FILTER | BURUNDI IZUBA

Izuba, which means “sun” in Kirundi, is a washing station situated in the Runinya area of Kayanza Province, Burundi. Positioned near the Kibira National Park, the station enjoys a unique climate and nutrient-rich volcanic soil, which together provide excellent conditions for specialty coffee cultivation. A vital feature of Izuba's location is its proximity to a local river, supplying fresh water crucial for the coffee washing process. Managed by Ntama Appolinaire with Prosper Merrimee, the operational head for RM Burundi, Izuba is supported by a dedicated local team, including two full-time staff and approximately 250 seasonal workers who contribute to the station's operations.

The station draws coffee cherries from three key hills—Kigeri, Ryamukona, and Mugoyi. Each harvest is meticulously recorded by both the individual producer and the specific hillside, allowing Izuba to trace minute flavor differences across its micro-regions. In 2020 alone, Izuba processed coffee from 1,482 farmers, with a producer demographic breakdown of 1,169 men and 313 women, demonstrating a notable level of female participation (about 26%) in Burundi's coffee farming landscape.

The station processed a substantial volume of 453,000 kg of coffee cherries in 2020 but has the infrastructure to handle up to 800,000 kg annually, positioning it as a significant player in the region. Through its commitment to rigorous processing and high-quality output, Izuba not only maintains high standards but also contributes to the local economy and environment by promoting sustainable practices, fair wages, and gender inclusion in the coffee supply chain.

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