Improving Livelihoods for Coffee Farmers

With funding from Global Affairs Canada and in a partnership led by Mennonite Economic Development Associates of Canada (MEDA), OCIDA project in the Dry Corridor of Honduras. The OCIDA project is a five-year comprehensive initiative that promotes sustainable development in Honduras’ coffee, cocoa and horticulture sectors. OCIDA aims to improve the lives of 7,000 producers and entrepreneurs in the departments of Copán, Santa Bárbara, Ocotepeque, Lempira, Intibucá, and La Paz. The project focuses on supporting farmers, especially women and young adults, in diversifying their agricultural practices and promoting agricultural circularity, a farming strategy that aims to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency. This is achieved through technical assistance and training in agroforestry, post-harvest handling, quality standards, and other value-addition services.  

Lutheran World Relief worked in rural Honduras to address gaps in youth employment opportunities in the coffee sector through strengthening their transferable skills as technical advisers, rural promoters and coffee quality experts according to market demand; creating new job opportunities for trained youth; and facilitating opportunities for youth entrepreneurs to realize their potential through new agri-business ventures. Lutheran World Relief collaborated with local partner El Instituto Hondureño del Café (IHCAFE) to build young people’s skills in coffee production and post-harvest handling practices. Participants learned about improved cultivation techniques and how to apply technology to production, such as IHCAFE’s digital app, Café Móvil, which provided instant access to an online toolbox of coffee cultivation manuals. 

Lutheran World Relief worked to reduce poverty among Arabica coffee farming communities by strengthening the capacities of local companies and farmer organizations in Uganda and increasing opportunities for young adults and women. For local companies, the project supported the development of processing protocols, market access strategies and access to trade-finance. Coffee quality improved from commercial to specialty. Export volumes grew from 40% to 100% of total production, and the number of export destinations increased from 1 to 7. For farmer organizations, the project increased access to extension services and prioritized improving coffee quality by centralizing processing at community-based, micro-washing stations and developing management systems and staff competencies to strengthen operations. With the creation and expansion of Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLAs), farmers increased their access to credit with women in particular gaining financial independence and the ability to pay critical medical and education expenses as a result of their VSLA membership. 

Lutheran World Relief worked with Farmer Brothers Coffee and local supply chain partners, COSA and Aldea Global, to create a more resilient coffee supply chain in Jinotega, Nicaragua. The project ensured the continuity of the supply of high-quality coffee while promoting environmental sustainability and improved socioeconomic conditions for farmers within the company’s supply chain. About 60 young people — ranging in age from early 20's to early 30's — were trained as outreach promoters, a kind of agricultural extension agent, to assist 350 farmers, while engaging youth in the coffee sector to stay involved for the long term.