A Coffee Journey to Rwanda: Visiting the Womens’ Coffee Washing Station at Sake Farm.
Coffee has long been an integral part of Rwanda’s culture and economy, symbolizing resilience and innovation in a country that has faced immense challenges. On my recent trip to Rwanda one of the highlights was Sake Farm, where I had the opportunity to explore a women-run coffee washing station. This visit allowed me to learn more about the coffee process, the pivotal role women play in the industry, and the dedication of the people who are transforming Rwanda’s coffee landscape.
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A Stopover in Amsterdam: Evening at ‘In de Wildeman’
Before heading to Rwanda, I had a stopover in Amsterdam allowing me to take a break and enjoy the city. Wanting to explore a favourite haunt, I spent the evening at In de Wildeman, one of the city’s oldest and most renowned bars, known for its rich history and incredible selection of craft beers. Located in a historic building with a warm, inviting ambiance, In de Wildeman offered a perfect contrast to the tropical adventure I was about to embark on.
As I sipped on a local brew, I found myself thinking about the many connections that coffee creates around the world. Amsterdam, with its long history of coffee trade and culture, felt like an ideal place to reflect on my upcoming journey to Rwanda. I would soon be able to experience in person the organisation of this women’s washing station proudly owned by Marie Laetitia Kayitesire . After a few more rounds and lively conversation with the friendly locals, I caught a late night foot ferry back to my hotel where my mind turned to the next day and my flight to Kigali, excited for the experience awaiting me in Rwanda
The Arrival in Rwanda: A Land of Coffee and Culture
Although this was not my first visit to a coffee producing African country, arriving in Rwanda, I was immediately struck by the lush landscapes and the warm smiles of the people. Known as the "Land of a Thousand Hills," Rwanda’s scenic beauty is matched only by the rich cultural traditions that permeate its society. The country’s coffee industry is a significant part of its agricultural backbone, and it is no surprise that Rwanda’s beans are highly prized globally for their unique flavour profiles, through a combination of the country’s rich volcanic soils and high-altitude climate. The rich red of the soil, full of nutrients was contrasted with the vibrant colours and patterns of the womens’ umushanana.
Sake Farm, located in Ngoma district in the Western Province, is an initiative designed to empower female farmers and create sustainable economic opportunities in rural areas. I particularly wanted to visit this farm as it produces one of my favourite coffees.
The Heart of Sake Farm: A Womens’ Coffee Washing Station
A coffee washing station is an essential facility in the post-harvest process, where raw coffee cherries are processed to remove the outer fruit layer before the beans are dried and prepared for export. At Sake Farm, this washing station is run predominantly by women, who are key to the production process. Upon arrival I was greeted by a lively group of women working together sorting the freshly harvested coffee cherries, washing them, and preparing them for further processing.
Sake Farm is a prime example of how community-focused initiatives can elevate the role of women in the coffee industry. For years, women in rural Rwanda have been the backbone of agricultural labour, but they’ve often been side-lined when it comes to leadership and decision-making. The washing station at Sake Farm, however, flips that narrative. It provides women with the opportunity to not only work but also have a say in the operations and decisions that affect their livelihoods. Many of the women working there are also members of cooperative groups, which further empower them through shared resources, training, and collective bargaining power.
Empowering Women Through Coffee Production
The most remarkable aspect of the washing station at Sake Farm is its ability to provide a sustainable income for women. By being involved in every stage of coffee production—from the harvesting of cherries to processing them into high-quality beans.
The women at Sake Farm are also taught best practices for producing the highest quality coffee beans, which boosts the farm’s reputation and allows it to command premium prices. The involvement of women not only helps improve the quality of coffee but also provides training for these women, giving them a level of financial independence and social standing they may not have previously had.
Coffee Processing Journey: From Cherry to Cup
As I spent more time at Sake Farm, I learned about the entire coffee processing journey, which begins when the coffee cherries are picked from the farm’s coffee trees. After harvest, the cherries are sorted and washed to remove the outer layers, a process that helps determine the coffee’s overall flavour. The women at Sake Farm take great pride in their work, and it was evident that attention to detail is paramount.
The washed beans are then dried under the sun, and the women rotate them throughout the day to ensure they dry evenly. The process requires constant monitoring, as the beans must not over-dry or retain too much moisture. Once the beans are properly dried, they are hulled to remove any remaining parchment layer and sorted by grade. The highest quality beans are then packaged for export, while others may be sold locally or used for other purposes.
What struck me about the women at the washing station was the deep sense of pride they took in their work. Each step of the process, from picking to sorting, was done with care and precision. They understood that their work not only affected the quality of the coffee but also their community’s reputation in the market. I was invited to taste some of the freshly brewed coffee made from beans processed at the washing station, and the cup was clean, crisp with red berry and a milk chocolate mouth coating finish—a testament to the women’s dedication to their craft. As Rwanda continues to develop its coffee industry, Sake Farm stands as an example of how women’s leadership and participation in agricultural sectors can drive social and economic progress.
Reflections: A Journey Worth Taking
My trip to Rwanda and the visit to the womens’ coffee washing station at Sake Farm was an experience that left a lasting impact on me. It not only deepened my appreciation for the complexities of coffee production but also made me reflect on the importance of supporting women in agriculture. The resilience and determination of the women at Sake Farm inspired me, and I left with a renewed sense of purpose in how I view the coffee I drink and the people who cultivate it.
Sake Farm reinforced the notion that coffee is more than just a beverage. It is a catalyst for change, a means of empowerment, and a tool for economic development. As I left Rwanda, I knew that every sip of coffee from this region would carry with it a story of resilience, community, and the strength of women driving positive change in their lives and the world around them.