KNCU

1898 - 1918

Coffee was first planted in Kilema by Catholic Missionaries in 1898, and later on by Germany Settlers. Kilimanjaro natives were not allowed to plant coffee instead they worked to Settlers’ plantations. It was until the end of First World War in 1918 when Germany lost the war so as her colonies including the then Tanganyika.
On the picture right is 110 year old coffee tree planted by first Missionaries in 1898 at Kilema Parish as it is seen today. The first seedlings originated from this tree. The first coffee tree in Kilimanjaro

In the 1920s

The Founder of Kilimanjaro Native Associations It was at this time the first British District Commissioner of Moshi Sir Charles Cecil Farquharson Dundas (1884 – 1956) allowed natives to grow coffee as cash crop.

He popularized the area's coffee production, and he was given the title Wasaoye-o-Wachagga (Elder of the Chagga).

Being allowed to cultivate coffee the natives got seeds from churches where coffee was grown. They planted the crop but they had no knowledge of the crop. The World War had created a high demand of coffee in Europe hence most of buyers were white settlers who export it. The Natives used buckets, bags and other means to carry coffee to settlers.

The social and economic unrest brought by White Settlers and Asian businessmen during trading forced small scale peasant to establish cooperatives for social and economic emancipation. In 1925 natives formed Kilimanjaro Native Planters Association (K.N.P.A) with Joseph Melingo, the first leader of the association as opponent to White Settlers.

In 1927 A. L. B. (Ben) Bennett DFC, a fighter pilot in World War I from Britain arrived in Kilimanjaro as Labor Officer. In collaboration with Sir Charles Dundas assisted natives to form their Union as per cooperative ordinance that stressed the need of having Primary Cooperative Societies. 1932 first eleven societies were registered, which were Kibong’oto, Uru Central, Kilema, Kibosho Central, Kibosho East, Kibosho West, Machame Central, Mamba, Tarakea, Nkuu Rombo, and Useri. Formation of these Primary Societies paved a way to the establishment of Kilimanjaro Union as per cooperative act.

Therefore, most of these societies were formed within established centers of chiefdoms. And some of them were provided with land by “Mangi” (Traditional Leader). With time, the crop spread all over the area and these societies served most of the villages on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro and coffee became a tradition crop to Chagga people.

In the 1930s

The Kilimanjaro Native Co-operative Union (KNCU) Ltd was the first Union to be registered in 29^th December 1933 under the Co-operatives Societies Ordinance of 1932, together with its 11 affiliated member societies namely Kibong’oto, Uru Mawela, Kilema, Kibosho Central, Machame Centre, Marangu, Mamsera, Mengwe, Mkuu Rombo, Keni, and Useri.

A.L. B. (Ben) Bennett (on the picture) was the first General Manager and later adviser to the KNCU. Such was the devotion of the Chagga to these two men and their gratitude for their services that they bestowed unique Chagga titles on them both. Dundas was given the title Wasaoye-o-Wachagga (Elder of the Chagga) and Bennett that of Mbuya-o-Wachagga (Friend of the Chagga).

Abolishment of cooperatives in Tanzania

The government disbanded cooperatives on 14^th May 1976 on political grounds. The assets of the union were transferred to a newly established Kilimanjaro Uremi Corporation Ltd as care taker.

Introduction of new cooperative act

In 1982 the Government re-introduce new Co-operative Act. In 9^th March 1984 KNCU was registered as Kilimanjaro Native Cooperative Union (1984) Ltd with 90 affiliate societies and members totalling over 60,000. After the registration there was a reform on economy and politics, which brought trade liberalization where by farmers where allowed to trade. Currently KNCU (1984) LTD has 61,650 affiliated Members that are dedicated and trade with the Union.

Focusing on Small Arabica mild Coffee Producers of Kilimanjaro since 1930

Who we are
Kilimanjaro Native Cooperative Union is a local organization that produces and exports Mild Arabica coffee from Kilimanjaro region in northern part of Tanzania mainland.

Who we serve
We serve close to 70,000 small producer members on the slopes of highest mountain in Africa, Kilimanjaro in the districts of Rombo, Moshi Rural, Hai and Siha.

Why we serve
We serve because we see small coffee farmers as a unique mechanism to produce high quality Arabica mild coffee that grown in volcanic soil of Mount Kilimanjaro. The farmers are the owner of the Union; they are expecting to sale their coffee at highest price through the Union that was formed for social and economic emancipation.

Who certifies our coffee?

Fair Labeling Organization (FLO)

We are certified by Fair trade Labeling Organization (FLO) since 1993. The certification guarantees the end consumer that the coffee bought under Fair Trade conditions contributes to the well being of the cooperative members and their communities.

Naturland

We are certified by Naturland since 2004 for our organic coffee. This guarantees the end customer that our coffee has been produced without using agriculture chemicals during production process from our farmers. This certification confirms the high level of quality worldwide.

Institute of Marketecology (IMO)

We are also certified by Institute of Marketecology (IMO) for our organic green coffee, since 2004. This certified quality assurance of eco-friendly products, organic agriculture and management systems.

Environment Responsibility:

Coffee is produced in areas inter planted with bananas which are used for local food and beverage consumption. The banana leaves canopy act as a filter for sunlight. All farmers’ coffee is shade grown, handpicked and produced in a traditional way. Organic and Quality Improvement Programs train farmers to produce coffee without using Industrial chemicals.

Educational Fund:
Using Fair Trade premium money, KNCU has established an Education Fund to help less privileged farmers’ to send their qualified children to school.

At present KNCU gives scholarships to more than 400 Secondary School Students. The future plan of the fund is to cover for tuition fees for those students who will make to the University.

The Union is democratically managed; Board Members of affiliates are democratically elected to form Governing Board. Two representatives from each Primary Society are elected by the members in their annual general meetings to represent the Particular Primary Society in the KNCU Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The resolutions passed at the KNCU AGM are circulated to members via primary society’s notice boards and their annual general meetings.

Who certifies our coffee?

Fair Labeling Organization (FLO)

We are certified by Fair trade Labeling Organization (FLO) since 1993. The certification guarantees the end consumer that the coffee bought under Fair Trade conditions contributes to the well being of the cooperative members and their communities.

Naturland

We are certified by Naturland since 2004 for our organic coffee. This guarantees the end customer that our coffee has been produced without using agriculture chemicals during production process from our farmers. This certification confirms the high level of quality worldwide.

Institute of Marketecology (IMO)

We are also certified by Institute of Marketecology (IMO) for our organic green coffee, since 2004. This certified quality assurance of eco-friendly products, organic agriculture and management systems.

