Ejo Heza Overcomes Challenges to Produce Experimental Coffee

March 25, 2026

Kopakama leaders, including leaders of the Ejo Heza women's group met via video conference with Aritsan last week. They reviewed the challenges that lay ahead as they seek to produce experimental coffee processes using cherry from Ejo Heza. The debate included cherry pricing and calculating the final natural coffee premium.

The team confirmed previous success with anaerobic and natural processes and decided to start producing 10 bags of natural coffee for the 2026 season. Customer feedback highly praised the Natural from Mushabati Washing Station, citing flavors like red fruit and red berries.

Thanks to input from Kenni, the volunteer from Japan, the team was able to recognize that current cherry delivery is insufficient for producing the target quantity of natural coffee, necessitating 5,400 kilograms of cherries. A smaller target of only 5 bags, or 2700 kilos, was deemed more achievable.

A debate ensured over how to incentivize Ejo Heza farmers to bring the cherry from their own farms at their homes to the washing station. 2 Rwandan francs per kilogram was deemed too low. No final decision about farmer incentives at reception were made.

Artisan pointed out that natural coffee will earn a premium ranging from 50 cents to $2 per kilogram above the fully washed price of $9.45. Valens Ndereyimana, the managing director, committed to calculating the final cost of production and price to finalize the natural coffee contract.

Everyone is looking forward to hearing the cupping the results of the experiments with Ejo Heza women's coffee when Ruth Ann travels to Rwanda in June. Stay tuned!