The name is derived from The Bukonzo Tribe. A group of descendants living throughout the Rwenzori Mountains, covering both Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Individuals do not necessarily identify as citizens of either country, they will proudly announce their Bukonzo heritage.

It is hand harvested and sold as fresh ripe cherries direct to the community washing station at Kalingwe. The coffee processed through the community washing station at Kalingwe is sourced from around 300-500 farms – the farm sizes in the Rwenzori mountains are very small! The Kalingwe washing station has given these farms access to better processing facilities rather than having to process at farm and has meant that they can now sell their coffee’s to a world wide audience.

Country: Uganda
Region: Rwenzori Mountains, borderland with the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Altitude: 1800-2000 mas
Process: Natural
Varietal: Arabica SL14 & SL28
Tasting notes: Flavour Notes of Strawberry, Marzipan & Rose
Cup Score: 86.5
Sourced through Omwani & Agri Evolve

Agri Evolve is a profit-for-purpose agribusiness based in the Rwenzori Mountains of Uganda, specializing in coffee production, processing, and export. Founded in 2016, the company supports smallholder farmers by providing resources, training, and market access, with the goal of improving coffee quality, increasing farmer income, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Agri Evolve works with approximately 2,000 farmers across Uganda’s Kasese District and is committed to building a positive social and environmental impact in the region.

History

Agri Evolve’s origins trace back to 2010 when Johnny Rowland, then a tropical agriculture student, moved to Uganda and began working at a Rural Development Centre in Kasese. This centre provided agricultural support to local farmers, offering Rowland his first look into rural farming challenges. Here he observed the lack of access to fair market prices and efficient processing facilities, which led to poor-quality coffee and low incomes for farmers.

Motivated by these experiences, Rowland founded Agri Evolve in 2016 as a coffee collection point in the Rwenzori Mountains. This initial operation aimed to pay farmers better prices and ensure prompt payment, setting a foundation of trust in the community.

Recognising the need for better processing infrastructure, the following year they invested in the equipment for processing, enabling Agri Evolve to control coffee quality through washing and drying, which increased the coffee’s market value.

Over time, the station expanded into a full-scale processing facility, bringing new economic stability and job opportunities to the community.

Operations and Impact

Agri Evolve operates as a profit-for-purpose business, meaning that profits are reinvested to support local farmers and community development projects. The company has invested in processing equipment, demonstration farms, and technical expertise to enhance the quality and marketability of Rwenzori coffee. Agri Evolve’s facilities include advanced washing stations, mechanical dryers, and greenhouses, enabling high standards in coffee processing.

Agri Evolve works with approximately 2,000 smallholder farmers in the region, offering fair pricing and bonuses for quality produce, as well as covering transportation costs. Farmers are trained in best practices, focusing on improved yield, quality, and environmental conservation.

In 2022, Agri Evolve completed construction on the Nyabirongo Processing Station, one of Uganda’s largest and most advanced coffee facilities. Equipped for both wet and dry processing, the station streamlines coffee production, eliminating the need for off-site milling and creating new employment opportunities in the area. Agri Evolve has also established multiple buying centers across the Rwenzori Mountains, providing accessible market points for farmers and reinforcing the company’s long-term presence in the region.

Pictures from Omwani coffee