The inhabited land in the area consists of three belts; low belt, middle belt, and high belt; our societies are divided into these belts and some societies are partially found in between the Upper and Middle. The lower belt, which experiences little rain (about 700 mm per year), is comprises Primary Cooperative Societies’ of Shiri Njoro and Shiri Mgungani which are located in Moshi Rural.

The middle belt with 750-800 mm of rain per year covers districts of Moshi rural, Siha and Hai. The societies of Kombo, Kibosho West, Manushi Sinde, Manushi Ndoo, Kirima Boro, Uru North, Uru Kati Mawela, Uru East, Old Moshi, Mwika West, Mamba South, Orori, and Narumu.

All these societies are located in the district of Moshi Rural. While from Hai are Mashua, Nkwasira, Kware, Mudio, Masama Roo, Uduru Makoa, Machame Mkuu, Shari and Machame Wari; In Siha district are Sikirari, Same, Mae, Kibong’oto, and Kyengia.

The higher belt, with 1000 – 1750mm of rainfall per year. This belt covers the societies of Umbwe Ndoo, Kibosho Mweka Sungu, Uru North Njari, Uru North Msuni, Uru Shimbwe, Kimochi, Tella Mandaka, Kirua Vunjo North, Kirua Vunjo West, Kirua Vunjo East, Kilema North, Legho Mullo, Marangu West, Mamba North, and Mwika Kinyamvuo.

These societies are located in the district of Moshi rural; Kyengia, Kishisha, Manio, Kashashi, Isuki, Kyeeri, Nronga and Foo are from Hai district.

There are societies which are found in between Higher and Middle belts these are Mengwe, Shimbi, Mashati and Olele, these societies are located in Rombo district. Primary Societies of Kibosho Central, Kindi, Mbokomu, Kilema South, Marangu East, Mwika North East, Mwika South East, Mrimbo Uuo, and Lyamungo are located in Moshi rural; from Hai district, are Kibong’oto Wanri, Masama Mula and Lemira Mroma.

Rombo

Rombo is situated on the eastern slope of Mount Kilimanjaro. It stretches from the lower edge of the mountain forest reserve at 1,800-2,000 meters above sea level to the Kenyan border at 900-1,000 meters above sea level. It is bordered to the north and east by Kenya, to the west by the Hai district and to the south by the Moshi Rural district. The Rombo Districts contain a large portion of Mount Kilimanjaro. This is also the area that was first settled due to good rainfall and water availability, fertile soils and a healthy climate.

Moshi Rural

Moshi rural district occupies an area of 3,054.3 square kilometers on the southern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is bordered to the north by the Rombo district, to the west by the Hai district, to the east by the Mwanga district and Kenya and to the south by the Manyara Region. The most significant physical feature in the district is the snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, which is the highest in Africa. It extends from Rombo district in the east to Hai district in the west for 80 kilometers.

Hai

The Western Breach part of Mount Kilimanjaro is located in this district. It is bordered to the south and west by the Arusha Region, to the north by Kenya, and to the east by the Moshi Rural and Rombo districts. The district is now divided and formed new district called Siha.

Farmers' Profile

Coffee farmers in Kilimanjaro are characterized as progressive farmers. They acquired the title from coffee farming returns. From coffee most farmers have made a progress in their community. Many have put up houses with corrugated iron sheet roofing with cement blocks. Traditional houses made from banana fronds are almost extinct. Education to coffee farmers, to his /her children carried first priority over possible uses of coffee income.
That is why majority of coffee farmers and their children can read and write. Accessibility in the villages is relatively good compared to other regions; however to some areas it is difficult during rainy season. Local governments in collaboration with the villagers are putting up efforts to make these roads passable throughout the year.

Organic Coffee Production

Production of Arabica coffee started in the Kilimanjaro region in 1900. It peaked during the mid 1970s to 27,000 tons but has since declined to 12,000 tons or less. Kilimanjaro Arabica tends to fall into the category of what is commonly known within the industry as East African mild.
The production of coffee on the mountain was conducted organically by-default up until the mid-1960s, when chemicals were introduced. Since then most coffee growers applied chemicals to their coffee.
In the nineties this situation changed, due to liberalization farmers were not supplied with inputs any more, prices went down and the coffee farmers also did not manage to purchase various inputs including chemicals. This led majority not to use chemicals for about 10 years now.

Organic Societies

Kilimanjaro Native Cooperative Union (KNCU) has been among certified Cooperative with organic coffee and there are seven Primary Cooperative Societies that grow organic Coffee, which are Mrimbo Uuwo, Mwika Kinyamvuo, Marangu East, Marangu West, Kirua Vunjo East, Mamba North and Uru North Njari. In the season of 2010/2011 these societies have collected a total of 121,741.8 Kilograms of Organic coffee.

March 2003

By this time there were only three Primary Cooperative Societies with organic coffee, these were Mwika Kinyamvuo, Mrimbo Uuwo, and Marangu East, all are located in Moshi Rural district.

Mwika Kinyamvuo

The Society is in the Eastern part of Moshi Rural District, 48 kilometres from KNCU Head Quarters in Moshi Municipality. It falls in the higher altitude coffee growing areas. The society has 911 members, 400 are certified as Organic farmers. In total there are 169,994 trees occupying 407.2 acres with the estimation of producing 56,070 kilograms of coffee annually.
A very small portion of it falls in the middle altitude zone. The physical features are mainly made of undulating hills separated by open valleys.
Coffee is the main cash crop. It is inter-cropped with bananas. Annual crops like maize, beans, coco-yam and sweet potatoes are also inter-cropped depending on the intensity of the canopy. Open spaces are found to farmers having relatively big farms.
These are mainly grown with maize and beans or pasture. Extensive vegetable farming is practiced in one sub-village (Mbale) where the soils and climate favours the crops. The business is mainly done by youths fond of ventures which have quick turnover.
Some farmers have small portions of land within their coffee plots where they grow vegetables for domestic use. Many grow local varieties. The Primary Society is accessible throughout the year.

Mrimbo-Uuwo

Mrimbo-Uuwo is at the borders of Moshi Rural and Rombo Districts to the East, 49 Kilometres from KNCU Head Quarters in Moshi Municipality.

It has 870 members among them 275 have been certified as organic farmers. The coffee plots are mainly intercropped with bananas, beans, maize, yams and sweet potatoes. Patches of land grown with pastures of food crop can be observed neighbouring coffee plots for farmers who have relatively large plots. The average land holding for individual farmer is 1.00 acre. Many farmers keep livestock for security, milk and for farmyard manure essential to their coffee and banana trees.
Vegetables are grown by few farmers especially those close to a reliable source of water for domestic use only. However the varieties grown are local, not susceptible to pests and diseases
common to vegetables. The society has a total of 91,515 coffee trees occupying 399.55 acres that can produce up to 27,446 of kilograms per year.
The Primary Society is spread in two altitudes, the middle that is relatively flat and higher which consist of undulating hills separated by open valleys. Coffee thrives well in this altitude. Mrimbo-Uuwo is accessible by an all weather road. Few feeder roads are impassable during the rainy season.

