Comparing smallholder farmers and the coffee value chains between the open market systems of Uganda, Rwanda and the controlled cooperative system of Kenya; preliminary results suggest a similar profile of the small holder coffee producer, regardless of the difference in the market chains and production systems. As expected, the market chains in the open market systems are much smaller, with faster payment schedules and choice on the type of product to sell. The controlled auction/cooperative system allows the ownership of the coffee to stay with farmers till sold at the auction, and prices are higher, but the delay in payment and distribution of income along the chain has adverse effects on what the farmer actually gets. Perception of good quality coffee varies from farmer to farmer, and payment doesn't change with the quality produced though farmers in Mt. Kenya get prices based on the quality of the coffee sold by the factories.