Why we exist

In Ethiopia’s rural coffee-growing regions, most families depend entirely on farming to survive. But yet the yield from their small plots is rarely enough to sustain a family, let alone build a future. With limited to no access to training, resources, and markets, farmers work tirelessly but often earn less each year. Climate change, soil degradation, and shrinking landholdings make it even harder to break the cycle of poverty.

We believe this can change.
Change begins when people are given the chance to grow. Not only their crops, but their confidence, skills, knowledge and opportunities. The Bette Buna Foundation exists to tackle the root causes of poverty, not just the symptoms, by investing in people, their ideas, and their potential.

Through our bold and innovative programs, we aim to build resilient, inclusive communities where farmers and their families can grow socially, economically, and environmentally. Because when opportunities are shared, and people believe in their own capacity to shape the future, entire communities begin to transform.

Make it

The targets we’re committed to:

Improved incomes

By 2028, 3500 farming housholds in isolated coffee communities have increased their income by at least 20% through Grow+. Improving yields and foodsecurity, gaining financial literacy and accessing resilient seedlings, organic fertilzer and better markets.
Inclusive jobs

By 2028, 200+ inclusive jobs will be created in isolated coffee communities. Through skill trainings, entrepreneurship, eco-tourism and local micro-enterprises alternative incomes will be earned, which keeps value within the community.
Reduced environmental impact

By 2028, we cutted water use in processing by up to 80%, recycling waste streams into organic fertilizer and trained 3500 farmers in organic farming and agroforestry that restores soil health, protects biodiversity and stores carbon.
Strengthened hope and opportunity

By 2028, trust and hope for the future, have improved signifantly among youth and women through mentorship, role-models, entrepreneurship training and community-led initiatives that inspire people to believe in their own potential.
A fully traceable value chain

By 2028, we supported Bette Buna to develop a digital two-direction traceable value chain between roasters and farmers. Transparency in in costs and profits improving long-term commitment, understanding, and shared value.
Growth of local leadership

By 2028, 350 children and young adults in coffee communities, take part in decision-making of community initiatives, community-led workshops, mentoring peers to build a generation who moves transformation forwards.

Contribute to our projects

Who we are

The Bette Buna Foundation (BBF) is a non-profit organization based in the Netherlands and Ethiopia, founded by Hester Syoum-Westerveld in 2011. Originally established as Stichting Joni (BBF’s mother organization and official registration name) the foundation began by creating equal opportunities for people with disabilities through sports, education, and inclusive business models.

Over time, this mission expanded to include isolated rural farming-communities in Ethiopia, where access to opportunity, education, and economic inclusion remains limited.
In 2013, Hester joined forces with three Ethiopian partners, Yeshiwork, Dawit, and Demelash, to establish BBF’s Ethiopian entity, strengthening its local roots, oversee implementation of projects and encourage local leadership.

In 2020, Hester also co-founded Bette Buna, a specialty coffee company built on the same belief: that coffee can drive transformation, equality, and opportunity for isolated communities.Together, Bette Buna and the Bette Buna Foundation work hand in hand to invest in the people and communities behind the coffee: transforming a story of vulnerable rural housholds into a community of hope and opportunity.

Where we work

At the Bette Buna Foundation (BBF), we turn opportunity into action. Hands-on, together with farming communities, Bette Buna, and like-minded partners across the coffee value chain. From roasters and importers to conscious consumers and development funds, we bring people together who believe that real sustainability begins with shared responsibility.

Our work takes place in Ethiopia, specifically in one of the poorest and most isolated areas of Sidama: Taferi Kela and its surrounding kebeles: Buna Buka, Loya, Buna Tebaba, Shilcho, Otilcho, Tola, Ericha, Shebe, and Babe Kombolcha. Here, we work hand in hand with farmers, families, and youth to build towards economic development of the community.

Meet our team - a blend of Bette Buna support and volunteer spirit.