Marangu East

Marangu East is on the Central part of Kilimanjaro region located in Moshi Rural 40 kilometres from Moshi Municipality (KNCU head quarters).

It is accessible with tarmac road. The Primary Society stretches in two zones (middle and higher) famous in coffee growing. Coffee is predominately found in the higher altitude.
Farmers in these areas are more concerned with their coffee plots than those on the middle altitude because coffee to them is still the only economic livelihood that they can depend on compared to their counterparts who have been derailed from their coffee farming business by the tourist industry and its related businesses that have flourished well in Marangu, at Marangu Mtoni, it being the main entrance for tourists coming to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
There are 1,208 members with 170,946 coffee trees. The society has 722.5 acres of land and production is up to 26,148 kilograms of coffee in a year. However, there are 547 members who are certified as Organic Farmers.

September 2003

In September 2003, the organic production was extended to two more Societies which were Kirua Vunjo East and Uru North Njari.

Uru North Njari

The Primary Society is accessible throughout the year and made of undulating hills mainly separated by rivers or streams.

The Society is 14 kilometres from Moshi Municipality and located in Moshi rural. The society has 780 members owning a total of 86,055 coffee trees covering 222.0 acres with approximately yielding of 8,395 kilograms of coffee per year.
In this society a total of 122 members are certified as Organic farmers and are expected to increase in number.
Most coffee plots lie on steep land. Soil control measures are fairly done by majority of the farmers. Coffee farming is the main economic venture for many households. Few have patches of land open for growing other food crops, pasture and vegetables. However, their main land for cultivating maize, beans and sunflower is in the low lands on hired or own land. Coffee is inter-cropped with bananas and other annual crops like maize, beans, coco-yam etc.

Kirua Vunjo East

Kirua Vunjo East is on the Northern part of Moshi Rural District, 26 kilometres from KNCU Headquarters. Farmers on the higher altitude depend on coffee, the only cash crop. It is not much on the middle altitude. The villages on the higher altitude are mainly on undulating hills with special characteristic that one hill is occupied by individuals descending from the same clan.
They have relatively big farms mostly surrounded by an open space for growing food crops and pasture. Vegetable farming is also apparent to some farmers. The society have 1,696 members among them 553 are certified as Organic farmers. Owning a total of 283,758 coffee trees covering 1,049.75 acres with approximately yielding of 59,059 kilograms of coffee per year.
Soil fertility reclamations and management practices are observable in the middle altitude especially in Mero village. Rainwater harvesting is the main practice. Farmers efforts are complimented by support from Kilimanjaro Environment Development Association, KEDA, a local Non-Governmental Organization, whose major activities in the area is to encourage and train farmers on aspects of soil conservation, rain water harvesting and establishment of fodder tree nurseries. Of late, Heifer International Project has also participated in providing the farmers with dairy goats, basically to provide them with milk to improve their nutritional status.

July 2007

In July 2007, the organic production was extended to two other more Societies which were in Quality Improvement Program which are Mamba North and Marangu West.

Mamba North

Location: The Society is in the central part of Kilimanjaro region located 43 kilometres from KNCU Headquarters. A very small portion of it falls in the middle altitude zone and the rest in the higher altitude zone.
Flowering in this organic society starts late September to December but depends on the onset of short rains. There are 1,694 members whereby 429 have been certified as Organic farmers, with . Owning a total of 111,393 coffee trees covering 428.5 acres with approximately yielding of 38,824 kilograms of coffee per year.
Coffee is the main cash crop though is intercropped with bananas. Annual crops like maize, beans, coco-yams and sweet potatoes are also inter-cropped depending on the intensity of the canopy in the coffee field. Open spaces are found to farmers having relatively big farms. These are mainly grown with maize and beans or pasture. Some farmers have small portions of land within their coffee plots where they grow vegetables for domestic use. Many grow local varieties. The PS is accessible throughout the year.

Marangu West

Location: Is found on the Central part of Kilimanjaro region located in Moshi Rural 43 kilometres from Moshi Municipality (KNCU head quarters). The Primary Society stretches in higher belt zone which receives between 1000 -1750 mm rainfalls per year. Coffee is predominately found in the higher altitude.
Farmers in these areas are more concerned with their coffee plots than those on the middle altitude because coffee to them is still the only economic livelihood that they can depend on compared to their counterparts.
The Primary Society has 2,156 members, However there are 296 members who are certified as Organic Farmers. With 59,377 coffee trees which covers an area of 336.54 acres of land and production is up to 16,555 kilograms of coffee in a year.

Union Café is decorated in a contemporary style with a touch of local culture where guests can peruse the complimentary newspapers or make use of the wireless Internet access. It’s a perfect place to meet with friends or just to enjoy a refreshing drink during the day.

The Coffee Shop has a contemporary espresso bar serving coffee drinks, cakes, muffins, pastries, sandwiches and pizza made fresh to order with only high quality ingredients. Guests enjoy superb cuisine, attentive service and elegant surroundings while at Union Café.
Boasting of delectable dishes that are prepared using only the freshest produce, meats and spices; you are assured of a satisfying culinary treat. Feel free to indulge yourself with the exotic flavours that will introduce you to new cultures.

The Café serves an Ala Carte menu, selected from a blend of Continental Cuisine. It has an inviting verandah space where guests can enjoy food and drinks throughout the day. The Café offers service and guests can order from a selection of menu items from 08.00 A.M to 10.00 P.M Every day.

Our services

The Café offers an array of on-site conveniences that include:

• A Stand where you can always buy union coffee brand
• Secure parking
• Stand-by generator
• Wireless internet connection

About The Coffee Tree Hotel

Coffee Tree Hotel provides a sanctuary for travellers who are looking for an effortless, comfortable and memorable stay in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. With its superb locations and spacious facilities, Coffee Tree Hotel offers a unique, personalized experience that ensures our guests feel welcome and pampered, making them ideal choices for both business and leisure travellers.
Coffee Tree Hotel provides an ideal setting for private or business meetings as well as conferences and special events in the hotel’s various multifunctional areas. A Tanzanian style based on the love of true African hospitality, culture, cuisine, tradition and well-being.

