Assessing the Environmental Impact of Post-Harvest Coffee Processing: A Case Study of Kanzu Coffee Washing Station in Karambi Sector (2022–2024

  • Marius Ishimwe University of Lay Adventists of Kigali
  • Christophe Mupenzi, PhD University of Lay Adventists of Kigali
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Résumé

This study sought to assess the environmental impact of Coffee post-harvesting processing. A case study of Kanzu Washing Station in Karambi Sector. The study was directed by the following goals such as:  to assess the coffee post-harvesting processes, to analyse the environmental impact in the coffee growing region, and to determine the extent to which coffee post-harvesting processes have influenced the environmental factors. Through a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data from a sample size of 378 respondents, the research assessed the effectiveness of environmental practices adopted by the CWS and contrasted these with local perceptions. The quantitative data was collected through surveys, while qualitative insights were gathered through interviews and focus groups. The local community perceives coffee processing as having a negative effect on the environment, particularly with regard to water quality and resource depletion. Thus, the findings revealed that the majority of respondents (54.55%) use wet processing, followed by dry processing (33.77%). The majority of respondents (62.34%) report using between 50 and 200 litres of water per kilogram of coffee, with a significant portion (16.88%) using over 200 litres. High water usage in wet processing can have serious environmental consequences, particularly in areas with water scarcity or poor waste management systems. The average response is 3.39, meaning that, on average, people perceive the environmental degradation due to coffee processing to be between "Moderately Serious" and "Serious". While the local community remains concerned about the environmental impact of coffee processing, especially regarding water contamination, the data suggests that the measures put in place by Kanzu CWS are effective in reducing pollution and improving environmental conditions. The study concludes with recommendations for sustainable post-harvesting practices and community-based interventions aimed at mitigating the negative environmental effects of coffee processing. The research highlights the importance of integrating local knowledge with scientific data to formulate effective environmental management strategies in coffee-producing areas

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Publiée
9 juillet, 2025