working out the details
Sometimes they say, relationships break down because of the little things. Today was a chance to work some of those details out, and get back on track with the real work of building a viable fair trade movement in eastern Uganda.
Peace Kawomera is part of a union of cooperatives called Gumutindo. Together, these cooperatives (now numbering 10) export their coffee together, and our able to realize the economic advantages of scale through increased volumes. Without the Gumutindo union, it’s unlikely that Peace Kawomera could be viable—the cost per pound to mill, pack, certify, and export would negate any gains made from higher prices. So it’s a marriage of convenience, in a way, or at least of mutual interest.
Some serious issues have been nagging at this relationship, and our meeting today was a chance to put it all out on the table. Together, JJ, Kakaire (Peace Kawomera’s Secretary Manager) and Gumutindo’s Managing Director Willington Wamayeye did a little bit of group therapy. Misunderstandings which had been festering for months were aired, frustrations addressed, and, after two hours, we had agreed on solutions to the challenges facing our work together.
For us, this is really the heart of our work: relationships. But more specifically, it’s these relationships, which are not always easy, or effortless, but powerful because they are built on shared need and mutual interest. Our business is unique because we create partnerships that are reciprocal: we need the farmers, as they need us. The farmers need Gumutindo, as Gumutindo needs them. Together, we create a business model built to be balanced, effective, and mutually beneficial.
This two hour meeting alone was worth all the leg cramps and airplane meals it took to get here. There is no way to have the kind of conversation we had today when you’re not face to face. So, this is why we visit our partners, and work together. And what’s perhaps most exciting, is that as with all relationships, what doesn’t break you makes you stronger. I left today’s meeting feeling like we had not only resolved some issues from the past, but stepped forward with more strength.