Accommodation

The Coffee Tree Hotel provides 58 spacious appointed rooms, each of which has been designed to make your stay as comfortable as possible. These include 10 Executive Rooms, 14 Deluxe Rooms, and 34 Standard Rooms characterized by the shades of the wooden furniture, guaranteeing all comforts to our guests without forgetting the warm hospitality offered.
Executive Rooms are well equipped with an array of contemporary amenities to make your stay comfortable.

These include:
• Television
• Closets
• Writing tables
• Comfortable Sofa
• Fan
• Laundry Facilities
• Room Services

Restaurant

Our Restaurant is a perfect place to meet as a meeting venue or just to enjoy a refreshing drink during the day. Coffee Tree Hotel guests enjoy superb cuisine, attentive service and cultural surroundings when dining at the Restaurant, while viewing the spectacular scenery of Mount Kilimanjaro when the sky isn’t shy.
The Coffee Tree Bar is located adjacent to the restaurant, serving a variety of beverages and freshly squeezed fruit juices. It is a great place to meet, unwind and look forward to an evening of relaxation.

Conference facilities

The Coffee Tree Hotel has an ability to tailor conferences and events to your exact requirements. From intimate groups to exclusive use options for larger conferences, the dedicated onsite conference team will ensure the success of your event.
Fully air conditioned conference room is available to host conferences, events and banquets for up to 70 people. The conference room offers a variety of sizes and configurations tailored to your needs. The room has abundant natural light and our friendly and very efficient team is dedicated to providing the highest standard of service every time.
With its well-situated location, beautiful accommodation, state of the art conference rooms, The Coffee Tree Hotel is guaranteed to give your delegates a truly unique experience.

Facilities & Services include:
• Data Projectors
• White Boards and Flip-charts
• Dedicated Conference Team

Hire of Conference Venue
• Tshs. 150,000 for Banqueting Hall
• Tshs. 100,000 for Board Room

We also serve:
• Two tea/coffee breaks with snacks
• Lunch with water or soda
• Mineral water in conference room
• Stationery (writing pads and pens)
• Flip chart and markers

Conference Room details:- Hall capacities and sitting arrangements

Sitting Arrangements	Hall Capacities
U-Shape	40
Classroom	65
Theatre	50
Boardroom	28

For more information about scheduling a meeting, conference or any other event at Coffee Tree Hotel, please send us an email on cth@kncutanzania.com, for a tailor made group proposal or for further details.

Following the low market price for Coffee,

the Coffee farmers of Kilimanjaro Native Cooperative Union (hereafter: KNCU) started a Tourism Project in the year 2004. The project aims at alleviating poverty to the communities through benefit sharing and focus on supplementing income from tourism activities to coffee farmers on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.
KNCU represents about 70,000 coffee producers, who are organized in about 92 village Cooperatives. The Union is certified by the Fair-trade Labelling Organization (FLO) and all decisions on how to use funds etc. Are made on democratic and transparent principles.
Nowadays Kahawa Shamba Tourism Office offers the Coffee Tour program, a Camp-site and several additional excursions in the Kilimanjaro area.

Coffee Tours

Don’t just wonder about the origins of coffee or bean.

Stay with the small farmers on the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro for half day to two days. The farmers themselves will lead you to explore how coffee is tended with pride until you get and enjoy a cup of coffee. Main activities during the tour;

• A local prepared lunch at the farm
• An excursion to a nearby Coffee farm;
• Coffee Berry picking;
• Explanation about organic Coffee farming and Fair-Trade Standards;
• Processing of the Coffee from bean to Cup;
• Coffee drinking at the farm.

The Chagga History Hike

Did you know that among the most skilful crop cultivators in East Afrika is the Wachagga of Kilimanjaro?Apart from coffee production, explore their long history of farming,indigenous/traditional irrigation canals,catle husbandry. The tribal wars in the area prompted the Wachagga to dig their famous “bolt holes” underground shelters in which they hid their families and livestock.

The excursion takes you 2-3 hours and includes;

• Avisit to a traditional house
• Exploration of the mysterious Chagga Caves.

The Cultural Village Walk

This is 2-3 hours tour which include a visit to;

• A local church and Dispensary
• A primary or secondary school in nearby village(s);
• A nearby local market and
• Local banana beer shop to experience how the Wachagga have been making a special brew from bananas and millet known as “Mbege”.

Nature Walk

This hike will take about 2-3 hours. You will experience the nature beauty of the forests and the rivers on the slopes of the mount Kilimanjaro. Many parts of the Mount Kilimanjaro are known as protected nature areas. Not all of these areas are accessible, but guided by a local coffee farmer you can enjoy the natural beauty of the mountain. Will take you along the borders of National Park. If it is your lucky day you may be able to see some Colobus monkeys!

Water Falls Adventure

This hike will take you along riverine Forest(6-7 hours). You will explore the nature beauty of the forest and the rivers on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Starting in the morning after breakfast descend into one of the river valleys. Explore impressive and incredible diversity of Kahawa shamba area which include varieties of colourful birds,butterflies (Vipepeo),monkeys and bushbabies at times, depending on the season.

Camp-site

The camp-site is set on the foot of Kilimanjaro at Uru-North Msuni, North of Moshi town (19kms or 35 min drive, and from Arusha town is 2 hours drive).One can stay overnight all year through on this basic campsite, surrounded by coffee farms and green forest.Enjoy the view of Kilimanjaro at sunrise and sunset.

Access to primary healthcare is one of the major challenges faced by communities in rural areas of Tanzania. Most facilities lack the staff, equipment or services required to provide an adequate standard of treatment.

KNCU, in partnership with the PharmAccess Foundation (PharmAccess), Micro Ensure, MEMS, EnviroCare, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) and ACCORD have launched a health plan scheme serving members of Kilimanjaro Native Cooperative Union (KNCU) in the Kilimanjaro area of North Tanzania.

KNCU is a union of coffee growers comprising of 92 cooperatives with around 1,000 families per group. Before the project is introduced to Primary Society, each cooperative votes on whether or not it should take out the health plan. If more than 50% of the people’s votes say yes, the whole group is enrolled into the health plan and the premium is deducted from the proceeds of their coffee sales. Each member pays an annual premium of Tsh. 12,000 (approximately $8), while a further payment of Tsh. 28,500 (approximately $19) is funded by PharmAccess.

The KNCU Health Plan is a capitated scheme where each healthcare provider is paid in advance for a projected number of patients. It will cost Tshs. 1000 per person per month and no limit in terms of the number with which an eligible member could enroll his dependants into the health insurance scheme. This implies that the KNCU member and their families are able to access the best health quality services at a very affordable price which is less than a dollar per month per person.

