Coffee Farm Turned into Ruins by the Earthquake
In 2015, a powerful magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Nepal, causing significant damage throughout the country. The Sindhupalchok region, a coffee-producing area located in northeastern Nepal, was also heavily affected. Sixty-two residents lost their lives, and many others found themselves without homes, as their dwellings were reduced to rubble. After providing emergency relief support, KOICA initiated the "Nepal Coffee Cooperative Business Capacity Enhancement for Regional Development Project" to help the Sindhupalchok region recover and become self-sufficient.
Enhancing Market Competitiveness through Organic Coffee Production
<Coffee Cooperative Training>
Through this project, coffee farms were quickly restored, and local residents began reestablishing their coffee farming operations. They were trained in pest and disease management systems, environmentally friendly organic coffee cultivation, and production management techniques to increase coffee productivity. They received guidance on high-quality organic coffee cultivation practices and assistance in obtaining organic certification, enhancing their market competitiveness. This enabled them to export certified organic coffee, expanding income opportunities for the local population and propelling them to become leaders in coffee quality and production management.
To maintain consistent quality control and a sustainable business model, local residents formed coffee sales cooperatives. These cooperatives established systems for self-quality management and enhanced sales capabilities, ensuring that they can continue to meet the criteria for organic certification in the future. This is the foundation for strengthening the cooperatives' self-sufficiency capacity, allowing them to generate income consistently.
Branding of Organic Coffee 'Beautiful Coffee
Furthermore, the residents of Sindhupalchok launched their own coffee brand, "Beautiful Coffee," and established business platforms, including a cupping lab and cafes. Through this project, support was provided to export "Beautiful Coffee" to countries like South Korea and Australia. As of 2019, "Beautiful Coffee" achieved annual sales of 7 tons and generated annual revenue of NPR 2.44 million (approximately 20,000 USD), despite the region's recent earthquake-related challenges.
To enhance the sustainability of the project, a business model was created where profits generated during coffee farming and sales processes are reinvested in the farming operations. This model also supports 381 cooperative members in selling coffee. Through participation in domestic and international exhibitions, as well as social economy workshops, the project shares its lessons and strengthens awareness of fair trade coffee. It has become a model case in Nepal, showcasing that social economy models can succeed.
Contribution to Women's Economic Empowerment through the Election of the First Female Cooperative Head
This project also contributed to the economic empowerment of women in Nepal. Through a democratic election process, the project saw the first-ever female cooperative head elected in a Nepalese agricultural cooperative. Given the challenging status of women in the Hindu cultural region, this election of a female cooperative head represents a significant and transformative change. The inaugural female cooperative head, "Mundu Tapu," considered leaving the Sindhupalchok region when the earthquake occurred. However, she gained the strength to stay and resume coffee cultivation with the support of many. She expressed gratitude for the project's support and noted that the local community's capacity in coffee cultivation has significantly improved as a result of this project. She looks forward to the continued growth of the Sindhupalchok community with "Beautiful Coffee.“
<Participants in Organic Coffee Production Training>
"Becoming a member of the Sindhupalchok Cooperative and then being elected as the head of the cooperative was a stroke of luck in my life. When the earthquake struck, I also considered leaving the region. However, thanks to the support of KOICA and many other Korean organizations and individuals, I gained the strength to stay in the area and resume coffee cultivation. I am truly grateful for the ongoing support of projects that promote the long-term development of our cooperative, especially after the disaster. Knowing that KOICA is extending the project to its second phase to further support our complete self-sufficiency, we feel a deep sense of gratitude. Thanks to KOICA's support, we have significantly enhanced our practical skills."
KOR