Starbucks Plans to Invest in Burundi

This is one of those rare moments where I am proud of my employer. It is not in Starbucks' best economic interest attempt to find a stable, consistent supplier in Burundi. Although 35% of their land in arable, widespread farming on only moderately arable land and deforestation (mostly for fuel) has created severe risks for flooding and erosion. Burundi coffee will most likely be a specialty blend (think blended whisky), containing Burundi beans and a filler from elsewhere if the suppliers around Bujumbura fail to meet their quotas. That of course would not be the official line, but no one would really be able to taste the difference.

Burundi needs this economic boon. Starbucks' willingness to invest in an only moderately stable country like Burundi will encourage other large companies to invest as well. Barring labor exploitation (hiring children/not paying a fair or prevailing wage), this is what countries like Burundi (and Chad among others) need to increase their economic foothold in the world markets, and perhaps begin to more efficiently tackle their growing health crises- 6% of Burundi's have HIV/AIDS (compared to .6% in the US) and 68% live below the international poverty line.