The health scheme is a pilot project and for the initial stage, two (2) Primary societies of Marangu East and Mrimbo uuwo have been chosen in the first phase of project implementation. Currently the project has expanded to three more Cooperative Societies.

However the project will expand to other next 68 Primary Societies based on the set criterion for the Project inclusion with which the expansion strategy for the project will rely on. The expansion strategy of the Program will go concurrently with the geopolitical set up of the KNCU where as the 4 clusters of Regions which are Hai, Siha, Moshi rural and Rombo will be included in the KNCU Health program. The KNCU Health Plan is a capitated scheme for primary care; with a team of stakeholders their main role is to ensure high quality care from the panelled Healthcare Providers. Payments to Healthcare Providers are monitored by analyzing claims data on the Amara system to ensure providers have sufficient funds to meet patient needs.

Future Plans

Since its launch in April 2011, the KNCU plan has been rolled out across one of the 68 cooperatives. As the project reaches scale having completed the initial pilot phases it is expected that the KNCU Health Plan will cover over 250,000 lives by the end of 2013.

The project was established on 28th October 2010, after agreement between KNCU and Dutch Jatropha project team and is the part of the feasibility study into the Fair-trade certification of Jatropha. The partners of Max Havelaar Netherlands in the Jatropha Project team are the Dutch energy company Eneco and the development organization ICCO.

The production pilot is supervised by a consultant commissioned by the Dutch project team, the Jatropha expert and KNCU Agronomist.

For the initial stage, the Jatropha project team has established pilot plot located about 25 kms from Moshi town (Mbosho-Hai district). Jatropha seedlings are raised in the nursery for three months then can be transplanted to farmers’ plots of which each plot has a size of 1 hectare.

Selection of field

The opportunity which the production pilot provides is used to establish a selection field. Objectives of the selected fields are to identify and select jatropha seeds that prove to generate high yields under the particular growing conditions of the area. The local variety and exotic one are compared for the performance during a period of 2-3 years.

Nursery

The seedlings needed for use in the multi-cropping field and distribution to the farmers that participate in the pilot.

Multi-cropping field

The surface of the multi-cropping field is 5200m2, 8 rows of jatropha, with a total of 520 plants, occupied 2080m2 which is equal to 40% of the field. In between the jatropha rows, 3120 m2 (60%) remains for inter-cropping with food crops

Hedges

The whole demonstration plot will be surrounded by a jatropha hedge, needing 3 plants per meter.

Program procedure and benefits to the farmer

A farmer is required to be the member of the pilot program after registration to the coordinator of the program, so that she/he will be in opposition to receive knowledge and education from Jatropha experts of growing jatropha on his/her plot.

Again the pilot program me, member will be supplied free with the inter-cropping seeds like beans and maize. After harvesting those registered farmer are the one that will be capable to sell their jatropha seed on their local primary groups.

The cost per Kgs will be arranged according to the market price of that time.

INTERVIEW WITH HELENA FUNK – A STUDENT FROM BAYREUTH UNIVERSITY - GERMANY

“I came to know KNCU when I was doing my voluntary work in 2012/13 and one day got to know about KNCU when community mobilizers were sensitizing the members to join community health insurance known as “KNCU Health Plan”. To my surprise when I returned home (Germany) I found KNCU ground coffee packed by Fair-Trade Company called GEPA. From that point I said to myself I need to revisit Tanzania and apply for internship at KNCU and learn more about how cooperatives in Tanzania and KNCU in particular are linked to community development through international trade.”

Helena Funk in front of the KNCU Building in Moshi.That is the statement by a 21-years old student from the University of Bayreuth in Germany, Ms. Helena Funk who is doing 9-week internship at the Kilimanjaro Native Co-Operative Union (1984) LTD in Moshi from August to October 2014. At the moment she is taking B.A. in International Economics and Development and Society’s studies. Ms. Funk paid an interest to do her internship at KNCU after realizing that it is right local Tanzania to learn and share her experience that will complement her intellectuality and career. She is keen to gain more insights about export and the fair trade system and how the two contribute to society’s development. This is because her vision is to work in an international organization therefore she noticed it is important to get an impression of how international trade works in Tanzania’s coffee sector including benefits and challenges people face in the context. Ms. Funk defines herself as cultural relativist and finds vital to learn other cultures as an important aspect while working as in international context. She had that fortune before working with KNCU whereby in 2012/13 when she was doing Diaconic Work as a volunteer which was linked with partnership between Zentrum fuer Mission und Ökumene weltweit (ZMÖ) and the Church District Office in Himo Kilimanjaro. Major duties that she performed were direct linked with community work in providing relief materially, morally and spiritually to OVC (Orphans and Vulnerable Children), PLHIV(People Living with HIV) and the needy.

“I already got the possibility to learn various things here at KNCU.”

Miss. Funk started to work closely with Mrimbo Uuwo Primary Society which is a cooperative member of KNCU (1984) LTD. At Mrimbo Uuwo , she worked for one week and the duties performed were to procure member’s coffee and issue valid receipts, with extension officer she organised and conducted coffee demonstration classes for farmers to learn better coffee farming practices (organic) and attended KNCU Health Plan reformation and sustainability plan for members.

Thereafter Miss. Funk came to work with KNCU Headquarters team in various departments that are directly related to international trade and relations. Those departments included coffee procurement, export, Fairtrade, auditing and public relations. At these departments she learned precisely on how KNCU ‘s value chain works, but also by being integrated in global trading system through export and Fairtade , what’s so far are the benefits that member cooperatives are getting but also the barriers that hinder them in the trading cycle. For example the current situation, Second Producer Organisations like KNCU are limited to export raw materials (green coffee beans) thus the value addition initiatives to export roasted coffee are facing number of barriers as Western countries protect their internal industries and markets. In addition, with such conditions and challenge of price fluctuation in the world coffee market limits the farmers to secure better livelihood and standard of living.

The duties performed by Ms.Funk to various departments and in different time are as follows:

• • Attended the coffee auctions that are organised by Tanzania Coffee Board
• • Tracked and banked members data of coffee procured by KNCU per Primary Society in 2013/14.
• • Translated KNCU’s homepage to German language in order to address more coffee buyers, consumers and Kahawa Shamba (Fairtourism) tourists from German Speaking societies.
• • Her attendance to Union and Primary Societies Annual General Meetings enabled her to observe the degree and practice of democracy.
• • Participated to strengthen public relations with visitors and like minded stakeholders. For instance Ms. Funk assisted to translate and ease communication to all visitors from German to Swahili.
• • Participated to perform day to day chores of different departments.

