Promoting Gender Equity And Sustainable Development In Vietnam’s Coffee Value Chains

02 April 2025, Vietnam: CABI has teamed up with partners – including Western Highlands Agriculture and Forestry Science Institute (WASI) and Olam Food Ingredients (OFI) – as part of a workshop aimed at promoting gender equity and sustainable development in Vietnam’s coffee value chains.

Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee producer, after Brazil, and the largest producer of Robusta coffee, accounting for around 95% of its total coffee output. However, while women play a vital role in coffee cultivation, processing, and marketing, they frequently face barriers to accessing resources and opportunities.

The workshop formed part of activities undertaken as part of the Asian Development Bank-funded Olam Coffee Value Chain project in Vietnam – a Member Country of CABI – which promotes efficient, inclusive and sustainable coffee production.

In total, 170 farmers from the K’HO ethnic minority group – most of which were women, gathered for the event that was attended by gender and agricultural experts at the Tan Chau commune, Di Linh district, Lam Dong province in Vietnam.

Crucial role women play in coffee farming

The workshop was also held to mark International Women’s Day along with a range of activities to celebrate the role of women in society as well as the crucial role they play in coffee farming, both at home and in the field.

As well as a meaningful conversation about women’s involvement in coffee production, family decision-making and community life introduced by Ms. Châu Thị Minh Long, Gender Expert from WASI, attendees also learnt about fertilizer and irrigation management led by Dr. Lê Đăng Khoa from WASI.

The discussions revealed that while women play a key role in activities such as harvesting and sorting, they often have limited input in decisions regarding crop sales or resource allocation. Recognizing this gap, the session encouraged everyone to rethink and elevate women’s leadership in both family and farm management.

Teamwork, resourcefulness, and innovation are just as vital

To encourage creative thinking and collaboration, participants engaged in a series of interactive games and quizzes.

The highlight was the tower building game, where small teams used limited available materials to construct the tallest and most stable tower. This led to discussions on how teamwork, resourcefulness, and innovation are just as vital in coffee production as they are in the game.

Adding to the lively atmosphere, farmers also participated in a “Lucky Quiz” session. They answered questions on gender equity, good agricultural practices, and pesticide safety. Experts provided feedback and participants shared personal experiences and practical tips.

These activities helped break down complex topics, making learning accessible and enjoyable for all.

Practical and sustainable ways to improve coffee yields and soil fertility

Meanwhile, the hands-on technical session on fertilizer and irrigation management focused on practical and sustainable ways to improve coffee yields and soil fertility.

Existing constraints and solutions were highlighted, particularly in the context of improving soil health and optimizing resource use while minimizing environmental impact.

These included selecting the right fertilizer types and application methods to reduce carbon footprint and mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from synthetic fertilizers.

Adjusting soil pH and applying lime were discussed not only for maintaining healthy soil but also for enhancing carbon sequestration potential by improving microbial activity and organic matter retention.  

Additionally, implementing effective irrigation practices, including determining the right amount of water needed at each growth stage of the coffee plant, was emphasized to reduce water waste and energy consumption, thereby lowering indirect emissions associated with water pumping and distribution.

To support farmers in implementing these techniques on their own farms, leaflets on fertilizer application and pruning were shared with all participants. These resources provide practical guidance, ensuring that farmers can adopt climate-smart practices effectively and contribute to decarbonization efforts in coffee farming.

Resilient, productive, and equitable coffee value chains

Muhammad Faheem, Integrated Crop Management Advisor at CABI, said, “This workshop is part of a broader initiative by CABI, WASI, and OFI, to empower women farmers, strengthen farming knowledge, and promote environmentally friendly coffee production.

“The aim is to create resilient, productive, and equitable coffee value chains in Vietnam, ensuring that women who play a key role in coffee farming, have the skills and confidence to implement sustainable soil and water management strategies.

“These strategies not only increase productivity but also enable active participation in reducing overall GHG emissions and enhancing the resilience of their farms against climate change.

“At the end of the day, participants left empowered with new knowledge, practical skills, and a stronger sense of community, ready to implement sustainable practices and advocate for gender equity in their coffee farming communities.”

A more sustainable Integrated Pest Management approach

Other work CABI has been involved in to help Vietnam’s coffee value chain included, in 2019, a project to train CABI-led Plantwise plant doctors on safe pesticide use on coffee plants in the country.

This included the calibration of equipment, use of Personal Protection Equipment, the safe manipulation of pesticide and pesticide resistance management.

Vietnam has over 350 plant doctors operating from 45 plant clinics where farmers can take their crop health issues to be diagnosed, and advice given on how to remedy them using a more sustainable Integrated Pest Management approach.

Furthermore, in 2023, CABI signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences (VAAS) which sees the two parties working together to further help strengthen food security and development of a responsible and sustainable food system in Vietnam.

The agreement, which will also saw the establishment of a dedicated VAAS-CABI Project Office in Hanoi, aims to bolster Vietnam’s capacity to carry out long-term international cooperation in agricultural science and technology. This includes, for example, the sustainable management of crop pests and diseases.

Also Read: PMFAI to Host International Crop Science Plenary Session & Exhibition in Delhi, June 2025

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