The project began in the Maraba District of Butare Province, but these entities were replaced under local government organisation in 2006,[22] and the area is now part of Huye District in the Southern Province. The area is very hilly, due to its proximity to the Western Rift Valley and the montane Nyungwe Forest, and features rich volcanic soils.[23] The coffee is grown at altitudes between 1,700 and 2,100 metres (5,577–6,889 ft) above sea level,[23] often on steep hillsides with terrace farming.