Recap of the 2nd CHOICE Webinar on Sustainable Coffee Practices and Climate Action
On September 26, 2024, the CHOICE project hosted the second webinar in its series on Sustainable Coffee Practices and Climate Action. Organized by Supracafé and Tecnicafé, this event was conducted as part of the CHOICE pilot activities in Colombia, aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices and climate action in coffee production. The focus of the webinar was the pioneering work of the Association of Women Coffee Growers of Cauca (AMUCC), a Colombian women-led coffee association that plays a crucial role in advancing these objectives. The session was livestreamed on YouTube and conducted in Spanish, attracting a diverse audience from both Colombia and Spain.
The webinar featured two key presenters: Fabiola Tombé, the Founder and Legal Representative of AMUCC and Néstor Campo, Internal Control and Certifications Coordinator of AMUCC.
Main Discussion Topics
The presenters discussed various topics central to the sustainability agenda of AMUCC that included the following:
AMUCC’s History and Foundations
AMUCC has been at the forefront of sustainable coffee production for 27 years, empowering 490 women farmers in the Cauca region. The organization’s mission is to create sustainable livelihoods for women through collective action and climate-conscious farming methods.
Achievements and Challenges
From 2018 to 2023, AMUCC has made notable strides in sustainability, including the adoption of composting, water management, and other environmentally friendly practices. However, they continue to face challenges such as adapting to climate change and overcoming traditional production barriers that limit scalability and efficiency.
Technology and Climate Action
The AMUCC-UNICAUCA project was highlighted for its success in integrating technology to monitor and adapt to climate impacts. Through meteorological data collection and innovations like rainwater harvesting, the farmers are building resilience against climate variability, ensuring the sustainability of their coffee production.
Importance of Strategic Partnerships
AMUCC’s success has been bolstered by partnerships with Supracafé, Tecnicafé, and the University of Cauca, which have provided technical assistance, resources, and ongoing support for the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. These collaborations are key to building a sustainable and resilient future for coffee farmers in Cauca.
Webinar Recording
For those who missed the live event, the full webinar recording is available on CHOICE YouTube Channel:
Conclusions
The second CHOICE webinar of the Colombian pilot underscored the pivotal role of women-led initiatives like AMUCC in driving sustainable coffee production and taking action against climate change. By leveraging technology, communication campaigns, strategic partnerships, and community-based approaches, the CHOICE pilot in Colombia focuses on encouraging women coffee producers to adopt sustainable practices that promote environmental resilience and economic sustainability setting a global standard for sustainable agricultural practices in the coffee sector.
We thank all the participants for attending this insightful session and encourage you to stay engaged with the CHOICE project by following our upcoming events on social media or visiting our website for more details on how sustainability and climate resilience are shaping the future of coffee farming.
