Problem

Between April and June 1994, an estimated 800,000 Rwandans were killed in the space of 100 days. Coffee, one of the country's biggest exports was also a casualty of the conflict. Prior to the genocide, coffee was the primary cash crop of Rwanda. In 1990, Rwanda exported 45,000 tons of coffee per year. The international coffee crisis has also hit Rwandan coffee farmers especially hard, and in some areas, the coffee sector has been devastated

The Gift

The Lifeline radio will boost coffee taste and quality in Rwanda by broadcasting agricultural advice to growers – like when to spray insecticide to ensure their coffee trees are pest free. Farmers will also enjoy market –pricing transparency, learn up to date growing techniques, listen to weather bulletins and share information among competing coffee co operatives – all broadcast in their local language. Many farmers are widows and orphans of the genocide, who now work together side by side as the listen to the radio. With the techniques they are learning from the broadcasts on the Lifeline radio, the women are increasing their income, sending their children to school, and looking forward to a more prosperous and secure future.