EFICO FOUNDATION PROJECT
KILIMANJARO WATER & FOOD FOR ALL 

A year ago, we proudly celebrated 20 years of EFICO Foundation -two decades of meaningful impact supporting coffee farmers, guided by our motto: ‘Coffee for People, People for Coffee’. To mark this milestone, we launched a brand new EFICO FOUNDATION flagship project, ‘KILIMANJARO WATER & FOOD FOR ALL‘.

‘KW&F4A’ PROJECT AT A GLANCE 

The ‘Kilimanjaro Water & Food for All-project’ focuses on implementing regenerative and water-efficient agricultural systems to restore soil productivity and ensure access to water for all communities surrounding coffee production in the Kilimanjaro region.

Purpose:
The ‘KW&F4A’-project aims to restore ecological balance, safeguard vital water resources, and improve the livelihoods of local communities in the Kilimanjaro region by protecting the watershed, enhancing biodiversity, and promoting sustainable land use practices.

Beneficiaries:
2,700 families that are members of the Kyumasha and Fonrwa cooperatives

Location:
Lambo & Silverdale farms with 440 ha at the foot of Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania

Proud Partnership:
African Plantation Kilimanjaro ltd, EFICO, EFICO Foundation, Herencia Value your Legacy

Values:
Regenerative Agriculture, natural capital, responsible coffee, good governance, innovation, social inclusion, prosperity

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

An optimal irrigation system was installed across 136 hectares of coffee farms in Lambo and Silverdale.

The partners involved have contributed to essential improvements in key water infrastructure, such as installing a new water intake on the Weruweru River and building sedimentation tanks. These upgrades have facilitated the shift from traditional, water-intensive furrow irrigation to more efficient, modern irrigation systems.

Meanwhile -as part of the broader Kilimanjaro Water & Food for All initiative, 2,024 trees have been planted in the Weruweru River sub-basin. This side effort simultaneously promotes reforestation, conservation and agroforestry, helping to restore ecological balance and protect vital water bodies in the Kilimanjaro region.

PROJECT ACTIONS AND RESULTS 

! ACTION HIGHLIGHT 

In 2024, 2,024 native trees were planted in the Weruweru basin -including species like African Cordia (Mringaringa), Ficus (Mkuyu), and Newtonia Buchananii (Mkufi).

!! POSITIVE PURSUITS

➵ These trees enhance ecosystem resilience, capture CO₂, support water balance, and create wildlife habitats.
➵ This agroforestry initiative improves local livelihoods and promotes sustainable land management in the Kilimanjaro region, benefiting both the community and the environment.

! ACTION HIGHLIGHT 

Several key improvements were made to enhance irrigation systems and water management practices.

Upgraded Water Delivery
Open furrows previously used to direct water from catchment areas to fields were replaced with closed pipelines. This upgrade improved efficiency by 60-70%.
Reduced Flooding Practices
Smallholder farmers shifted away from traditional flooding methods, conserving water and optimising its distribution across the fields.
Restored Farmland Productivity
With improved irrigation and water management practices in place, agricultural farmlands have been revitalised, supporting healthier crop growth and productivity.

Installation of an Optimized Irrigation System
An efficient irrigation system was installed across 136 hectares of coffee farms in Lambo and Kyumasha (Silverdale), designed to optimize water use and support sustainable coffee production.

!! POSITIVE PURSUITS

Each step reflects a focused improvement that contributes to the overall sustainability and productivity of the farms.

➵ The implementation of closed pipelines and drip irrigation/sprinklers* has improved water efficiency by 50%, leading to a 70% reduction in water consumption and minimising loss from leakage, evaporation, and pollution.
➵ Agricultural productivity increased, thanks to more precise water distribution. Previously unproductive fields were restored to cultivation, boosting overall farm output.
➵ These efforts have increased water availability for downstream users, who are sensitised and trained on proper water management practices by the local Water Stewardship committee
➵ Additionally, energy generated through gravity has reduced diesel and electricity use in pumps and motors by up to 95%.
➵ Overall, these smart initiatives contribute to significant water savings, lower fuel costs, improved crop health, all while contributing to environmental sustainability. It represents a positive advancement for farmers, the local community, and the planet.

This project contributes to the following United Nation Sustainable Development Goals:

LOOKING AHEAD – WHAT’S NEXT ?

As we reflect on the first year’s impact and key achievements, we are excited to introduce the next phase of the project, building on our progress. We remain committed to expanding this initiative, as this ‘KW&F4A’-project is scalable and serves as a replicable model for advancing five states in Kilimanjaro, in partnership with local coffee cooperatives and NGOs. Additionally, it promotes cultural change and multi-stakeholder engagement, driving the positive transformation of the coffee sector while highlighting values such as conservation, participation, regeneration, prosperity, innovation, and collaboration.

We truly value the support of partners like you and look forward to continuing this journey together.

KILIMANJARO COFFEE 
SUPPORT LOCAL FARMERS BUYING COFFEE

We invite you to support this initiative by purchasing coffee produced through this project.
Every cup contributes to the ongoing success of ‘Kilimanjaro Water & Food For All’,  helping to empower smallholders and promote sustainable practices in the region.

COFFEE – TANZANIA  TUMAINI – Kilimanjaro
Rainforest Alliance 

Our Tanzanian flagship coffee is grown in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro. In this area, harvest runs form July to October, with August being the peak.

SOURCE:
REGION: Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania
ALTITUDE: between 1,350 – 1,750 masl

OUR CUPPING NOTES:
This fully washed APK coffee has a balanced cup, fine acidity, milk chocolate body with fruity flavours, berry and tobacco notes, bright sweetness and rounded with a smooth finish.

➵ Our team would be more than happy to tell you how you can sponsor or support this great project. Please contact (y)our trader(s) via email or by telephone.