UK Coffee Week to Bring Clean Water to 40,000 Ethiopian Coffee Farmers

Over 450 coffee shops across the UK are set to take part in UK Coffee Week, raising money for a new project to bring clean water to 40,000 coffee farmers in Berbere, Ethiopia.

The project, led by non-profit Project Waterfall, will construct a gravity-flow water system, comprising a 500m3 reservoir and a solar pumping system. Additionally, the project will install 11 WASH kiosks, to ensure the water system is financially sustainable through collecting fees for the water, and construct climate resilient, equitable and inclusive water supply and sanitation facilities in three local schools and two healthcare centres.

The district of Berbere has been identified by the Government of Ethiopia as one of the highest-ranking areas in need of climate resilient water supplies, with unpredictable changes in rainfall patterns and deforestation causing increased risk of flooding and drought.

Each business participating in UK Coffee Week, whether a single-store independent coffee shop or multi-site international coffee chain, decides their own way to raise funds – from donating 10p from every coffee sold to organising events, raffles and bake sales.

“UK Coffee Week is an opportunity for us all to come together and make an impact on the communities that make our livelihoods possible,” said Chintal Patel, Founder and CEO of Project Waterfall. “By supporting UK Coffee Week, you can help to bring clean water, sanitation and education to coffee growing communities in Berbere, Ethiopia.”

UK Coffee Week takes place from 16-22 October 2023. To find out more about how you can get involved, visit the UK Coffee Week website.