From the slopes of Mount Elgon, Friends of Mothers Initiative is building a future where women farmers, rural communities, and the environment can thrive together.
Who we are
Based in Kasaale, in the renowned Mountain Elgon coffee-growing region of Uganda, Friends of Mothers Initiative works with women coffee farmers to produce, process and export high-quality coffee while creating opportunities for sustainable community development.
Founded in 2015, incorporated in 2017, and beginning coffee exports in 2019, FMI has grown into a vertically integrated specialty Arabica coffee enterprise committed to quality, sustainability, and ethical trade.
Operating on the fertile slopes of Mount Elgon, we work with women farmers to produce exceptional coffee and natural honey while creating opportunities for stronger livelihoods and more resilient rural communities.
Our work brings together agriculture, entrepreneurship, environmental stewardship, and women’s empowerment to create lasting impact – one bean and one hive at a time.
OUR STORY
Friends of Mothers Initiative was founded with a clear purpose: to create meaningful opportunities for women in agriculture and help address the inequalities that continue to affect women in the coffee sector.
Today, all our farmers are women, and women hold 90% of leadership roles within the organization.
Through coffee production, beekeeping, training, sustainable farming, and direct trade relationships, FMI continues to create pathways for women to earn more from their work, strengthen their households, and contribute to the development of their communities.
Our journey continues to grow, but our purpose remains the same: to empower women and build sustainable rural communities through agriculture and entrepreneurship.
Where Exceptional Coffee Begins
From the coffee farms of Kasaale, situated 1,400–2,500 metres above sea level in the rich volcanic soils of Mount Elgon, to our processing and warehousing facilities, every stage is carefully managed to preserve quality.
The fertile land, favourable climate, and diverse natural flora shape the character of our specialty coffee and wildflower honey.
The land provides the foundation. Our farmers bring the care. Together, they create something exceptional.
WOMEN AT THE HEART OF FMI
Empowering women is not simply part of our mission – it is at the heart of our entire business model.
Every farmer we work with is a woman. By creating opportunities in coffee production, beekeeping, training, and entrepreneurship, we help women gain greater value from their time, skills, and hard work.
Our approach helps women:
OUR VALUES
OUR JOURNEY
Every bean and every hive represents an opportunity to empower women, protect the environment, and build thriving communities.
