Until recently, the African Coffee Farmer has been grossly underpaid for a product that is recognized, promoted and profited from as the best in the world. The average income in rural Africa is still less than $1.00 per day. Yet ironically, many of the Specialty African Coffees are sold in upscale coffee shops for exorbitant prices here in the U.S. and Europe.

Most of the farmers grow their coffee as a cash crop. It will provide the only source of income to supplement their subsistence farming. The necessities of life such as food security, shoes, clean clothing; medical care and education are all unaffordable luxuries. Due to their independent small size, rural location and lack of education they have not had a voice or the ability to compete in the international market.

Coffee Cooperatives are taking hold. This results in changing deplorable conditions and giving voice to the coffee farmer. As coffee farmers realize the advantage of working together in cooperatives; they are eager to learn and work with high-end roasters. In turn, the roasters, USAID and others are training the coffee farmer cooperatives on best practices from seed to cup. This is generating pride in their product and ensures fair representation in the world market.

Equal World Coffee has partnered with Award Winning coffee farmers in cooperatives that cater to the growing number of coffee connoisseurs in the United States. We are ensuring both the coffee farmer and their cooperatives growth and success by choosing to pay the published Fair Trade™ price for their exceptional product. In addition we work directly with the co-operatives to direct profits earned from our retail coffee sales here in the U.S. back to the producers. The community co-op determines the best way to utilize these additional profits to meet their needs and continue to grow their sustainability.

We know that the coffee sector has an enormous potential to create a prosperous and vibrant rural economy in many African nations. By helping boost rural economies, the population will be empowered, new jobs will be created and lives can be transformed on a sustainable, independent basis.

Equal World Coffee is dedicated to playing a pivotal role in improving the economy of coffee farm cooperatives. We see direct impact on the lives of the coffee farmers and their families.

On behalf of the coffee farmers, we say thank you to the many organizations who have partnered with us to create a more Equal World™ for coffee farmers.