Aggregation & Marketing

The coffee aggregation and marketing process in the rural Kimi area is a well-coordinated effort involving multiple villages and strategic partnerships. Coffee parchment is collected from six different villages and transported to central Kimi primarily through human labour. This labour-intensive process ensures that even the most remote farmers can contribute their produce to the cooperative’s central hub, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

Once the parchment reaches central Kimi, it is prepared for the next stage of its journey. A vehicle is designated to transport the aggregated coffee from Kimi to Goroka, navigating approximately 150 kilometres of challenging terrain. This transportation is crucial for connecting the rural coffee producers with broader markets, ensuring that their hard work culminates in economic opportunities.

In Goroka, the coffee is sold to Agmark Ltd., a reputable company known for its commitment to quality and fair-trade practices. Agmark Ltd, purchases the coffee and also plays an active role in supporting the development of coffee processing capacities of Koezo. Through strategic partnerships, Agmark collaborates with organizations to enhance the technical skills and infrastructure of local cooperatives, including those in Koezo. These initiatives include training programs, the provision of modern processing equipment, and ongoing technical support, all aimed at improving the quality and efficiency of coffee production.

By fostering these relationships and supporting capacity development, Agmark Ltd helps us to ensure the sustainability and growth of the coffee industry in rural Kimi. This integrated approach to aggregation and marketing maximizes the economic benefits for smallholder farmers and promotes the production of high-quality coffee that meets international standards. The cooperation between the villages, central Kimi, and Agmark Ltd signifies a successful model of rural development and market integration.