When winding up her internship at KNCU Ms. Funk’s point of view after learning and experience sharing , she states that “Cooperative system helps in improving farmers livelihood due to the fact that KNCU coffee farmers in their unity are capable of marketing and selling their coffee with strong bargaining force in order to secure better price. Furthermore, KNCU has been putting more efforts in value addition initiatives purposely to curb challenges that are resulting from low world market coffee price by establishing projects such as Fair Tourism (Kahawa Shamba), Union Café”

She adds that the farmer’s biggest challenge is price fluctuation in the world market which leads to low payment to farmers against their investment in production. Consequently low prices discourage farmers to grow coffee according to the production standards. Furthermore she noticed adverse impacts of the concurrence of private buyers and unions which create unfair completions and unfavorable business environment. These are counted as major impacts of the trade liberalization policy to Cooperatives in Tanzania

Ms. Funk urges that the solution to the question can be addressed by transforming more farmers to grow organic coffee because there is a growing demand of consumers in Europe. This is why she thinks it is necessary that the farmers get well educated about better farming practices especially on organic.

Nevertheless in her opinion it is helpful famers to be provided with modern agricultural inputs so that they can go on making a good work, producing clean coffee which can be sold to a fair price so that they have a bigger profit.

Furthermore, she urges that different community and value added projects like Health Insurance (KNCU Health Plan), Fair-Trade Education Fund, Kahawa Shamba, Union Cafe, should be improved as they are helpful for the individual farmers and Society at large in increasing welfare and individual output.

As Ms.Funk already mentioned earlier, working in an international context is not only about trade and economy but also important to have basic knowledge about the people and their culture. From Tanzanian community Ms. Funk learnt high degree of hospitality of which impressed her:

“As I am a person who likes to be with people I was really happy the way people welcomed me to participate in their life.”

She adds that being a cultural relativist is an important aspect for anyone to survive in different cultures as someone can adapt and easy the process of learning.

“it`s not only that people say “Europeans have the clock and Africans the time”. That is not the point. But that you always have the doubtlessness that everything will succeed even if it is not in the way you thought it will be because there might be something that struggled you on the way (cut of electricity, people who you wanted to meet are not there...) but I learned that you can be sure that at the end of the day it will succeed.”

So she emphasizes that it is not necessary to get nervous when things are not going on in the way you might have expected. She hopes this and other things she learned will be remembered by her when she goes back to Germany.

To sum up, Ms.Funk appreciates the Management of KNCU (1984) LTD for accepting her request to do 9 -week internship as it was successful one. She would like to thank the Primary Society Board of Mrimbo Uuwo, farmers and the community at large. She winds up by saying:

“I hope KNCU will continuously improve, develop and serve the coffee farming community sustainably.” Helena Funk (left) with Fair Trade Liaison officer Ms. Sia Makishe (right) holding KNCU statue that signifies Cooperative Education as a powerful tool for sustainable development.

KNCU ACTIVELY PARTAKES AS ONE OF STAKEHOLDER IN 43 ^RD ANNIVERSARY OF KCMC HOSPITAL IN MOSHI, KILIMANJARO.

Kilimanjaro Native Cooperative Union [KNCU (1984) LTD] was invited to participate as one of the stakeholders that works closely with KCMC here in Kilimanjaro. A strong relationship between KNCU and KCMC is traced back way since 1960’s when KCMC was established as referral hospital in Kilimanjaro region. Both partners have been working closely to ensure people from Kilimanjaro and the KNCU coffee farmers being among are provided with quality health care servicers thus creating healthy community for healthy economy.

Photo 1: KNCU’s booth at KCMC grounds during the exhibition

KNCU participated to celebrate in the 43^rd KCMC Anniversary because KCMC is one of the important stakeholders in KNCU Health Plan whereby KCMC supplements the package by offering her specialists that visits the selected health facilities and attend our KNCU Health Plan members as well as non coffee members for a cheap price. Moreover, KCMC has been a centre of excellency in the health plan as her experts are involved in training the health practitioners at the KNCU Health Plan providers in different health aspects for the sake of improving the quality of the services.

The event was launched on 03/03/2014 by the Acting KCMC Executive Director Prof. Ollomi and was closed on 06/03/2014 at KCMC Grounds. On the closing day which was also the climax of the event, KCMC incorporation with CRDB Bank launched a special prepaid card called KCMC Tembocard that will enable the patients/clients to pay their medical bills and related costs for medication thus reduction of cash transactions. The new system is expected to increase efficiency and optimize KCMC’s revenue.

On the course of exhibition KNCU fortuned to be visited with more than 350 guests. KNCU harnessed the following opportunities

Displayed the roasted coffee that is packed in 250g and 1kg to the guests that visited the booth. This was the part of promoting domestic consumption of coffee by explaining the health and economical benefits. KNCU came to promote her coffee bar known as “Coffee Union” that is located in Moshi Town but also the only place that interested clients in the future would like to buy our roasted coffee.

Photo 2: One of the guest is explained about the benefits of drinking coffee.

Promote and introduce KNCU Health Plan; a good number of people who visited our booth got an opportunity to be informed on the special health insurance that is provided exclusively to KNCU coffee farmers. This included the package, eligibility, the services, scope and the involved stakeholders.

Photo 3: Guests are explained about KNCU Health Plan.

Explanations and elaboration on the core duties of KNCU to the members, services that are provided to the farmers, history of KNCU and Cooperative as a whole.

Media coverage; KNCU harnessed such an opportunity to express her related role to KCMC and other stakeholders of the KNCU Health Plan including PharmAccess (the donor), Microensure, MEMs, in providing health insurance to coffee farmers. It also was a platform to sensitize KNCU coffee farmers to do not be discouraged with low coffee price in the World market rather to strengthen the spirit of cooperation and coffee farming as a whole. The coverage was done through community radio Sauti ya Injili and Majira Newspaper.

Photo 4: On the closing day KNCU was awarded with a certificate of participation by KCMC and as a two way traffic KNCU offered the two packets of 1kg of roasted coffee to the guest of honor as the present of appreciation.

The oldest Union in Africa, Kilimanjaro Native Cooperative Union (KNCU) has marked 75 years since it was established in 1933. The Union has been a great pioneer of Cooperative Movement in Tanzania and Africa in general.

“75 years has been of great experience to KNCU, its members and the movement in large. From 11 societies’ member to 67 societies for sure it is a story to be told I am very proud to witness this, many of my age wished to see this future,” joyfully narrates a 93 year old and a former general manager of KNCU Philip Tesha.

It was 20 years after the first coffee seedlings were planted in Kilema, Moshi by Roman Catholic missionaries from Germany in 1898, that a native from slopes of highest Kilimanjaro was allowed for the first time to grow coffee.

