Rwenzori Mountains

Mountains of the Moon

In western Uganda, where the equator meets altitude, the Rwenzori Mountains rise dramatically into the clouds. Known locally as the “Mountains of the Moon,” this majestic range stretches over 120 kilometers along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. With snow-capped peaks like Margherita soaring beyond 5,100 meters, glacial rivers nourish fertile valleys that are ideal for agriculture.

The Rwenzoris’ unique equatorial-alpine climate (marked by cool temperatures, consistent rainfall, and rich volcanic soils) forms the foundation for some of Uganda’s most distinctive Arabica coffees.

The Bakonzo Smallholders

The majority of coffee grown in the Rwenzori region comes from smallholder farmers, many from the Bakonzo tribe. These Bantu-speaking communities have cultivated SL14 and SL28 varieties on farms on the slopes with typically less than one hectare. Family-run and handpicked, the coffee reflects the intimate labor and skill of mountain farmers.

Agri Evolve supports this farmer network through various local buying centers and a central processing facility at Nyabirongo. The company has spread their regional impact by working with over 23,000 registered farmers and has internally created more than 250 seasonal jobs, 96 full-time positions, and close partnerships with 390 community-based agents. While the field operations are deeply rooted in rural networks, its leadership sets a powerful example: 58% of senior roles are held by women.

Processing in the Rwenzori Highlands

Agri Evolve offers a diverse range of processing methods (washed, natural, and anaerobic) each shaped by the unique conditions of the Rwenzori Mountains and the farmer’s own context. What makes this region exceptional is not only its altitude (ranging from 1,400 to 2,200 meters) and microclimates, but also the way coffee is handled across different stages of the supply chain. Processing is distinctly organized around two streams: smallholder-managed and centrally managed at Agri Evolve’s hub in Nyabirongo.

Drugar vs. Centrally Processed

With more than 250 buying centers spread throughout the mountains, farmers can deliver either fresh cherry or already processed coffee, depending on accessibility and their own capacities.

For some, especially in the steeper or more remote parts of the Rwenzoris, home processing is a practical and valuable step. It allows farmers to retain more control over quality and earn greater value for their effort. These home-dried lots (locally known as “Drugar”) are delivered as ungraded coffee to Nyabirongo, where they are carefully sorted, cleaned, and quality-checked. This extra step is recognized with an extra premium price for the farmers.

Other farmers bring freshly picked cherry directly to Nyabirongo. Here, coffee is separated into distinct lots based on processing location (home or central), quality grade, community of origin, and certification status.

B-Corp Certification and ACE 2030

Agri Evolve is one of the few B Corp-certified companies operating at the supplier level in coffee. Their direct integration enables end-to-end traceability and ethical oversight: from field to export.

The impact is wide-reaching: over 34,000 pre-financing loans issued to producers; 516,000 native trees planted in 2024 to combat deforestation; and 1,400+ energy-efficient stoves distributed to reduce firewood dependency. The company actively monitors its carbon footprint and integrates digital supply chain tools through Rural Supply Management (RSM) systems.

With more than 40,000 individual farm assessments and over 12,000 Rainforest Alliance-certified farmers, Agri Evolve’s network is data-informed and future-oriented. At the organizational level, the company fosters inclusion, most notably through a leadership team in which women hold 58% of senior positions.

The company’s ACE 2030 strategy (focusing on Agriculture, Community, and Environment) guides its long-term vision for a better, more equitable coffee sector.

Stories of change

Ithungu Bridget, 26, is a mother of three and an Agri Partner who also serves as an EMATA Agent to support farmers with digital loans repaid with coffee. “I used to sell to middlemen for 1,500 UGX per kilo. Now, I earn more than double. I’ve planted 300 new coffee seedlings and bought 50 kg of organic fertilizer. My farm is doing well. I will keep selling all my coffee to Agri Evolve because I see my life is changing—and a great future awaits me.”

Bridget’s growth reflects a broader shift among Agri Evolve’s farmer network, driven by targeted technical assistance. Field officers provide hands-on training in pruning, mulching, composting, and shade management. These simple but impactful techniques have nearly doubled productivity in just two years. In 2022, average yield per tree was 1.8 kilograms. By 2024, that figure had reached 3.0 kilograms, boosting income potential across thousands of households.

This increase is not only the result of agronomy, but it’s also about access. With tools like the Rural Supply Management (RSM) app, Agri Evolve tracks farm-level progress, ensures tailored support, and helps farmers plan for long-term resilience. The result: stronger farms, confident producers, and a thriving regional ecosystem rooted in equity.

Uganda

Rwenzori Mountains

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