Burundi is a small country at the crossroads of East and Central Africa, situated between Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzania. Kayanza is one of Burundi's 18 northern provinces. The plantations are often located at altitudes of between 1800 and 2100 metres, and the country produces most of its red bourbon using the washed method.
Coffee production in Burundi, initiated by the Belgians in the 1920s, has expanded rapidly and now employs 55% of the working population. The health of the sector is therefore crucial to raising the standard of living of Burundians, which is one of the lowest in the world. However, 95% of the sector is owned by two major players.