainable farming practices, such as intercropping, is regularly provided. The cooperative's dry mill, built in 2006, enhances quality control and job creation in the Huye District. Maraba's careful processing methods ensure high-quality coffee, contributing to the cooperative's success and the economic stability of its members.