In the highlands of northwestern Tanzania, near Lake Victoria, the Kagera Co-operative Union (KCU) brings together over 70,000 smallholder farmers across 141 primary cooperatives in Bukoba, Muleba, Missenyi, and Biharamulo. Established in 1950 and restructured in 1990, KCU plays a key role in the production and export of Tanzania AB. Coffee here is grown under traditional agroforestry systems, alongside bananas, beans, and other crops. At 800–1500 meters, the trees benefit from steady rainfall and a short dry season, allowing cherries to ripen slowly over six to eight months. Nearly 14,000 of these farmers cultivate organically, applying practices rooted in tradition and local knowledge. KCU is built on democratic principles, with elected representatives guiding decisions. Since becoming Fairtrade certified in 1993, the union has worked to strengthen direct links between producers and international markets—empowering the people who grow Tanzania’s coffees.