Karansi’s journey to sustainable coffee
25-02-2025A new era under the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)
Written by Mikidadi Waziri, Cooperative Advisor in Tanzania
In the lush highlands of Tanzania, where coffee plantations stretch over rolling hills, Karansi AMCOS has long been a pillar of agricultural excellence. Established in 1987 with a modest 120 members, the cooperative has flourished into a thriving community of 930 dedicated farmers by 2025. Their mission? To cultivate premium-quality coffee while preserving the environment for future generations.
However, as global markets evolve, so do their challenges. With the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) coming into force, Karansi found itself at a crossroads—adapt or risk losing access to one of its most lucrative markets. Recognizing the urgency, the cooperative partnered with Agriterra and Dimitra Technologies to embark on a transformative journey towards sustainable and traceable coffee production.
A training to shape the future
From January 29 to February 2, 2025, Karansi AMCOS hosted an intensive training program to equip its farmers and staff with the knowledge and skills needed to meet EUDR requirements. The training had three key goals:
✅ Educate Farmers on EUDR Compliance – Ensuring coffee cultivation does not contribute to deforestation.
✅ Enhance Traceability – Using Dimitra’s blockchain-powered platform to register farmers via GPS and track coffee origins.
✅ Strengthen Sustainable Farming Practices – Promoting biodiversity-friendly techniques that boost both yield and environmental conservation.
With 10 staff members and hundreds of farmers eager to learn, the sessions were a blend of presentations, hands-on exercises, and lively discussions. Over 415 farmers participated in sensitization meetings, eager to understand how compliance could open doors to premium markets and higher prices.
Technology meets tradition
One of the most exciting aspects of the training was the introduction of the Dimitra System, an advanced platform designed to digitally register farmers and track deforestation-free production. However, the initiative was not without its hurdles. Many cooperative members, particularly senior farmers, had limited experience with digital tools, making continuous coaching essential.
Despite these challenges, enthusiasm was high. The cooperative swiftly set a target to register 500 farmers in the Dimitra system, ensuring transparency and compliance with EUDR.
Lessons and Looking Ahead
By the end of the training, it was clear that Karansi AMCOS was not just preparing for EUDR compliance—it was positioning itself as a leader in sustainable coffee production. Farmers expressed optimism about the potential for direct market access through Dimitra, envisioning a future where Karansi coffee is not only prized for its quality but also for its ethical and environmentally responsible sourcing.
To sustain this momentum, the cooperative plans to:
📌 Provide continuous digital training to bridge the technology gap.
📌 Encourage younger members to lead digital adoption efforts.
📌 Enhance collaboration with buyers and exporters for direct-market opportunities.
The road ahead is filled with both challenges and promise. As Karansi AMCOS moves forward, it is not just complying with regulations—it is pioneering a new standard for Tanzanian coffee, one that blends tradition with innovation for a greener, more prosperous future.
