Developing an ecological coffee industry in Laos

Dear difteurs,

Chandy is a 42-year-old farmer living in the village of Dak Yoi. Before becoming involved in the project run by CARE, she grew coffee on a very small scale and her income was at the mercy of the traders and the price they set.

When Chandy discovered the project, she decided to join the group of coffee growers in her village with 10 other families. She learns coffee-growing techniques, farm maintenance and the coffee-processing process. She also takes part in a study trip to learn about more profitable and sustainable quality coffee production.

As a result, her farm now produces better quality coffee in greater quantities, enabling her to sell it at a higher price. This increase in income has considerably improved her family's life. She has been able to buy two motorbikesfor her and her husband, as well as a small motorized vehicle for transporting the coffee. She now has enough money tosend her children to school and has funds left over to cover other expenses for the rest of the family.

Our project doesn't just improve the coffee sector in Laos; it lays the foundations for sustainable change, empowering women to shape a more prosperous and equitable future for themselves and their communities.