The Relationship Information Tracking System (RITS): Building Simple Applications to Improve Coffee Traceability, Transparency and Quality Q1 Activity Report

The project was awarded a two-year grant totaling $468,550 by USAID/COMPETE to Sustainable Harvest at Origin/Africa. The primary objective of the RITS Project is to increase the income of small-holder coffee producers by enhancing Kilicafe's efficiency, competitiveness, and transparency. RITS allows Kilicafe cooperative management to classify coffees by quality, negotiate higher prices for high-quality coffees, and reliably track coffee lots from the washing station to port. The system also enables the management to manage member information, facilitating targeted follow-up from agronomists, simplifying certification audits, and rewarding growers who produce high-quality coffee. During the first quarter of 2010, Sustainable Harvest staff conducted a series of activities to implement RITS. The team relocated to Moshi, equipped an office, and introduced themselves to local stakeholders, including Kilicafe and the Tanzania Coffee Board (TCB). The staff conducted a survey of Kilicafe's production and marketing practices, gathering information to tailor RITS to the situation in Moshi. The online tracking system will flow with Kilicafe's existing paper system, ensuring increased efficiency at the washing station, cupping, and sales levels. Sustainable Harvest staff also conducted three trainings in Moshi, including an "Introduction to RITS and User Testing" workshop attended by officials from Kilicafe and the TCB. The purpose of the workshop was to introduce the tracking system and test its efficiency and usefulness. Additionally, the staff invited sixteen representatives of Farmer Groups to attend a basic skills training in computer use and iPhone use. The training created the skills base needed for the pilot phase of the RITS project, enabling participants to use RITS and perform general functions on the computer. The project has made significant progress in the first quarter, with 100% of the objectives achieved. The team has established a fully functioning office in Moshi, gathered the support of Kilicafe management and the Tanzania Coffee Board, and conducted surveys to establish baselines at the Kilicafe cooperative. The RITS system is currently being tailored to Kilicafe's specifications, and training materials for trainers, producers, and dry mill personnel are being developed. However, the project faced administrative challenges, including the termination of two staff members due to inappropriate behavior. The team is continuing the recruitment process to address the capacity shortage and ensure the project's success.