Recognising our farmers in Rwanda

The farmers were selected through a thorough two-stage evaluation process led by a committee of farmer group leaders and agronomists. The assessment focused on the adoption of best agricultural practices, including manure application, pruning, mulching, shade management, pest and disease control, correct spacing between coffee trees and rows, weeding, erosion control, composting and farm record-keeping.

From each of the 22 farmer groups, the two top-performing farmers were selected and awarded pigs. These pigs will be raised at the farmers’ homes, helping to increase the availability of organic manure to fertilise coffee trees. This complements the use of cow manure and supports improved coffee productivity over time.

The initiative also brings wider benefits for farming households. Pig farming can help diversify household income, creating more resilience for families and supporting stronger livelihoods beyond the coffee farm.

During the event, Pelican Rouge Coffee’s Rwanda Blend was served, creating a meaningful connection between the farming communities supported by the Selecta Coffee Fund and the coffee enjoyed by consumers.  The Rwanda blend sources beans directly from our farmers to use in the roasting process, the first time that the farm yield's have been strong enough to supply our roaster, largely due to the support the farmers have had through the Fund to improve farming practices.

Recognising top-performing farmers is an important part of the Selecta Coffee Fund’s work in Rwanda. It celebrates the dedication, care and progress of farming communities, while encouraging more farmers to apply the knowledge and skills gained through SCF-Rwanda programmes.

By supporting practical, farm-level improvements, the Selecta Coffee Fund is helping coffee communities build a more sustainable future, one rooted in better farming practices, stronger livelihoods and long-term impact.

Through the Selecta Coffee Fund impact areas, we aim to improve the livelihoods of coffee farmers, foster social equity, maintain thriving ecosystems, reduce carbon emissions and protect our ecosystem.

If this news interests you, we encourage you to read our Selecta Coffee Fund Brochure, in which we describe our projects more in detail. Day-in and day-out at Selecta is about sustainable coffee. So, we want to thank our clients for the support and will keep updating you in the coming months.