TUK, located about three hours from Rwanda’s capital Kigali in Kayonza District, is a relatively new coffee producer group founded in 2011. Of its 163 members, 157 are women farmers.
Our recently released single-origin coffee, Rwanda Women’s Coffee TUK, is part of the Rwandan Women’s Coffee Series, which is being rolled out simultaneously at Allpress locations worldwide.
TUK’s women producers have faced numerous challenges as they produce coffee, raise their children, and invest in local infrastructure, all while supporting their communities.
TUK's Empowered Women
In collaboration with Uminomukou Coffee (the team who connected us with TUK), we interviewed Madeline Batamuriza, a proud TUK producer, to learn about the challenges she faces as a woman in Rwanda and her vision for the future.
Madeline, can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m Madeline Batamiriza, 45 years old, and I live in the Lukata Sector of Kayonza District in Rwanda’s Eastern Province. I support my family of seven by growing coffee and raising cattle.
What does coffee mean to you and the community where you live?
Coffee is not only a cash crop that brings foreign exchange to the country but also a vital source of income for our family. Thanks to the money we make from growing coffee, we’re able to cover health insurance, school fees for the children, participate in the Ejo Heza savings system (which means “Good Tomorrow, Good Future” in Kinyarwanda), and even do business with financial institutions. Coffee is also crucial to my community. By teaching others how to grow it, I’m helping them earn the money they need to support their families.
I have many memories connected to coffee. For example, learning the process from seed to cup has made me enjoy sharing coffee with my neighbours using traditional tools. I also had a meaningful experience attending coffee cultivation training in Ethiopia.
What challenges have you faced so far, and how have you managed to overcome them?
The hardest time for me was when I was living in poverty before I started growing coffee. But once I began cultivating coffee and earning an income from it, my life became much more stable.
Can you tell us about the coffee you produce?
What makes my coffee special is that, as a woman, I grow it myself and carefully follow the best farming practices to ensure high quality. I also manage the entire process, from the farm to the market, which I believe makes my coffee stand out from the rest.
How has your life changed since becoming a part of TUK?
Joining TUK has had a huge impact on my life. Meeting other members and sharing ideas has really helped improve the lives of our families. Now, I’m able to live in a nice house, pay for my children’s school fees, and work with pride as a professional coffee farmer. I’ve also been able to take part in savings programs to help secure my future.
*Note: In Rwanda, there isn’t a strong culture of saving, particularly in rural areas. Many people find it difficult to have a bank account, and the typical lifestyle is focused on earning just enough to cover immediate needs, living in a more self-sufficient way.
How is TUK making a difference in the local community?
TUK’s activities have created job opportunities for people living near coffee washing stations, allowing them to earn an income. Additionally, TUK has supported the construction of schools and actively participates in government programs.
TUK also supports farmers by purchasing coffee cherries directly from them. Farmers receive second payments (premium pricing), which helps bring financial stability and a brighter future.
What kind of future do you hope to build with TUK?
We all aspire to become professional women in the coffee industry, supporting our families while involving young people and working together to create a sustainable future.
Event Highlights
The launch event for Rwanda Women’s Coffee TUK, held on International Women's Day at our Tokyo Roastery, was attended by around 30 people, including partner cafés and customers.
Miyazaki-san from Uminomukou Coffee, who had visited TUK in Rwanda, gave a presentation that gave attendees a deeper insight into Rwanda’s history, culture, and the challenges faced by the women behind the coffee production.
