Trees as the foundation of resilience and biodiversity
The strategic incorporation of native and ecologically important tree species into coffee and cocea farms is a long-term investment in both productivity and environmental health. These trees provide essential shade for crops while playing a critical role in conserving biodiversity, connecting landscapes, protecting water sources and restoring soil health. By strengthening agroforestry systems, producers are better equipped to withstand climate-related challenges and ensure the long-term viability of their farms.
Partnerships that scale impact
This transformative effort is led by Asómbrate, a programme designed by Solidaridad and Rabobank and implemented in Nicaragua in collaboration with the Alliance Bioversity – CIAT. With a focus on direct action in the field, the programme has distributed over 700,000 forest plants to more than 4,000 producers, working alongside over 60 partner organizations, including cooperatives and trading companies.
This collaboration seeks to promote sustainable and resilient practices, including:
- Management and establishment of shade trees
- Redesign of Agroforestry Systems (AFS)
- Incorporation of service trees (nitrogen fixation, nutrient recycling, habitat for biodiversity)
- Soil conservation processes
“Every tree represents an investment in the productivity and sustainability of Nicaraguan coffee and cocoa, while simultaneously strengthening producers’ capacities to face environmental and climatic challenges”
Francisco Zeledón, Training Coordinator.
Strengthening livelihoods through climate-smart agriculture
The Asómbrate programme focuses on improving production systems through climate-smart practices, with a strong emphasis on enriching coffee and cocoa systems. These systems reduce climate risk by diversifying production, preventing soil erosion and protecting crops from extreme weather. In doing so, they increase resource efficiency, enhance carbon sequestration and ultimately transform farms into long-term environmental and economic assets.
To maximize adoption and impact, the distribution of the 700,000 plants was carried out through two complementary approaches. Under the Asómbrate Technological Package, 410,000 plants were delivered to 1,850 producers. These producers receive trees, inputs and technical assistance through a payment scheme linked to a percentage of future Carbon Removal Units (CRUs) generated.
In parallel, 300,000 plants were delivered at no cost to 2,000 producers, directly supporting the enrichment and establishment of coffee and cocoa AFS for the most vulnerable producers.
Payment for Ecosystem Services
Beyond technical assistance, the Asómbrate programme promotes an Ecosystem Services Payment model, converting sustainable soil management into a tangible source of income by connecting producers directly to the international voluntary carbon credit market.
This model ensures that the reforestation effort (which generates the ecosystem service) not only increases the farm’s productivity and resilience but is also self-financing and will lead to net income for the producer.
Looking ahead, the Asómbrate programme will continue to strengthen strategic alliances and expand its work in coffee- and cocoa-producing families across Nicaragua. The program aims to surpass one million trees planted and reach more than 5,000 producers, deepening its environmental, productive and economic impact.