Only Missionaries and white settlers were allowed to cultivate coffee, but this situation changed after the arrival of Sir Charles Dundas. He was the first British District Commissioner of Moshi. He argued natives to go for coffee cultivation.

“He allowed us to plant coffee though we weren’t knowledgeable with the plant, Asian businessmen and White settlers did not like the idea, but Charles was the commissioner, he had power. Our ignorance to coffee business attracted exploiters to buy our coffee at the lowest price. A need to have a voice on this aroused.” details a retired officer and a Chairman of Uru Central Mawela Cooperative Society Seki Kiwia.

As opposed to white settlers and Asian businessmen the natives formed their first association in 1925 called Kilimanjaro Natives Planters Association (KNPA) led by Joseph Melinyo, but the association did not last longer.

In collaboration with former world war British pilot named Bennet, Sir Dundas assisted natives to form primary societies under Cooperative Ordinance of 1932; these societies were Kibong’oto Wanri, Machame Central, Uru Central Mawela, Mkuu Rombo, Tarakea, Kilema, Kibosho East, Kibosho West, Kibosho Central, Mamba and Keni.

“Places where chiefs reside were centers of small developed towns, within those, primary cooperative societies were formed. A chief provided land for these societies. That’s a reason why most of these societies found in populated areas. They paved a way for registration of Union,” remarks the old man Philip Tesha.

On 29^th December of 1933 KNCU was registered as the first cooperative union in Africa. Thirty years later KNCU became a giant economic organization owning school, cooperative college, and sponsored farmers’ children education. It owned houses, farms, vehicles, coffee curing company, ginnery and a hotel located on the second and the third floor of a modern building with elevator launched in 1953 by Queen Elizabeth as the first one. More societies merged and serve thousands of members who sold their coffee to KNCU.

“The night before government abolished cooperatives, wise men had been told by secret sources and therefore they spend a night resolving KNCU and registering Kilimanjaro Uremi Corporation or KUC. The next morning the announcement was made, all properties were under KUC. That’s why we still have some of the properties otherwise we wouldn’t have this building today,” explained former KNCU Board Chairperson Kavishe.

In 1982 the government introduced a new Cooperative Act; it took six years for this to happen, after the abolishment of cooperatives. KNCU was re-registered on 9th March, 1984 as KNCU (1984) Ltd.

From state ownership economy to market liberty, KNCU has been struggling and surviving in the hard way. KNCU monopolize coffee collection and many other businesses under state owning economy.

“After the liberalization of the market everything changed, private buyers were allowed to collect coffee from same members, we lost the monopoly. Individuals were allowed to sale sugar, cement, food and other many things that KNCU sale. The price of coffee dropped, members were discouraged and some decided to uproot their coffee and plant vegetables. The competition was very tight,” explains Raymond Kimaro Former General Manager of KNCU.

In 1992 the government had no choice but to accept the changes. These changes had so many effects to date. Cooperatives Unions monopolized the market and others sectors, it employs so many people and it had so many activities because of the existing system.

KNCU employed more than six hundred people, with serious competition and less preparation for the new system; it found itself in a very difficult time.

“We had to cut down the number of our employees, from six hundred to thirty two people. Really it was hard task, we turned ourselves to a core function of KNCU, the coffee. We drop down all shops, farms and other businesses and rent them to investors, we are just collecting rent that helps us to run other operations,” adds Mr Raymond Kimaro.

There are so many to be told in these 75 years but most important is KNCU has struggled hard and eventually it has survived and it will keeping on standing as a great Cooperative Union in Tanzania and Africa. Happy 75 years of Kilimanjaro Native Cooperative Union.

Kilimanjaro Native Cooperative Union (1984) Ltd has been a certified member of Fair Trade Labelling Organization (FTLO) since 1993, selling forty percent of its coffee to Fair Trade market.

In the first phase of training that has been conducted to Executive members of 68 Primary Cooperative Societies, farmers have been emphasized to produce high quality coffee that can ensure market within Fair Trade. The Major objective of the training was to familiarize the concept of Fair Trade to KNCU small scale producers. Apart from that they were also trained on various issues relating to soil fertilization, soil, water and environmental conservation, management and safe disposal of pesticides, capacity building to members of boards to enable them read and understand financial reports of their societies and the role of board members and secretaries in running of their societies. The training which was divided in Clusters of not more than 5 Primary Cooperative Societies lasted for about three weeks, has helped the executive Organ of Primary Societies to understand more on Fair Trade and its operations.

“Through Fair Trade Buyers are connected with Producers. This connection assures buyers what they buy is also used for the development of the whole community because they buy your coffee at highest price that no other market can offer,” explains Fair Trade Liaison Officer Mr. Patrick Shirima. KNCU (1984) LTD has been sponsoring school fees for children of farmers who are less privileged, through the Premiums derived from Fair Trade. A total of Tshs 13.5/- million have been spent on the Secondary education for these students in the season of 2010/2011. Since the launch of this program more than Tshs. 70 millions have been used to facilitate the programme. To expand the sponsorship scheme KNCU is planning to fund some of the education costs on University Level for those students who will make it to higher Learning.

Other Premiums obtained are used for Organic Farming Projects, Environmental Sustainability and Quality Improvement Project. All these Projects aim at ensuring that high quality and quantity of Coffee is attained by the farmers so as to increase the amount of coffee sold in Fair Trade Market. Remarking the huge contribution of Fair Trade to Societies former Farmers’ Technical Service Manager Gabriel Lyatuu details “After the introduction of Fair Trade and its significant role in development of members’ community all farmers seek for inclusion in organic farming, so that they could sell more coffee and ensure more premiums.

Also the demand for new coffee nurseries are very high compared to our capacity this remarks a tremendous interest on the part of farmers to give more efforts in engaging themselves in Organic Project for the betterment of their Families and Societies at large. In wrapping up the first phase of trainings, Members from various Primary Societies urged the facilitators to conduct regular trainings of the same nature to farmers while expanding the coverage of trainees to ensure all member farmers benefits the training they have received. Moreover they thanked KNCU for helping them improve their lives and made a resolution to improve Coffee Production in their Primary Cooperative Societies.

The oldest Union in Africa, Kilimanjaro Native Cooperative Union (KNCU) has marked 75 years since it was established in 1933. The Union has been a great pioneer of Cooperative Movement in Tanzania and Africa in general.

“It was first built by iron sheet and later with blocks, this is where I used to help my father to sale coffee and it has been here even before his time and still is here as it was there, ” narrates a 70 year old and retired teacher John Masawe.

