The cooperative

In 1993, the original Hasambo AMCOS was established under the Mbozi Cooperative Union (MBOCU). Just over 10 years later, in 2002, the Hasam- bo cooperative withdrew from MBOCU and started to operate independently. TechnoServe helped the group to greatly improve quality and its access to coffee markets.

With the group attracting more and more farmers, they decided last year to install a new coffee pulping unit with a processing capacity of 2.5 MT per hour.

Hasambo & us

Taylor Winch – Volcafe’s export operation in Tanzania – started to work with Hasambo in 2011, after the phase-out of the TechnoServe Coffee Initiative Program which had helped the coop gain access to the direct export market. TechnoServe also provided continuous support to the farmers through training in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), sustainability, processing practices and quality control; all of which Taylor Winch continues today. Hasambo Coop farmers are eager to learn and are open to new ideas such as shade drying. The result can be clearly detected in the cup.

Drying tables

Currently the parchment is dried in around 9 days, as the parchment needs to be rotated to make room for fresh coffee. Ideally the drying time would be stretched out to 14 days, which can be made possible by expanding the existing drying capacity. Shade nets help to control the temperature on the drying tables. New netting will be installed, providing much-needed shade to slow the drying process. Taking these small measures can greatly enhance the cup profile and consistency, adding complexity and uniformity.

Implementation

Our local team at Taylor Winch Tanzania will manage and supervise the project on the ground.

How to support the project

Simone and Pascal are on hand in Europe to answer any questions and to discuss further involvement.