Tanzania

About 20 kilometers northwest of Mbeya, two East African industries – the Gregory and the Albertine Rift – meet to form the Mbeya Range. Ruptures began to develop and were accompanied by intense volcanic activity. About 8 million years later, the slopes of Mbeya Peak, which reach 2,839 meters, and the surrounding mountain ranges still offer a very rich and fertile soil to the local population. The estate was moved from hand to hand in the years before it was purchased in 1994 by Clemens and Stella Maier. 27 years later, Clemens, Stella and their son Paul still operate the estate and employ 26 people all year round, 150 during the peak season.

Clemens and their family have a very community-oriented vision for their property and believe that producing high quality coffee will not only help their employees improve their standard of living, but will give perspective to the whole community. Lunji Farm grows coffee following sustainable practices, such as mattressing and the introduction of beneficial insects to minimize the use of pesticides and fertilizers. While the estate covers 275 hectares, the coffee – which grows under the shade of trees – lasts only 92 hectares. More than 180 hectares are intended for forest, which supplies water reservoirs, promotes biodiversity and supports natural soil regeneration.