After thirty six (36) years of absence to his home village, Uru Mawela, John Masawe has decided to go back and live there for the rest of life time. He has built a house of three bedrooms, sitting room and a kitchen. His children are employed in big cities. He stays with his wife and a grandson. His house is surrounded by coffee trees and bananas.

Like any other Chagga man, he keeps four cows, nine goats and a good number of chickens.

This is where John was born 70 years ago. His father was a farmer owned ten acres of coffee farm. John and his eight brothers assisted their father in caring of the farm. With more than five thousands coffee trees they collected more than a thousand kilograms.

“Since I was eleven I worked in this farm and carry buckets of coffee to that building. After finishing my secondary education I went to teacher’s college, but whenever I come back home for my holidays I find my family do the same thing picking cherries, hand pulpery, drying and take it to the society,” explains a retired teacher.

The building John pointed is a Cooperative Society named Uru Kati Mawela. This society is among first eleven societies registered in 1932 to pave a way for the registration of KNCU in 1933. The society is the mother to all other societies located in Uru. Current there are six cooperative societies in the area.

As the children grew up, they are brought up with their societies too. In Kilimanjaro majority of people with more than forty five years of age are identified as children of coffee, because their families’ source of income came only from coffee selling.

They have been involved in picking, pulperling, drying, and carrying coffee to a nearby cooperative society. In a rough research conducted by KNCU it has been identified that in twenty people of 47 years of age and have spend their early years in Kilimanjaro, have participate in one of the mentioned activities in coffee farm.

“You can not see who I am if you have not seen a society. That is the way of life picking of coffee and carries it to my Union,” says John Massawe.

Profile

Kilimanjaro Native Cooperative Union (1984) is a cooperative union registered under the cooperative societies Act of 1982 to produce and export Mild Arabica coffee from Kilimanjaro region in Tanzania. We serve small coffee producer members on the slopes of highest mountain in Africa, Kilimanjaro in the districts of Rombo, Moshi Rural, Hai and Siha. At first KNCU was registered in Tanzania in 1933 under the Co-operatives Societies Ordinance of 1932, together with its 11 affiliated member societies. Currently KNCU serves about 90 affiliate societies and members totaling over 70,000. Since its establishment KNCU (1984) LTD, has been playing a vital role of transforming coffee farming communities by gaining better means to livelihood thus contributing to alleviate poverty in rural areas. This has been achieved by ensuring our coffee farmers are sufficed with advanced extension services as a unique mechanism to produce high quality and quantity Mild Arabica coffee in volcanic soil of Mount Kilimanjaro to compete in the World market by fetching reasonable price.

KNCU is a certified member of Fair Trade (FLO) since 1993, Naturland in 2004, and Institute Marketecology (IMO) since 2004 for our organic coffee. These certifications verify the highest level of quality of our coffee which is safe for human consumption in terms of health and environmental friendly produced. Basically, the produced coffee adheres to International Standards for Green Economy and Development and guarantees the end customer that, the coffee sold under Fair Trade conditions contributes to the well being of the co-operative members and their communities.

Our vision:.
To become an efficient, effective and sustainable Cooperative Union in the coffee industry

Our mission:
To provide efficient services to its primary cooperative society members in production, collection, processing and marketing of coffee. In order to be realized, KNCU focuses on the following key functions:

• Provide crop finance to member primary cooperative societies
• Provide market information on coffee prices to member primary cooperative societies and help them to secure optimal prices
• Collect, transport, grade, process, package and market members’ coffee
• Provide information on input prices and seek the minimal prices for the best quality inputs
• Supply farm equipment and inputs (seedlings, fertilizers and chemicals) to member primary cooperative societies
• Provide cooperative education and extension services to member primary cooperative societies

KNCU provides a following set of community related activities/ services to her members as a contribution towards positive development;

1. Community Health Insurance Scheme
As we acknowledge the importance of health concept as defined by WHO (1948), KNCU sees the importance of cultivating healthy coffee community in order to errand our aim of having constant production in terms of quantity and quality coffee from our members. Therefore, KNCU (1984) LTD in partnership with the PharmAccess Foundation (PharmAccess) and Hivos operate Community Health Insurance Scheme that serves the members to access quality Primary Health Care services at affordable cost.

2. KNCU Fair Trade Premium Project for Self Help Initiatives
Fair Trade premiums have been a prime support to the cooperatives to develop self-help and livelihood improvements of their members. Premiums have been used by KNCU to her members to:

• Establish an education fund to provide scholarships for members’ OVC
• Finance farming of organic coffee in ten primary cooperatives
• Finance a coffee quality improvement programme
• Establish a coffee seedlings nursery to supply farmers with new seedlings

3. Fair Tourism Project
Popularly known as ''Kahawa Shamba,'' meaning Coffee Farm is managed by small scale coffee farmer’s members of KNCU. The main objective of Kahawa Shamba Project to assist and enable KNCU, in collaboration with the Rural Primary Cooperative Societies to develop sustainable tourism that lead to diversification of economy by providing additional income for the KNCU coffee farmers as new source of income to cushion them against fluctuating coffee prices in the market.

For more information and /or business partnership contact us
KNCU (1984) LTD
P.O. BOX 3032,
Telephone: +255 2752785, Fax: +255 2754204
Email address: info@kncutanzania.com
Website: www.kncutanzania.com

Exporting pure coffee all over the world.

After the government of United Republic of Tanzania introduced and adopted Liberalization policies for economic growth, KNCU (1984) LTD officially established Export Unit in 1993 with the aim of value addition to meet the clients’ choices thus increasing revenues, and make Union coffee to be bought on competitive basis. Before acquiring this license our coffee was bought under very low price. Export unit has been playing a big role by ensuring more than 80% of coffee collected from our famers is sold through export by finding more coffee buyers and create good clientele from different coffee suppliers in the World. KNCU have come to realize that Direct Export is one of the effective tool of selling our farmers’ coffee as it fetches better price that cushions our coffee famers.

Through Export department today, KNCU exports quality mild washed Arabica coffee to a number of clients in Europe, Asia, South Africa and United States of America. It has three qualified personnel who are Commercial Manager, Export Marketing officer and a Liquorer where by liquorer plays a great role of ensuring the quality expectations of our clients are met accordingly by cupping the sample of coffee ordered. Actually cupping is a paramount aspect in quality control of coffee which attracts more buyers and maintains clientele. KNCU (1984) LTD has a great vision of expanding its sales through direct export in the near future as the part of making our coffee to be bought on competitive basis thus acquires better prices that meet the famers’ expectations. We warmly welcome you all to press more orders today.

How to buy from KNCU?

From our website, visit Contact Us page and make your enquiry. or send your enquiry to

info@kncutanzania.com
commercialmanager@kncutanzania.com