Women Building Stability Through Coffee

Coffee producers at SOPPEXCCA, a Fair Trade Certified cooperative in northern Nicaragua in Jinotega, are collaborating to drive practical investments that strengthen household stability and expand opportunities for women. The cooperative unites 496 smallholder producers, including 156 women, who actively participate in collective decision-making grounded in equity and representation. Through these democratic processes, women members prioritize initiatives that foster income diversification, advance education, and build long-term economic resilience for their families. A prime example of this collective effort is the family garden initiative. Seeking to supplement her household income and improve food access, cooperative member Rosibel began cultivating lettuce, chile, and chiltom in her backyard using shared resources and agricultural knowledge. What began as a small plot now significantly contributes to her daily expenses, providing a reliable source of both food and revenue that fits her daily reality. Participation in the cooperative also supports critical long-term financial goals. Jessenia, a dedicated member for more than two decades, leveraged the income generated from selling Fair Trade coffee to construct her home, securing greater financial stability for her family. Next generations as also involved. At just 16 years old, Yarixza manages essential cooperative recordkeeping while continuing her formal studies, directly contributing to both her household and the broader organization. Together, these examples illustrate how the women of SOPPEXCCA are actively shaping resource allocation to ensure sustainable income stability. By fostering participation across generations, they consistently reinforce the cooperative’s enduring commitment to equity within rural farming communities