Strengthening inclusive, compliant and resilient coffee systems in Rwanda

Coffee sustains the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of smallholder farmers in Rwanda and plays a critical role in the country’s economy. However, the sector faces growing challenges—from low productivity and volatile global prices to increasing pressure from international due diligence regulations.

Fit for FAIR supports Rwanda’s coffee sector in navigating this transition by fostering collaboration, strengthening systems, and enabling stakeholders to meet emerging global requirements while protecting farmer livelihoods. 

The challenge

New international due diligence regulations —particularly in key export markets—are reshaping expectations for transparency, traceability, and sustainability across coffee value chains. For Rwanda’s predominantly smallholder-based sector, these changes present both risks and opportunities.

Without inclusive systems that reach all producers, especially smallholders, there is a risk of exclusion from global markets. At the same time, limited coordination across stakeholders makes it difficult to respond effectively to these complex, system-wide challenges. 

Our approach

Fit for FAIR brings together public and private actors, civil society, and development partners to co-create solutions for a more sustainable and inclusive coffee sector.

At its core, the initiative establishes a multi-stakeholder working group where actors across the value chain can:

• Build a shared understanding of emerging regulations
• Identify gaps and opportunities within existing systems
• Co-develop practical, actionable solutions

Through facilitated dialogue and collaborative processes, the initiative supports the development of policy recommendations and collective commitments aligned with international due diligence requirements.

What this initiative delivers

Fit for FAIR contributes to long-term transformation of the coffee sector by:

• Aligning national frameworks with global standards, supporting both compliance and competitiveness
• Building stakeholder capacity through knowledge exchange and targeted learning
• Fostering collaboration and trust across the coffee value chain
• Supporting inclusive participation, ensuring smallholders are not left behind

• Facilitating the strengthening of traceability and due diligence systems to ensure continued access to international markets

   

Why it matters

Ensuring compliance with evolving global standards is critical not only for continued market access but also to build more resilient, equitable, and sustainable coffee sector.

By supporting coordinated action and shared solutions, Fit for FAIR helps strengthen national systems and position Rwandan coffee as a sustainable livelihood for future generations.

UNDP’s role

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Rwanda National Agriculture and Export Development Board (NAEB), and with support from GIZ and the Sustainable Agricultural Supply Chains Initiative (SASI), plays a key convening role in bringing together stakeholders. UNDP also facilitates dialogue and provides technical expertise to promote collaborative approaches and drive systems transformation.

By working closely with national partners and drawing on its global experience in sustainable commodity systems, UNDP helps create the enabling conditions for lasting, system-wide change.