Rwanda Hingakawa Co-op

The Hingakawa co-op (“Let’s Grow Coffee”) Rushashi coffee cooperative, located in the northern mountainous region of the district of Gakenke is situated at an altitude of 1700-1900 meters and encompasses five distinct zones. The coffee cooperative was formed in 2004 and due to a strong women’s movement became the first Women’s’ Farmer Association of its kind in Rwanda.

The women of Hingakawa have been witness to some of the darkest periods of Rwandan history. Since this group includes both Hutu and Tutsi, the women made a decision to make poverty their mutual enemy rather than each other; and with this sentiment, they have been able to move forward and heal their community through their leadership.

Hingakawa, as the name suggests is more of a chant than it is a mere statement. It is a resolution to fight an epidemic that has crippled and claimed lives of numerous households. That epidemic is commonly known as poverty in these parts. These women have had enough and have come together to yell out loud “LET’S GROW COFFEE” – and together, reclaim our lives from this entrapment.

This coffee is close to our heart. We are grateful to have a direct relationship with the Hingakawa Co-op for the last 9 years.