The Rotheca Women’s Project brings together over 2,400 smallholder producers from Muyinga and Kirundo provinces in northern Burundi, contributing to the Muramba and Butihinda washing stations managed by Kahawa Link Company (Kalico), owned by Angele Ciza. More than 80% of the contributing farms are owned or managed by women, reflecting Kalico’s strong commitment to gender empowerment. The company provides agronomic training, scholarships for girls, and ongoing sustainability programs that strengthen farming communities. Angele also operates her own 10-hectare coffee estate employing over 100 women, combining education, fair employment, and environmental care. The region’s high altitude—around 1,800 meters—together with abundant rainfall and fertile hillsides, creates ideal conditions for Bourbon varieties that deliver delicate, flavorful cups. Kalico maintains close partnerships with farmers, offering guidance on nursery management, harvesting, and quality control to ensure consistent cherry selection and processing. Cherries are handpicked, floated, pulped, fermented for about 14 hours, washed, and sun-dried on raised beds for 10 to 14 days before storage. This lot is decaffeinated through the Swiss Water Process, which uses pure water and no chemical solvents. The method gently removes caffeine while preserving the coffee’s original flavors and organic certification—resulting in a clean, chemical-free cup that reflects the integrity and care behind every stage of production.