Gender and Youth

On this International Day of Education, it’s worth remembering that education isn’t confined to classrooms; it happens wherever people are guided and encouraged to learn. Across South Africa, farms are becoming exactly these kinds of learning spaces through the Social Employment Fund (SEF), implemented via the Social Employment Network.

The sustainability of coffee supply chains depends on young people viewing their family farms not only as part of their heritage, but also as viable prospects for their futures. In partnership with Nestlé, Solidaridad is supporting two initiatives in Colombia and Mexico that promote entrepreneurship, forward integration and value addition among young coffee growers.  

In the mountains of Ocotepeque, Honduras, with support from the Pathways to Prosperity project and in partnership with INFOP, 18 young people have been certified as Organic Fertilizer Promoters. These leaders are now ready to transform the farming practices of 1,700 local producers driving the decarbonization of coffee production and securing a more sustainable, prosperous future for their communities.