Karambi, Rwanda

Karambi washing station is a four-hour drive west of Kigali. On the top of the hill, like a gateway to Karambi station, is a big school, also named Karambi. The school has a wide range of grades from primary school to high school. Hundreds of active and excited children and busy people bustle around this station. Cherry is purchased by Karambi from producers, and then sends the cherry through a strict sorting process. After selection and rinsing, cherry goes straight to raised beds. They are spread out in a very thin layer and raked frequently to ensure even drying. It takes around 3 weeks for cherry to dry on the raised beds.

The Nyamasheke district has the highest concentration of washing stations in all of Rwanda. The region lies along the Kivu Lake where growing conditions are optimal. Good altitude, great soil, favorable rainfall — basically everything to produce the best coffees — can be found here. 

Karambi serves a wide range of farmers in the region, and over 66% of the farmers delivering to the washing station are women.