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Project Context
Objectives, Activities, and Results
Providers
ECOM
Challenges faced
Solution
Providers
Starbucks is financing the seedlings and currently exploring otherloan and financial assistance mechanisms.
Providers
Conservation International (CI)
Challenges faced
Farmers may use environmentally damaging agricultural practices.
Solution
CI establishes “safeguards” concerning forest conservation and shade management. Local suppliers teach farmers to respect these safeguards that are in accordance with C.A.F.E. Practices. Local suppliers also provide technical assistance and education on GAP for the planted variety to SHFs. CI visits a sample of farms annually to ensure. safeguards were respected. CI also works closely with Starbucks agronomists to produce detailed planting instructions for farmers to nurture plants in years 1-3.
M&E is critical to ensure renovation implementation success
A well rounded monitoring system helps ensure that quality trees are being provided, beneficiaries respect environmental safeguards and that the program management, distribution and reach improves year over year.
Collaboration and communication between stakeholders enables the successful delivery of diverse project components
Given the scale of the 1T1B program, in order to ensure timely germination of seedlings and to coordinate mass deliveries, Starbucks, CI and all suppliers needed to maintain close coordination, which included the use of standardized data tracking templates and farmer and agronomist outreach materials. Additionally, ensuring the seeds are distributed and planted at the right times is essential and an ongoing consideration that is managed and improved year on year.
Environmental safeguards in renovation projects should not be overlooked
Renovation projects can have unanticipated impacts on forest conservation if not properly managed. For example, if farmers cut down old growth or shade trees in addition to replacing non-productive coffee trees, the consequence of deforestation and loss of forest connectivity can lead to deterioration of water resources and biodiversity. Program implementers should include safeguards in the design of their projects and ensure their implementation at farm level
There is a lot of work to be done to ensure the long-term supply of coffee from countries where the crop has long shaped the social and economic fabric. Learning to extend the life of their trees and improve yields helps farmers stabilize annual production and in turn, income, while the rest of the world benefits from a steady supply of quality coffee. Continue on to learn more about the immediate attention and action that is required to make this a reality.