Mama Aya is behind the wonderful coffee coming out of Shaji, alongside a woman producer initiative operated by Communal Shamba, a social enterprise founded solely by young Tanzanians.
Communal Shamba works with a number of farmers groups (known in Tanzania as Agricultural Marketing Co-operative Societies, or AMCOS’) in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania, Mbeya Region, Mbozi District.
Most the farmer groups are part of the Ihowa Community. Communal Shamba paid the highest cherry price in the region almost 80% higher than the standard local market price.
Communal Shamba have engaged in a number of community projects such as rehabilitating the local school and a broad scope health project tackling (including lobbying staffing, clean water storage, computers, refrigeration and sterilizing units. Communal Shamba is paving the way for better coffee and more sustainable trade in Tanzania.
