Coborn Coffee - Muzo - Rwanda

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Coborn Coffee - Muzo - Rwanda, 250g bag

  • Farm: Coffee delivered to Muzo washing station
  • Varietal: Red Bourbon
  • Process: Fully Washed
  • Altitude: 1,570 to 2,100 metres above sea level
  • Berries and chocolate orange

Muzo washing station is nestled in the rolling hills near the heart of Rwanda, about a 2-hour drive northwest of the capital. With altitudes reaching up to 2,000 meters above sea level, it’s no surprise that the coffees processed here are some of the most dynamic each season.

As one of the most mountainous regions in Rwanda, many farmers live in areas that make the journey to deliver cherries particularly strenuous. To assist those living in the highest altitudes and hardest-to-reach areas, Baho has established a free collection service for Muzo washing station. Producers still receive the full price for their cherries, while Baho covers the extra costs of sending a station leader to collect coffee directly from their homes.

In this region, as in many others, women often struggle to achieve financial independence. Additionally, cultural norms and stigma can lead to social isolation, depression, and hopelessness. In response, Baho Coffee initiated a solidarity group for these women, who chose the name Izikere, meaning "Hope" in Kinyarwanda. Through this group, Baho Coffee is empowering women to become more resilient and regain their place in society and their communities. To support them, Baho has provided training on coffee growing, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and coffee quality management.

Beyond training, Baho Coffee offers annual health insurance and provides short-term loans for family development. Through Baho, Ikizere members receive fair prices for their cherries and have the opportunity to market their coffee as "women-produced," which adds value for both growers and roasters. Members also receive price premiums for their high-quality coffee and their women-produced status. Most importantly, these women now feel valued and empowered. Their progress serves as an inspiration to other women who wish to invest in themselves and transform their lives.

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      About Coborn:

      The aim of sourcing and roasting consistently high-quality coffee whilst ensuring that it is accessible to as many people as possible was a conversation that would eventually lead to Coborn being founded by Kenny and Justin in an East London pub on Coborn Road.  

      We only source coffee that comes from a named female-producer or a majority women-owned farm. Women make up the majority of the coffee production labour force but represent a shockingly small number of farm ownership.

      It’s very easy in this industry to signal that you’re doing the right thing or allied to the correct causes but when you scratch a little, cracks often appear. We don’t want a veneer of righteousness, we actually want to ensure we are living out our beliefs. That means we feel the pinch a bit more because we want farmers to be paid well whilst not making the coffee completely unaffordable for our customers.