Burundi Coffee: Uplifting Farmers and Enhancing Global Quality
Burundi, nicknamed the heart of Africa, produces mainly Arabica coffee, which is known for its bright acidity, rich fruit notes, and well-balanced body. In 2022, the nation exported $31.1M of coffee, making this an important cash crop for smallholder farmers.
TechnoServe launched the USDA Food for Progress Burundi Better Coffee Initiative, “Ikawa Nziza mu Burundi,” to benefit 60,000 coffee farming households over the next five years by focusing on improving quality and climate resilience. Our local partners include the Kahawatu Foundation, the Burundi Development Agency, and the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI).
Importance of Q Graders in Burundi
For those unfamiliar, Quality Graders or Q Graders are internationally certified coffee experts with specialized sensory skills that allow them to evaluate and communicate coffee quality meticulously and objectively. Their expertise helps coffee producers receive fair prices for their high-quality beans, ultimately benefiting farmers and enhancing the international reputation of Burundian coffee.
Before this year, Burundi had only two Q Graders, making it difficult for processors and exporters to access their expertise to assess and improve the quality of their coffee.
Establishing New Q Graders for Burundi Coffee
TechnoServe saw an important opportunity to boost Burundi’s coffee industry by increasing the number of Q Arabica Graders. Earlier this year, we launched the first round of training in partnership with CQI. The program brought together over 20 individuals with some prior cupping experience and used the rigorous CQI-led course to prepare them for their final examination and certification.
Initially, low student success rates reflected the strict standards of the Q Arabica Grader Certificate. TechnoServe and CQI collaborated to offer tailored coaching sessions to better equip participants for the course. This customized instruction yielded impressive results: eight Burundians achieved their Q Arabica Grader certification!
Remarkably, this success bumped the number of Q Arabica Graders in Burundi from two to 10.
“Participating as a Q Grader for the first time was an incredible experience and very promising,” said Annociatte Dusabe. “Given my position as a woman in the coffee industry, I am hopeful that [achieving this certification] will increase my credibility both in the sector and in my organization. My long-term goal is to participate in various competitions and sessions as a Q Grader, potentially even internationally.”
Building More Support for Burundi’s Coffee Farmers
This new wave of Q Graders will ensure that Burundi’s coffee reaches new heights in quality and reputation on the global market. They will help increase the Burundi coffee sector’s ability to assess coffee quality in exporter laboratories and at processor facilities, which is necessary to reduce defects, achieve export-grade coffee quality, and effectively communicate coffee quality to green buyers.
This achievement also establishes a strong foundation for future cohorts. Several other participants are very close to achieving certification. They will be eligible to fulfill the remaining requirements for Q Arabica Grader certification in the next round of CQI’s training.
This exciting development is further bolstered by the creation of the very first Burundi Q-Grader Association (Burundi Q-Grader Association), supported by TechnoServe. This newly formed association represents a major step forward for Burundi’s coffee sector, providing a platform for these certified Q Graders to collaborate, promote quality, and advocate for the industry nationally and internationally.
“The arrival of Q-Graders and the establishment of the Q-Grader Association in Burundi is a game-changer for our coffee sector,” said Jérémie Ndayishimiye, who won certification in this first cohort. “It ensures consistency in our coffee quality and strengthens our ability to promote Burundian coffee globally with confidence.”
Meet Burundi’s New Q Graders
Annociatte Dusabe: A Q Arabica Grader with seven years of experience, Annociatte has trained farmers and managed coffee quality in various roles. Her certifications in Specialty Coffee Association sensory skills and CQI cupping have made her a sought-after expert in Burundi’s coffee industry.
Emery Karayiranga: A Q-Grader since 2024, Emery leads the Quality Control and Production team at Kahawa Link Company. His journey into coffee started with a family challenge, and today, he’s a key player in enhancing the quality of Burundian coffee.
Domitien Bizimana: With over 20 years in the coffee industry, Domitien was Burundi’s first Q-Grader, certified in 2009. His work as a coffee quality controller has been instrumental in setting high standards for Burundian coffee.
Eliane Uwihaye: Known as the “Cupping Guardian” at KALICO, Éliane has 15 years of experience ensuring coffee quality at every stage of production. As a Q-Grader, she plays a vital role in ensuring that KALICO’s coffee meets international standards.
Jérémie Ndayishiye: A seasoned coffee professional since 1995, Jérémie has taken his love for coffee from the washing station to international competitions. His role as a Q-Grader is not just about cupping; it’s about uplifting farmers and producers to realize the full potential of Burundian coffee.
Eddy Nkanagu: He brings a unique blend of experience, transitioning from the finance sector in Switzerland to the agricultural heart of Burundi. With over five years of experience in the tea and coffee industries, his passion for his homeland has driven him to make an impact in Burundi’s coffee scene. Now a Q Grader, Eddy is a Fellow with TechnoServe and plays a pivotal role in the Burundi Better Coffee Initiative. His expertise helps elevate the standards and marketability of Burundian coffee, ensuring that the nation’s beans continue to shine on the global stage.
Ephrem Sebatigita: He has an impressive 44 years of experience and is a true pillar of Burundi’s coffee industry. A third-generation coffee producer, he has held senior positions in the government and the private sector. He currently manages a coffee washing station in Kayanza province. As a certified CQI coffee processing instructor and Q Processing Level 3 Expert, his work in education highlights his dedication to improving coffee quality. Despite his background in electronics and IT, Ephrem’s deep passion for coffee has made him an invaluable figure in production.
Clémence Nsabimana: Clémence has several years of experience in agriculture, focusing on tea and coffee. She works at ODECA as a quality controller, ensuring the highest quality standards are maintained. Her passion for agriculture and commitment to supporting her home country drives her efforts to enhance the industry’s reputation and performance.
Let’s give a huge round of applause to everyone whose dedication and expertise are set to elevate Burundi’s coffee farmers and industry!
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food for Progress Burundi Better Coffee Initiative will assist 60,000 coffee farming households, including 30% women and 30% youth, in Kayanza, Ngozi, Page 2 of 11 Muyinga, Karuzi, and Gitega provinces to increase farm income by over 40%, bringing households out of poverty and on a trajectory towards living income levels. A more sustainable and inclusive coffee sector will not only build household income, but also increase Burundi’s competitiveness in the specialty coffee market. Over the course of five years, the USDA Food for Progress Burundi Better Coffee Initiative will achieve these goals through three primary outcomes:
- Farmers sustainably increase coffee productivity and strengthen diversified income streams;
- Burundian coffee enterprises deliver high-quality coffee to buyers;
- The business environment for the coffee value chain is strengthened.
