Abakundakawa ING, Gakenke, Rwanda

The word Ishema means “pride” in the Rwandan language, and the young members of the Ishema Youth Association take pride in the coffee they grow and promote. Until recently, most member farmers in Abakundakawa were of the older generations, often parents or grandparents, with less than 100 youth being members of the co-op. Since Ishema began in 2019, membership has grown to 400 young people. Ishema has two harvests, their main harvest between March-June and a fly harvest from September- November. Farms in this area tend to be very small, with only 1- 2 hectares each, so harvesting tends to be a family activity.

• Process: Washed
• Altitude: 1,700-1,900 masl 
• Drying: Raised bed
• Varietals: Bourbon, Jackson