Kokowagayo (Gayo Women Coffee Cooperative) is the first all-female cooperative in the coffee industry in Sumatra. Established in 2014, it is located in the Gayo Mountain region of Aceh province, Sumatra.
Rising steeply from the coastal plains of South Sumatra, the mountains of Aceh Tengah form the historic region of the Gayonian people. This high altitude area with its humid tropical climate provides ideal growing conditions for coffee, which explains the long history and unique quality reputation of Gayo, or Gayo Mountain, beans. They are known for their characteristics of full, syrupy body, medium acidity and earthy notes of green peppercorn, nuts, leather and red fruits.
The role of women in coffee production has always been very important; they are involved in every step, from farm maintenance to processing coffee for export. Having acquired this expertise, some women associated with another cooperative (Permata Gayo) decided to form their own "women-only" association of coffee growers. The goals of their cooperative are to increase the income and quality of life of women farmers and their families through coffee farming and trading, and to improve their financial management skills. Each member of the women's cooperative is the recognized manager of her family's coffee farm.
