Fairtrade of 17.7 million the smallholder coffee farmers is important issues according to the ICO (International Coffee Organization), the fact is that 7 years ago farmers were still struggling to meet operational needs while at the same time supporting their own families. The sustainability of the coffee beans they maintain to meet the demands of an ever-growing market undoubtedly requires meticulous planning and calculation. However, we no longer need to worry about smallholder because the coffee industry has developed rapidly with many new and even established instutions collaborating with each other.
How do farmers maximize limited land?
Before farmers sell their products to the market, they often combine harvests from nearby lands. This approach simplifies management, from planting the seeds to harvesting the cherries and can also increase the market value of their produce. At the heart of this process is a leader. A farmer group leader must not only understand the complexities of the coffee industry but also excel in communication—both with the group’s members and external stakeholders. On the other hand, countries have different definitions of limited land. For example, Brazil has vast land resources, whereas Kenya has comparatively smaller land areas.
Regardless of the scale, effective soil management is crucial in ensuring the success of coffee farming. By understanding soil needs and adopting sustainable practices, farmers can boost productivity, improve crop quality, and contribute to environmental preservation.
South America & South Africa
Start from Brazil and Kenya; There’s no doubt that Brazil is the largest coffee producer, well they have full support from the government and the oldest one of knowing coffee industry. Brazil produces about a third of the world’s coffee are mainly located in southeastern states of Minas Gerais, Sao Paulo and Parana where the environment and climate provide ideal growing conditions. Brazil operates on another level to other producing countries, smallholder in this country have a privillege from good access to cooperatives and state assistance which provide crucial support with agricultural input costs and market entry, which is good. Total coffee production for the 2024/25 marketing year (July-June) is estimated at 69.9 million bags (60 kilograms per bag) equivalent to green coffee beans. This represents and increase of 5.4 percent compared to the previous harvest year, according to fas.usda.gov.
On the other hand, Kenya smallholder coffee farmers struggle with capital investment or more formal institution. A significant portion of the 5.5 million smallholders earn less than $3.20 a day, falling below the international poverty line. The most acute poverty is found in Africa and Oceania, where smallholders often cultivate multiple crops out of necessity, focusing primarily on subsistence farming to ensure food security.
It means they can’t just planting coffee beans to maximize profit in 1 seed but must have another staple plant seed at the same time. Ultimately, the experience of being a smallholder coffee farmer entirely depends on geographical and socioeconomic contexts. Is “smallholder” still can be relevant for all of coffee farmers? depends, similar to Brazil and Kenya large-scale farmer usually have their own ecosystem (end to end supply chain) meaning they are more efficient. as simple buy instant coffee with brand and buy some roasted coffee from cafe, depends on you.
