Over 1,999 coffee growers across 21 sectors, 4 main stations and 5 mini-stations — Kalehe Territory, South Kivu.
SOPACDI brings together coffee growers of all ethnic backgrounds across Kalehe Territory — Hutu, Tutsi, Hunde, Tembo, Shi and Twa Pygmy communities. The cooperative was founded precisely to overcome communal divisions and build peace through coffee trade.
Our members speak Kihunde, Kihavu, Mashi and Kinyarwanda — four languages united by one shared vision: improving the lives of our families and communities through coffee.
Each member cultivates on average ¼ to ½ hectare of Bourbon and Katimor coffee trees between 1,460 and 2,000 metres altitude, on the volcanic slopes overlooking Lake Kivu. 35 field agronomists support producers throughout the year.
The cooperative also supports the integration of the region's Twa Pygmy communities: classrooms built, scholarships awarded and farming equipment distributed.
SOPACDI guarantees a minimum 30% women's representation on the Board of Directors. GALS (Gender Action Learning System) programme and Women's Coffee with a specific premium.
Composting, biofertilisers, erosion control, agroforestry. Annual distribution of coffee and shade-tree seedlings. Free training for all members.
In 2011, SOPACDI opened Congo's first modern washing station in 40 years. Today: 4 main stations, 5 mini-stations, 2 warehouses and a cupping laboratory.
Each station is equipped with modern pulpers, fermentation tanks, washing channels and raised African tables. Coffee is processed with the crystal-clear water of Lake Kivu.
A specific premium is paid to women members for their "Women's Coffee". These funds, managed with full autonomy by the women themselves, support collective projects: children's schooling, maternal healthcare and income-generating activities.
SOPACDI also guarantees that women make up at least 30% of the Board of Directors and benefit from equal access to technical training and cooperative resources.
Many of our women coffee farmers are widows, their husbands having drowned smuggling coffee across Lake Kivu. The solidarity and premiums on the price of coffee dedicated to women now allow them to meet the needs of their families.
"With the first premium for Women's Coffee we bought salt and soap. It was necessary to celebrate the event."
SOPACDI's Bourbon and Katimor coffee trees grow under the canopy of indigenous shade trees and banana plants, on fertile volcanic soils between 1,460 and 2,000 metres. No pesticides or chemical fertilisers are used — this is a requirement of our organic certifications.
Cherry pulp from pulping is composted and redistributed to members as natural fertiliser. Anti-erosion channels are built on the terraces. Station washing water is treated before discharge.
Grown by over 1,999 passionate producers, our Bourbon and Katimor arabica reflects the excellence of the Lake Kivu volcanic terroir.
