Celebrating the Success of the Coffee, Cocoa and Climate Change Project

A Transformative Project for Sustainable Farmers

Article by: ECOM Nicaragua

In November 2023, our “Coffee, Cocoa and Climate Change '' project in collaboration with the German Agency for International Cooperation GIZ was concluded. It started in October 2020, and had the purpose of improving the productivity and sustainability of small coffee and cocoa farms in the buffer zone of the Kuskawas Nature Reserve in Nicaragua through Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA). 

These innovative EbA practices served to achieve tangible change in local agriculture, and included agroforestry systems based on native and climate-resilient forest species, soil conservation, crop diversification and integrated pest management strategies.

An essential component of this project was the empowerment of local women, who established tree nurseries, generating employment, and building a stronger and more equitable local economy. In addition, financial skills training was provided through the Financial Education Program in collaboration with Banco Lafise.

The results obtained are remarkable: 120 small producers, including 30% women, were trained in EbA practices, which transformed their farms. These producers improved their financial skills, strengthening the economic management of their farms. As tangible evidence of our commitment to the environment, we planted 100,000 trees of coffee, cocoa and native forest species.

The project has left a lasting legacy. The community increased the number of skilled farmers, sound finances and aided in the creation of a more sustainable environment. This success demonstrates that sustainable agriculture and ecosystem-based adaptation are essential to addressing the challenges of climate change and building a robust and equitable agricultural future.