Our very first partnership this year is with University of Westminster

Project Summary: Students from the University of Westminster collaborate with counterparts from the University of Rwanda to develop a Sustainable Development Strategy for the renowned Rwandan coffee plantation, Kinunu AgroProcessing (KAP). This interdisciplinary project focuses on community engagement, sustainability, life sciences, design, social enterprise, and employability skills, with the aim of establishing an ongoing integrated project.

Context: Rwanda’s Government has prioritized sustainable development, particularly in Green & Rural Tourism, which plays a significant role in the country’s economy. Coffee, contributing to 24% of agricultural exports, is a key economic driver, particularly benefiting around 450,000 coffee farmers, with a significant portion being women. Rwanda is also pioneering post-pandemic sustainable approaches to social entrepreneurship.

The Coffee Plantation: Kinunu AgroProcessing (KAP): Located in Boneza, on Lake Kivu, KAP was founded with the mission of enabling sustainable livelihoods for local farmers, with a focus on empowering women. The plantation serves as a platform for educating visitors about coffee farming and the challenges faced in developing countries, while also showcasing the potential benefits of community-led enterprises.

The Scope of the Project: The project aims to broaden participation by engaging students from various disciplines, including Sustainability, Urban Design, and International Planning & Sustainable Development. Students will collaborate with counterparts from the University of Rwanda to develop problem-solving skills and research sustainability topics linked to tourism, supply chains, waste management, and social entrepreneurship.

Impacts:

1. Authentic Learning: Westminster students will engage with students from the University of Rwanda and local stakeholders, gaining valuable cross-cultural experiences.
2. Eco-Tourism Development: The project will result in the creation of a 3D model for the coffee plantation site, envisioning it as an eco-tourism destination, benefiting the local community and international tourism.
3. Sustainability Plan: A sustainability plan will be developed, focusing on waste management, urban design, and sustainable development models tailored to Rwanda’s emergent economy.

This partnership represents a collaborative effort to drive sustainable development and create lasting positive impacts in Rwanda’s coffee industry and beyond.