Thanks to the quality of its coffee and ongoing efforts to improve growing and processing practices, Rwanda's Northern Province has built a solid reputation in the international speciality coffee market.
The province is characterised by its mountainous landscape and fertile soils, with altitudes ranging from 1,700 to 2,500 metres above sea level. The climate is cool and humid, with rainfall well distributed throughout the year, favouring the slow growth of cherries and the development of complex flavours. The soils of the region are mainly volcanic, rich in minerals and organic matter. Coffee from the Northern Province is known for its lively acidity and cups generally have notes of citrus, red fruit and delicate floral nuances.
The predominant coffee variety in this region is red Bourbon, although there are a few plantations of Bourbon Mayaguez 139.
In the Northern Province, many small producers have formed cooperatives. These structures play a crucial role in improving farming practices, post-harvest processing and coffee marketing. Many of these cooperatives participate in Fair Trade or Rainforest Alliance certification schemes, which help to improve producers' incomes and promote sustainable farming practices.