Real-World Change

Impact & Stakeholders

Measurable outcomes on the Research Lab and on the Real Field. With our Stakeholders and Partners, We make it Possible.

Impact Metrics

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Farmers Reached

Stakeholders Reached

Ha considered Under Circular Practice

Projected Average Income Increase

Socioeconomic Transformation

Cultivating Community & Equitable Growth

Women''s Economic Empowerment & Cooperativess

Integrating women into leadership roles within local cooperatives and ensuring equitable access to new bio-product revenue streams.

Green Job Creation & Skill Diversification

Training youth and farmers in biorefinery operations, composting, and advanced processing techniques to build a resilient workforce.

Maximizing Revenue Per Coffee Tree

Transforming what was once considered waste into valuable secondary products, directly increasing net farm income.

Fostering Inclusive Stakeholder Partnerships

Building strong collaborations between universities, local government, cooperatives, and commercial partners to sustain the circular model.

Voices from the Field

Testimonials

""Partnering with the CARES project has opened new doors for our community in Hafursa. For generations, we saw coffee pulp and husks as mere byproducts, but we are now learning to view them as valuable resources. This transition toward a circular economy is not just about environmental sustainability; it is about creating tangible economic opportunities and leadership roles for our members, particularly the women within our cooperative. We are proud to be at the forefront of this innovation, turning traditional agricultural practices into a resilient, 'waste-to-wealth' system that benefits every household in our region.""

Meskelu Gebre

Manager, Hafursa Coffee Farmers Cooperative Association, Yirgacheffe

"At KA WET Plc, Sidama, our commitment to excellence in the coffee sector has always been driven by a desire to innovate. By collaborating with the CARES project, we are moving beyond traditional processing to embrace a truly circular bioeconomy. The ability to transform coffee agro-waste into high-value products—such as natural dyes and organic soil enhancers—aligns perfectly with our vision for a sustainable industrial future. This partnership is proving that environmental stewardship and industrial growth can go hand in hand, creating a more resilient value chain that empowers our local workforce and sets a new standard for the Sidama Zone."

Mr. Kebede Kabiso

Founder & Managing Director, KA WET Coffee Pulping Plc, Sidama

"In the world of specialty coffee, quality is defined by every detail of the process. Our partnership with the CARES project allows us to extend that commitment to excellence beyond the green bean and into the entire ecosystem of the cherry. By integrating circular bioeconomy practices, we are ensuring that the unique profile of our specialty coffee is matched by a truly sustainable production model. Turning cascara and parchment into premium bio-innovations doesn't just reduce our footprint—it enhances the story of our coffee, proving that the highest quality in the cup comes from the highest respect for the land and the community that nurtures it."

Mr. Zegeye Tsegaye

Coffee Farmer Association, Sidama & Yirgacheffe Farms, Hawassa