Kansato Estate is located in the african bush, approximately 30 kilometres from the town of Kasama, in the Northern Province of Zambia. Ewart and Hazel Powell, residents of Zambia since the 70's, began the small estate with the help of their son, Luke, who was born in Zambia. The Powell's also operate a small guest house in the town of Kasama, and Hazel runs an international school for children. Their doors are always open to aid workers, government workers, and people of the community.
Shade grown coffee is one of the goals of Kansato. Beginning in 2005, Luke Powell, managing the farm, began inter-planting their new field with coffee and a shade tree that has nitrogen fixing qualities. Luke had observed that a certain tree, planted close to coffee trees, allowed the coffee trees to gain nutrition from their nitrogen fixing qualities. The trees also give habitat for birds and wildlife.
In Mbala, Kansato estate rents a house to NESteam International where teaching Life Skills for orphans and widows can take place. This is one more way that Kansato gives back to the community of Zambia. Because Thorn Tree Coffee buys directly from the Estate, the Powell's have been able to pay their workers 150% more than the larger coffee plantations, which helps local people send their children to school, buy clothes and medicines for their families. Coffee, making a difference with people, in the heart of africa!