In the mountains of southern Colombia, many rural communities face difficult choices, with coca (used to make cocaine) cultivation often being one of the few ways to make a living. But Caficauca, a cooperative in the department of Cauca has been supporting locals towards building a better future, through coffee. 

Caficauca started in 1961 when 297 farmers met in the central park of Popayán, Cauca’s capital. They wanted to find a better price for their coffee, and they believed that if they worked together, they’d be stronger. Today, the co-op has over 3,200 members and buys coffee from more than 44,000 small-scale producers across 24 towns in the region. 

One of the people helping lead that work is Yudy Viviana Cerón, who’s been part of the co-op for 16 years. She shared the story of how Caficauca has grown and has supported farmers in the region to improve their lives. 

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Coffee that Builds Peace

One of the most powerful things Caficauca is doing right now is helping farmers replace coca plants with coffee. In some parts of Cauca, growing coca was a common way for families to make a living. But it also brought violence, fear, and instability. 

With the help of Mercy Corps and funding from the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, Caficauca created a program called “Inclusive Rural Development” to offer farmers an alternative. The co-op gives farmers the tools, training, and support they need to plant coffee instead of coca. Farmers receive guidance on improving yields and quality and are given processing equipment, as well. 

At first, 1,750 families joined the project. Now, more than 5,000 families have made the switch, and the program is entering a new phase that will last five more years. 

Coffee does not bring in the same ‘fast’ money as coca, but it brings peace. Farmers say they no longer have to look over their shoulders. Their families are safer. Their farms feel like places to build a future, not just survive. 

To honor these brave families, Caficauca launched a roasted coffee brand called Café Valientes (“Brave Coffee”), grown by farmers who left coca behind. Café Valiente(s?) is now sold locally, and it tells a powerful story of change. 

Their Work with Women and Youth Groups

Caficauca also supports women and young producers in the region. Nearly one-third of the members are women, and many are involved in leadership roles. The co-op has helped start and support women’s groups that focus on coffee production, empowerment, and building confidence. 

In one program, women learned not just how to improve their coffee but also how to take better care of themselves. As Yudy explained, some of the women used to spend all their money on their farms or their children, but now they’re also learning it’s okay to invest in their well-being. 

Caficauca is also working to keep young people in coffee by showing it can offer a real future. Through training in quality control, cupping, entrepreneurship, and more, they’re helping the next generation find new opportunities in the industry. 

Their Work with Women and Youth Groups

Caficauca now has 34 buying points across the region, 8 stores for farm supplies, and its own coffee lab and roasting plant. It continues to grow by listening to its members and staying focused on what matters: helping farmers build a better life through coffee. 

Their work is proof that coffee is about people, relationships, and long-term change. We feel incredibly proud to be able to work with Caficauca and to bring some of their coffee your way! If you'd like to hear about our Caficauca offers, reach out to your Relationship Coffee Manager or send us an email at trade@sustainableharvest.com.