Solidaridad Colombia

Why this project matters

Colombia’s coffee and cocoa smallholders operate at the sharp edge of global volatility: prices fluctuate with climate shocks and supply disruptions, while rising input costs erode already thin margins—leaving livelihoods exposed and unstable. Over time, climate change is compounding these pressures by reducing productivity, increasing pest and disease risks, and making incomes even more uncertain. 

In partnership with Solidaridad Colombia, our work supports farmers to transition to agroforestry by integrating native shade trees into their coffee and cocoa plots. This transforms farms into more resilient systems that rebuild soils, regulate microclimates, and attract pollinators—improving both yields and income stability. As these systems mature, they not only enhance productivity and diversify outputs, but also generate carbon credits, creating an additional, performance-based income stream that helps farmers sustain their agroforestry systems and strengthen their long-term livelihoods.  

Project impact

The project has already undertaken the following activities: 

• Developed a farmer‑led service ecosystem through Asómbrate, highlighting both the protective shade provided by trees and the sense of amazement that comes from doing good for nature while receiving incentives in return. 

• A selection of the trees (according to traditional knowledge and farmer desires 

• Created the Carbon Academy is an online training space with an accessible, user‑friendly digital platform, offering learning on climate‑smart agriculture practices. 

• Training sessions by lead farmers for their local community 

• Established nurseries 

• Pruning of shade trees by using machinery (under bailment contracts) 

• Pest control activities