Sustainable Coffee in Huila
Who:
Dutch Embassy in Colombia & ProFound
What:
Investigate the challenges facing the coffee value chain and identify opportunities for climate-friendly solutions and local private sector development.
Services:
Where:
Huila, Colombia
When:
2024
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Commissioned by the Dutch Embassy in Colombia, this study examines the challenges facing Huila’s coffee sector and identifies opportunities for sustainable solutions and private sector development. Huila, Colombia’s largest coffee-producing department, is a key player in specialty coffee exports, yet faces issues including climate change, water contamination, soil degradation, and compliance with EU deforestation regulations.
The study highlights opportunities for Dutch expertise and investment in centralised post-harvest processing, regenerative agriculture, coffee by-product valorisation, and strengthened public-private collaboration. By addressing these challenges, Dutch companies can play a vital role in enhancing the sustainability, productivity, and resilience of Huila’s coffee industry.
What did we do?
This study was commissioned by the Dutch Embassy in Colombia to investigate the challenges facing the coffee value chain and to identify opportunities for climate-friendly solutions and local private sector development.
Impact of Climate Change
Huila faces disruptions in coffee production due to changing rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and unpredictable harvesting seasons, which are affecting both the volume and quality of coffee.
Water Contamination and Inefficient Use
Many coffee farms discharge untreated ‘aguas mieles’ into streams and use water inefficiently during processing, polluting water sources and wasting resources.
Soil Degradation
Soil health in Huila is declining due to erosion, loss of vegetation, overgrazing, soil compaction, and salinization. Overuse of chemical fertilizers and a lack of proper soil analysis further worsen the issue, leaving farmers without effective plans for soil improvement.
Compliance with EU Regulations
Adapting to the European Union’s deforestation-free coffee regulation by the December 2024 deadline is a major challenge. Local stakeholders need clearer guidelines and strategies to meet these requirements, and a pilot project is underway to address this.
Additional Barriers
Huila’s coffee sector also struggles with limited technical assistance, minimal organic coffee production, poor logistics, a lack of generational renewal among farmers, deforestation from agricultural expansion, and security issues due to illegal armed groups.
Identified Solutions & Opportunities
Establishing Centralized Post-Harvest Processing Facilities
Implementing Regenerative Agriculture and Agroforestry Systems.
Exploring Alternative Uses for Coffee By-Products.
Strengthening Collaboration and Innovation.