Joyce is a coffee farmer, widow, and mother of eight who manages a 7-hectare farm in Tanzania’s Southern Highlands. Having inherited the farm following the passing of her husband, she has continued to build on its legacy through determination, hard work, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Originally established in 2001, the farm was expanded by Joyce in 2018 and today is home to more than 17,000 coffee trees. Since joining the Women in Coffee project, she has invested further in her farm’s future by planting 1,000 Compact Hybrid coffee trees, introducing improved varieties alongside her existing crop.

To support the long-term health of her farm, Joyce integrates native shade trees and avocado trees throughout her coffee plots, helping to regulate growing conditions and improve resilience. Like many coffee farmers in the region, she continues to face challenges, including Coffee Berry Disease, but remains focused on adopting better farming practices and strengthening productivity.

The results are already becoming visible. Coffee production increased from 2.2 tonnes of parchment coffee in 2024 to 4 tonnes in 2025, with further growth expected in the coming years. Alongside coffee, Joyce grows maize, potatoes, and beans, creating additional sources of income while supporting her family’s needs. Through the Women in Coffee project, Joyce is working to strengthen her agronomic knowledge, improve farm management practices, and enhance both the quality and volume of her coffee production. Her story reflects the determination of women farmers who are investing in their farms, their families, and their futures.