Women Advancing Coffee Production

In Huila, Colombia, coffee production drives the local economy, with women playing a vital role in cultivation, quality control, and commercialization. Recognizing their essential contributions, the Asociación de Productores Agrícolas de Timana (ASPROTIMANÁ) used Fair Trade Premium funds to elevate women's leadership across the local coffee sector. During a 2024 needs assessment, the Fair Trade Committee identified a clear opportunity to build the technical and organizational skills of female members. In response, the association allocated $41,000 USD of Community Development Funds to launch the ASPROTIMANÁ Women’s Program. This initiative directly supports 35 women producers and creates a positive impact for approximately 180 family and community members. The program focuses on practical education, delivering training in coffee quality management, leadership development, and knowledge exchange with other producer groups. Beyond the farm, women participate in regional agroindustrial fairs and events. These platforms help them connect directly with buyers and commercial partners, boosting their visibility and opening doors to new markets. Through this targeted investment, women producers are expanding their technical expertise and taking on stronger roles within the agricultural value chain. The training ensures consistent, high-quality production practices, while a newly developed shared database helps the organization track progress and manage resources effectively. By empowering women with practical skills and vital industry connections, ASPROTIMANÁ strengthens collaboration among producers and secures a more sustainable, equitable future for local coffee farming.