The Kilimanjaro Native Cooperative Union (KNCU) holds the prestigious title of being the oldest agricultural cooperative in Africa, founded in 1925 by Charles Dundas. Headquartered in Moshi, at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, KNCU unites nearly 100 primary cooperative societies, representing tens of thousands of Chagga smallholder coffee farmers. KNCU is globally renowned for producing some of the finest, high-altitude Arabica coffee in the world. The union operates a massive purchasing, processing, and export network, ensuring that the legendary Kilimanjaro coffee reaches international specialty markets. As a certified Fairtrade organization, KNCU ensures that a significant premium of export profits is returned directly to the farmers and local communities. Beyond purchasing coffee, KNCU provides critical agricultural extension services. They supply farmers with organic fertilizers, high-yield seedlings, and technical training to combat climate change and coffee berry disease. The union also operates the KNCU Coffee Shop in Moshi, allowing tourists to experience the "bean to cup" journey while directly supporting the cooperative’s members.