UGANDA MAGASI

This micro-lot comes from 76 smallholder farmers — including 6 women — living at elevations between 2,000 and 2,200 metres on the upper slopes of Mount Elgon, close to the national park buffer zone. Each farmer contributed an average of 230 kg of red cherry, with cherries purchased at an average price of 1,400 UGX per kilo.

Due to unseasonal rains at the end of January, the harvest period was extended, allowing cherries to ripen fully. Farmers whose own harvests had finished assisted others by carrying coffee down the mountain to the washing station, earning additional income in the process. Many contributors registered during this harvest and will receive ongoing agronomy training, strengthening both quality and resilience for future seasons.

Fully washed process:

• Selective hand-picking of ripe cherries
• Prompt delivery to The Coffee Gardens washing station
• Pulping and controlled fermentation
• Thorough washing and careful drying
  This process delivers a clean, balanced cup with gentle acidity and a smooth mouthfeel.

The Coffee Gardens project was established in 2017 to improve farmer livelihoods through transparent, ethical specialty coffee production. By paying a minimum of 10 % above market price for red cherry — and up to 30 % more for farmers in hard-to-reach areas — the project helps ensure fairer income distribution. Additional incentives include post-harvest bonuses, agronomy training, employment opportunities, and tree distribution, all designed to support long-term sustainability and environmental protection around Mount Elgon.