“These floods and landslides were the worst catastrophic event in our lifetimes. 28 people lost their lives.”
- Evariste Hagumimana, manager of Shyira coffee washing station.
“Devastating landslides rip through Nyabihu District, Rwanda. Famous for the Shyira and Vunga Coffee Washing Stations
In collaboration with Muraho Trading Co. and the Rwandan government, our response was strategised into three phases; Meeting immediate needs, support recovery, and building resilience longterm. The physical losses from these recent landslides and flooding included:
• At least 325 homes, with many more farmers displaced
• Farmers’ coffee trees, livestock, and other crops
• Community infrastructure, including 36 classrooms, 12 community churches, 10 administrative posts, a healthcare centre and the Vunga market
• Electrical infrastructure and critical water supply infrastructureIn this region:
• Farming families rely on coffee for 65% of their income.
• Families typically own 0.4 Ha & produce about 1200-1400kg of coffee cherries per annum.
• Most household incomes are less than 700 USD/annum.
This is on top of the impacts of COVID-19 that were already reducing the income of farmers this season. While the government is working to the best of its capability to respond in the current economic environment, additional support for farmers is critically needed.”
“Launch of Go Fund Me, Rwanda Landslides: Urgent Appeal
The urgent appeal for help was answered by almost 1000 people, raising enough money to deliver essential items to entire neighbourhoods that were suddenly without food, shelter, or income.
Rebuilding homes, replanting trees, and investing in resilience against future climate events are the key next steps, and much of the global coffee community remains dedicated to the cause.
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“Phase One: Meet Immediate Needs
The incredible response of the coffee community meant that the urgently needed care packages were able to be purchased and delivered to those in need.
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“Nyabibrew Day participants worldwide raise over $10,000 USD for Nyabihu
On the 25th November 2020, roasters, cafés, and baristas came together to support the people of Nyabihu District, Rwanda, in response to the disastrous landslides that ripped through their homelands earlier this year.
At this stage, Phase One, Immediate Needs, has been 100% funded, with all the elements of immediate support now in the hands of those who need them. The goal of Nyabibrew was to take us through the Support Recovery phase, and into phase three, Resilience.”
“Fundraising and rebuilding continues
25 homes are almost complete, as the building work gains real speed. This is partly due to the necessity, as the building work must be completed before the rainy seasons take hold. Because of the support of the coffee community, houses and vital community buildings are rising again, alongside cash crops including coffee.
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Your involvement, big or small, is guaranteed to change lives.
Thank you.
