Mbale District is located at the foothills of Mount Elgon (4,321 m). This region, situated in eastern Africa and bordering Kenya, is very well known for its Bugisu (washed arabica) coffee. Due to its volcanic soil and high altitude, Mount Elgon's slopes are ideal for cultivating high-quality washed Arabica coffee. The Bufumbo Organic Farmers Association is a collective of smallholder coffee farmers that began in 1997 with just 7 members. Sixteen years later, this group has grown to 653 members, owing to their efforts in improving the lives of smallholder farmers through market-ori- ented farming and economic programs.