Who
We are...
A social enterprise on a mission to make agribusiness work sustainably for everyone involved. We envision a farmer-driven coffee supply chain that ensures profitable outcomes for all stakeholders, with a special focus on benefiting farmers.
The name “Ndugu” embodies community, friendship, and cooperation.
Our Values
People
Our farmers are at the heart of what we do, which is why our definition of ethical farming begins with ensuring well-compensated farmers.
Planet
We place ethical farming at the heart of our methodology, directing our efforts towards sustainable farming, guided by the Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agriculture Standard.
Profit
We believe that profitability and sustainability are essential pillars for coffee farming growth. So we support our farmers through production, marketing, and easy access to finance.
Our Team
Bless Agume
Director of Production
Henk-Jan Ebbers
Representative NL Business & Partnerships Development
Martijn Harlaar
Director of Investors and Partnerships
Kimera Joel
Director of Finance
Henrik Looij
Representative NL Business & Partnerships Development
Choose Us
Ndugu currently represents over 6,000 Ugandan coffee farmers united in 23 unique cooperatives, all based in the Masaka region, renowned for its high-quality Robusta coffee.
We are committed to reshaping the coffee industry by placing sustainability and fairness at the heart of our operations.
Specialising in the finest Robusta coffee, which has been farmed in Uganda since the 1800s, we add value throughout the entire supply chain.
From the moment the coffee cherries are picked to the final product, we ensure every step respects the environment and honours the farmers' dedication.
Sustainably Farmed
At Ndugu, we know that sustainability and profitability are not mutually exclusive. We grow and produce our coffee in an environmentally friendly way while guaranteeing fair payment for our farmers. We also provide additional support through access to finance and production resources. Partnering with SUCAFINA/UGACOF, East Africa’s top coffee exporter, we make sustainable coffee production profitable by offering premium prices to farmers who meet Rainforest Alliance standards.
Profitably Traded
We’ve partnered with 23 cooperatives, providing them with the resources and knowledge they need to thrive in a sustainable manner. This collaboration empowers entire communities, fostering a collective approach to sustainable farming. In 2023 alone, we paid over USD 5.6 million for farmers’ coffee.
This substantial financial investment underscores our commitment to ensuring that our farmers are well-compensated for their hard work and dedication to sustainable farming practices. It also highlights the economic viability of sustainable agriculture, proving that farmers can achieve financial success while adhering to environmentally responsible practices.
Enhanced Traceability
By facilitating traceability for 6,393 farmers, we ensure transparency in our supply chain. This not only boosts consumer confidence but also helps farmers get the recognition and fair compensation they deserve. In addition, we’ve geo-tagged 9,220 gardens, creating a robust database that helps in monitoring and managing farming practices more efficiently. This technology-driven approach allows us to support farmers in optimising their yields while maintaining sustainable methods.
Authentic Certification
We have facilitated the certification and audit of 4,413 farmers. These certifications are more than mere achievements—they are gateways to premium markets where sustainable practices are not only valued but also rewarded. By achieving these certifications, our farmers gain access to higher-value markets that recognize and support their commitment to sustainability. This opens doors to new opportunities and ensures that their efforts are acknowledged and fairly compensated.
Impact Verifcation
