Gaharo Hill, Burundi

The tiny, landlocked country of Burundi is located right in the heart of Africa. Stretching up from the shores of Lake Tanganyika, a labyrinth of hills spreads in all directions, each hill a distinct community of small landholder farmers and their families.

The hill known as Gaharo has a special place in the heart of the Long Miles Coffee Project. The first washing station built by Long Miles rests at the feet of Gaharo Hill. For Long Miles, Gaharo farmers are neighbors and co-workers—many of the dedicated washing station employees and their families call the Gaharo area home.

Farmers share memories of growing up on this hill, attending school here and playing a ballgame called ‘Horo’ (similar to “Piggy in the Middle”). These memories are often punctured by war, the loss of parents, and the halt to development that frequent conflict brings. Gaharo farmers continue to hope for better education for their children and greater stability so that they may build a life, secure in the knowledge that it will not be destroyed by war and conflict. The sprawling Gaharo region was cultivated slightly later than other regions in the area.

When farmers first arrived, there was no one to welcome them; only empty land waiting to be farmed. As farmers began to work the land and plant crops, the hill was named to mean “we are full” in Kirundi (the local language of Burundi). Today, many farming families live in Gaharo. About 700 families live on Gaharo hill, one of the larger colline communities in the area.

While everyone works their own individual farm plots, when it comes to harvest, coffee is a communal experience. Relying on the support of families and neighbors, ripe Bourbón cherries are picked at their peak and delivered to the washing station. Here, the community’s coffees are kept together – a reflection of the terroir and hard work of these interlocked families. Resources here are few, but with the help of agronomist Epaphras Ndikumana, the families of Gaharo hill have transformed their corner of Burundi into a lush, productive farmscape – one that supports everyone.