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In Honduras, fostering a culture of respect and positive environments in coffee-growing communities is possible through a comprehensive approach that combines human, agronomic, and economic aspects. This ensures that the coffee exported from the various regions meets the highest quality standards and is sustainable and responsible.
Swisscontact connects the reality of coffee-producing regions with the commercial and consumer opportunities in international markets. Our collaborative and co-creative approach with private sector actors such as Nestlé, and its Plan Nescafé and Young Coffee Growers initiative, has been fundamental to promote the empowerment of 3,861 women and youth, and to strengthen the comprehensive field approach for 100 technicians.
We implement an innovative training programme focused on human rights, child labour prevention, and women economic empowerment. By raising awareness of the importance of improving women's economic autonomy, fostering safe spaces for children, and promoting the active participation of youth in coffee, we ensure the growth and development of coffee-growing communities.
These efforts respond to the growing demand from coffee consumers for products that reflect their values. They are also preparing the sector for new standards such as the European Union's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive.
Swisscontact's commitment to coffee growing in the department of El Paraíso allowed us to maintain our presence in this area for more than 20 years. Within the framework of the Paraíso Verde project, funded by the European Union, we carry out actions aimed at generating knowledge and capacities in 7,150 producers so that they are better prepared to face the challenges presented by climate change.
We promote awareness and changes in attitude in coffee-growing families, transforming their farms into productive systems resilient to climate change. This approach is consistent with the Climate Change Policy of the Honduran Coffee Sub-sector, in force since 2022 and contributes to Honduras' climate goals expressed in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the 2015 Paris Agreement.
We have transformed traditional technical assistance and training, incorporating knowledge and technologies of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and tools for measuring carbon footprint such as the Cool Farm Tool.
Under Swisscontact's innovative approach, the Agricultural Field Schools (ECAs in Spanish), through which 4,700 producers (24% women) in 9 municipalities are served; now are developing a training curriculum in adaptation to climate change, and promoting the adoption of climate-smart technologies; such as agroforestry systems, low-emission nutrition, production with organic fertilizers, efficient waste management and soil conservation.
Swisscontact has worked to prepare producers for the European Union’s Regulation on Deforestation-Free Imports (EUDR), achieving the geolocation of 4,700 farms, allowing farmers to navigate specific locations in the field to monitor crops and increase production. Additionally, the organisation has fostered partnerships with the public and private sectors to promote inclusion in the coffee value chain and reduce inequalities. The Gender Policy of the Coffee Subsector in Honduras, approved in 2022, has been widely shared to increase visibility and empower women and youth throughout the value chain.
The DigiTrade Toolbox is a digital platform developed by Swisscontact in the Café Inclusivo project launched in 2021 as a response to the pandemic and the need for digital tools for the commercial promotion of Honduran coffee. The platform is designed to support small producers, cooperatives, and exporters, facilitating their access to international markets, and optimizing their commercial capacities.
This tool includes a wide range of resources designed to improve producers' export capacity. Among the most important components are a collection of recorded virtual training courses on topics such as export management, price risk management and preparation for international trade fairs, which are accessible to any participant at any time.
In addition, it centralises resources such as market research, a catalog of more than 40 inclusive coffee suppliers, and a database with more than 600 business contacts in the Asian, U.S., and European markets. By integrating these digital tools, DigiTrade has enabled Honduran producers to overcome physical limitations and access expertise that was previously inaccessible, significantly improving their ability to compete in international markets.
During four years of work with 9 business support organisations for trade, from the public and private sectors (IHCAFE, AMUCAFE, AHPROCAFE, CCIC, SAG, SDE, CNI, SRECI), Swisscontact has strengthened the capacities for trade in 42 producer organisations. 26 producer organisations have participated in 11 strategic missions in international markets. Through our monitoring and follow-up system, companies that have participated in international fairs during the project have reported CHF 6.7 million in export business and the creation or retention of at least 100 quality jobs linked to coffee trade.
The Café Inclusivo project is funded by the Medicor Foundation. This project is part of the Swisscontact Development Programme which is co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA.
The Plan Nescafé project is funded by Nestlé. This project is part of the Swisscontact Development Programme, co-financed by the SDC (Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation within the framework of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA).
Paraíso Verde is funded by the European Union.