A Change Brewing

The existing problem and a promising solution are both in the cup of coffee. The best solutions, in the end, are elegant, however the road to get there is not. We want to introduce you to an Australian company that has found a way to uplift people while offering us a great cup of bliss to satisfy nation’s addiction.

Enter Melbourne-based Commonfolk Coffee, a beacon of hope in the coffee industry, making waves not just for the quality of their brews but for the profound impact they have on communities in Uganda.

The challenges faced by small-holder farmers in Mbale are staggering. The Mt. Elgon region has suffered from historic neglect, characterised by a lack of investment, resources, and rampant corruption. Many families, despite being “a bit smarter and a bit healthier,” still find themselves entrenched in poverty. Farmers are often trapped in a vicious cycle, dependent on a single cash crop with stagnant prices that have barely moved in over four decades, leaving them with little bargaining power.

Exploitation by local middlemen, who pay low prices and delay payments, exacerbates these issues. The struggles extend to the very essence of coffee cultivation, where minimal mechanization means that every stage is labour-intensive and back-breaking, often falling on the shoulders of women and children. Faced with climate change, pest threats, and poor infrastructure, these farmers need more than just sympathy; they need sustainable solutions.

We were recently introduced to Richard Beaumont, founder of the Entrust Foundation. He is one of the most fascinating and fun people you could hope to meet. Richard was our connection to the great news story of Commonfolk Coffee and Zukuka Bora, the Ugandan coffee company that is redefining what it means to be a coffee producer. Zukuka Bora has implemented transformative changes for more than 1,400 farmers in the region, ensuring they can sell cherry at prices 20-40% higher than local traders. This significant increase is made possible through long-term contracts with Commonfolk Coffee, which guarantees premiums and provides cash payment at harvest time.

By removing exploitative middlemen, farmers now deliver their cherry to local micro-stations, where payments are made instantly and transparently. This shift not only empowers farmers but creates local employment opportunities that are crucial for community stability. Remarkably, 70% of seasonal jobs created in Zukuka’s operations are held by women, fostering economic independence and social change.

The journey towards highest quality coffee has been as impressive as the economic gains. Thanks to the hard work of Commonfolk’s head roaster, Sam Keck, Mt. Elgon coffee is now scoring between 84-88 on the Specialty Coffee Association scale. This leap in quality has opened doors to the specialty market, where farmers can fetch prices as high as $4-$9 per pound.

Environmental sustainability is also at the forefront of Zukuka Bora’s mission. With initiatives such as planting shade trees and implementing climate-smart agricultural practices, the company is not just improving yields but also protecting the ecosystem. These efforts are supported by contributions from Australian partners (likeEntrust), demonstrating a true partnership model that benefits everyone involved.

The impact of Commonfolk Coffee goes beyond economics and environmental practices; it extends into the very fabric of the communities they serve. Through initiatives funded by the Cup That Counts, access to healthcare and clean water has improved significantly. A nurse-run clinic now treats around 2,500 cases annually, while clean water sources have emerged to serve nearly 10,000 villagers. Education is also a priority, with scholarships for farmers’ children and programs aimed at retaining youth in coffee farming. By investing in the next generation, Commonfolk and Zukuka are helping to change the narrative around coffee farming, making it an attractive and viable career choice once again.

As we sip our coffee, let’s remember that every cup can tell a story of resilience and transformation. Commonfolk Coffee is not just about good business; it’s about doing what is good. Their partnership with Zukuka Bora exemplifies how companies can forge pathways to a brighter future for farmers and their families while offering a product that brings joy to the consumer.

If you’re up for drinking good coffee, then you can join Commonfolk Coffee’s outstanding work. Together, we can promote a new reality, that the coffee we love not only fuels our days but also fuels hope, empowerment, and a sustainable future for those who grow it.