Press Release: ICP Annual Report 2024
Promoting Sustainable Family Businesses in Coffee Regions by Strengthening Youth
Rising coffee prices in many coffee-growing regions in 2024 raised hopes among smallholder farming families for long-awaited profitability. Yet, despite this optimism, many farmers faced the reality of low productivity, rising costs, and persistent challenges such as climate risks, labor shortages, and rural-to-urban youth migration.In response, youth engagement emerged as a central focus of ICP project work in 2024, aiming to provide young people in coffee regions with the skills, opportunities, and motivation to contribute to thriving communities. Through capacity building, entrepreneurship training, and support for alternative income opportunities, ICP reached 24,891 smallholder households across Brazil, Honduras, Indonesia, Tanzania, and Uganda.
According to the latest FAO Status of Youth in Agrifood Systems report, around 395 million rural youth worldwide live in areas expected to face declining agricultural productivity potential due to climate change. In many rural coffee communities, young people are losing interest in farming as a viable livelihood, prompting urgent concerns about generational change, family succession, and the future of coffee as a family business.
"We believe that the future of coffee depends on the next generation of farmers and entrepreneurs. By providing youth with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to thrive in their communities, we are not only securing the future of family businesses but also contributing to resilient and sustainable coffee regions worldwide," says Rui Miguel Nabeiro, Chair of the ICP Steering Committee.
Country Highlights
Brazil: Strengthening Youth Leadership through the Semear Program
In Brazil, 1,093 coffee-farming households were engaged, with youth making up 26% of participants. Four regional demonstration plots promoted climate-smart practices such as soil conservation, bio-inputs, and drought-tolerant varieties. The Semear Program provided mentoring for youth in areas ranging from climate-resilient coffee growing to business management and marketing. A special focus on emotional intelligence and family succession prepared young people for leadership roles in their communities.
Honduras: Climate Pioneers and Microenterprise Development
In Honduras, 1,472 households participated, with 37% youth involvement. Thirteen climate-smart agriculture trial plots were established. The Climate Pioneers Program trained 56 youth to address climate challenges, while 250 youth received leadership and life skills training. Ninety-four microenterprises were launched, with 36 led by youth, fostering economic diversification and resilience.
Indonesia: Youth-Led Coffee Roasting Initiative
Indonesia saw engagement with 14,851 households (15% youth). Seventeen coffee cooperatives developed business plans, and two analog forestry trial plots were established. Youth groups participated in agroforestry and roasting training, resulting in a youth-led roasting business aiming to scale up operations and formalize cooperative structures.
Tanzania: Expanding Opportunities for Youth Farmers
In Tanzania, 2,395 households participated, including 28% youth. Twelve new farmer groups were formed, and over 10,400 shade trees were planted. Twenty lead farmer promoters delivered inclusive family business training, while youth groups developed action plans on sustainable agriculture and market access.
Uganda: Youth Extensionists Driving Change
Uganda engaged 2,051 households (10% youth), forming 83 Producer Organizations. Eighteen cooperative extensionists were selected, 41% of them youth, who provided training on climate-smart practices such as mulching, shade tree establishment, and pruning, reaching over 1,900 participants.
Multi-Dimensional Youth Engagement
The success of youth engagement in 2024 showed that training alone is not enough. Effective participation requires a multi-dimensional approach combining agricultural skills with business development, vocational training, networking, and access to finance. Programs such as Semear in Brazil and youth-led initiatives in Indonesia demonstrate that enabling young people as leaders and entrepreneurs creates lasting change.
