What Challenges are the Small Coffee-Farmers Facing?
LOW PRICES
Smallholder coffee farmers are currently facing tough times as the global coffee prices have hit lows. In the last harvests, these farmers have been receiving less than $25.00 per quintal (100lbs) of cherry coffee, a significantly low price for their hard work.
The plummeting coffee prices have had a severe impact on the livelihoods of these farmers, making it difficult for them to cover their production costs, let alone support their families.
ABANDONMENT
Smallholder farmers face numerous challenges, including limited institutional support. Despite the intentions of some organizations, there are not enough options available for providing technical assistance to these farmers. As a result, they often have to rely on their own limited resources and knowledge to make informed decisions about their farming practices.
Additionally, the lack of insurance options poses a significant challenge for smallholder farmers. Without access to insurance, these farmers are at risk of losing their crops and livelihoods due to unforeseen circumstances such as extreme weather conditions or crop diseases.
LACK OF ACCESS
Smallholder farmers face significant challenges in accessing vital information, financing, and markets for their products. Often, they do not have access to the latest farming techniques and technologies, limiting their ability to improve their yields and the quality of their crops.
Moreover, smallholder farmers often lack access to financing options to invest in their farms and improve their production capabilities. This leaves them at a disadvantage compared to larger farming operations.
Finally, smallholder farmers often struggle to access markets for their products. Many are not aware of where their coffee ends up and lack knowledge about the quality of their products, which can be of excellent quality.