Projects Resilient Landscapes Luxembourg
Coffee Agroforestry, Rwanda
About
The initiative enhances Rwanda’s coffee sector by transitioning monoculture farms into agroforestry systems, using shaded coffee and sustainable practices to boost yields by 30% and improve climate resilience and biodiversity. It addresses land tenure challenges while ensuring financial sustainability through the specialty coffee market and carbon capture investment.
Challenge
Rwanda’s fragmented land tenure system restricts farm expansion, making it essential for farmers to enhance productivity. At the same time, sustainable rural and national prosperity depends on maintaining healthy, functional landscapes and are currently at risk due to climate change.
Solution
This initiative transforms monoculture coffee farms into diversified agroforestry systems, integrating shaded coffee, sustainable agricultural practices, and science-backed technical support. These improvements increase yields by 30% while strengthening climate resilience and increasing biodiversity.
Market
By leveraging the expanding specialty coffee market, the project ensures financial sustainability through farmer organization development and investment in carbon capture.
Story
Transforming Rwanda’s Coffee Sector Through Innovation and Sustainability
Rwandan coffee, grown on the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is globally renowned for its exceptional quality and rich flavour profile. As a key driver of the nation’s economy, coffee production plays a crucial role in rural livelihoods. Resilient Landscapes Luxembourg is harnessing the power of science, agroforestry, and economic dynamics to transform Rwanda’s premium coffee sector, ensuring long-term prosperity for farmers and sustainable growth for the industry.
Despite its reputation for high-quality Arabica Bourbon coffee, Rwanda faces pressing challenges. With limited land availability, increasing climate threats as well as land erosion, innovative solutions are essential. Agroforestry—integrating trees into coffee landscapes—presents a game-changing opportunity. This nature-based approach enhances yields, fortifies farming systems against climate shocks, soil degradation and sequesters carbon, making coffee production more resilient and environmentally sustainable.
Rwanda’s coffee industry is a story of resilience and reinvention. Following the devastating events of the 1990s, the government launched a national coffee strategy, positioning Rwanda as a leader in the global specialty coffee market. Specialty coffee, prized for its distinct flavor and sustainable production methods, continues to attract environmentally conscious consumers who value traceability and ethical sourcing.
In response to these opportunities and challenges, RLL is spearheading an ambitious initiative to transition 4,000 hectares of land to shaded coffee systems and sustainable Agricultural Practices across Rwanda’s Northern and Eastern provinces. This transformative project will directly benefit over 8,000 coffee farmers, representing nearly 10% of the country’s coffee production area. Expert technical assistance, delivered in partnership with CIFOR-ICRAF, is projected to boost yields by at least 30%, driving economic growth and strengthening farmer resilience.
Beyond increased productivity, the project delivers wide-reaching benefits. The integration of shade trees enhances drought resistance, stabilises and improves soil health, sequesters carbon, and supports biodiversity. By promoting regenerative agricultural practices, the initiative ensures long-term sustainability while opening new revenue streams, including carbon credit investments and access to high-value global coffee markets. Additionally, the project will provide renewable wood fuel, reducing deforestation and promoting ecological balance.
By blending cutting-edge agroforestry science with forward-thinking economic strategies, this initiative is set to redefine Rwanda’s coffee sector. With enhanced resilience, increased profitability, and a commitment to sustainability, Rwandan coffee farmers are poised to thrive in an evolving global market—while preserving the country’s rich coffee heritage for generations to come.