Uganda

Gumuntindo Coffee Cooperative Enterprises began in 1998 and now comprises six village cooperatives totaling 3,034 farmer members. Gumutindo means "excellent quality" in the local language. The average farm size is 0.5 to 2 hectares (1.2-5 acres). The coffee farms of the Gumutindo members are located in eastern Uganda on the lower slopes of Mount Elgon, Uganda's highest mountain (14,200 feet). The rich, fertile volcanic soil and subtropical climate are ideal for growing high-quality arabica coffee.

Gumutindo is a secondary level cooperative organization. It is Fairtrade certified and a licensed exporter of organic coffee. Members of Gumutindo attend quality improvement seminars and practice traditional cultivation and processing methods. These methods include good pruning, picking and drying techniques, the use of organic fertilizers and terracing to prevent soil erosion.

Higher prices from Fairtrade sales have promoted more sustainable farming methods by supporting conversion to certified organic coffee. Also thanks to Fair Trade, Gumuutindo opened its first cupping lab. This empowers farmers by allowing them to taste their coffee and check its quality.

Each cooperative receive premium payments that go into a fund. Members decide jointly how to invest the money. Their success is experienced by the whole community!