Training of Trainers workshop. Credit: CABI

Field demonstration on coffee pruning. Credit: CABI

Project team members and local smallholder farmers examine a specimen. Credit: CABI

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Project Overview

So, what’s the problem

Smallholder farmers dominate Vietnam’s coffee sector. In fact, many cultivate plots of around one hectare. Their livelihoods depend heavily on coffee productivity and prices. Yet they often have limited access to technical advice, suitable financial services and quality inputs. Weak infrastructure and reliance on middlemen can also limit their productivity and returns.

Environmental pressures add further challenges. For example, heavy use of fertilisers and agrochemicals can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. It can also cause soil degradation and water pollution. Similarly, unsustainable land management can lead to deforestation and the loss of natural resources. Meanwhile, climate change threatens coffee production through more frequent floods and storms.

Social inclusion is another concern. For instance, women and vulnerable groups may have fewer chances to join training or access advisory services. They may also have less say in farm-level decisions. Child labour risks highlight the need for responsible practices throughout the value chain.

Without better knowledge and practical support, smallholders may struggle to respond to these linked challenges. As a result, lower productivity, rising input costs and environmental damage can undermine farm profits. Limited opportunities for women and vulnerable groups can reinforce existing inequalities. Strengthening farmers’ skills and access to support is therefore vital. It can improve livelihoods and build a more sustainable, climate-resilient coffee sector.

What is this project doing?

CABI partnered with the Western Highlands Agriculture and Forestry Science Institute (WASI) and Olam Food Ingredients (ofi) Vietnam. Together, they aimed to strengthen the skills, knowledge and resilience of smallholder coffee farmers. The project focused on building an environmentally sustainable, climate-resilient and inclusive coffee supply chain.

In particular, the project aimed to train 2,000 coffee growers in GAP, IPM and CSA. It also promoted better soil and water management and more efficient use of inputs. Other topics included gender inclusion, financial literacy and the elimination of child labour.

The project registered farmers in the Olam Farmer Information System (OFIS). The system then supported farmer profiling, baseline assessments and data-informed advice. Training covered fertiliser management, pruning, intercropping and composting. It also covered IPM, safe pesticide use and improved harvesting and post-harvest practices.

The project also planned nine coffee demonstration plots. These offered hands-on learning in farm rehabilitation, soil management and water efficiency. In addition, CABI supported farmer training, demonstrations and assessments of training effectiveness and impact. The team encouraged women’s participation through inclusive training, training-of-trainers activities and other engagement.

By combining practical learning, farmer information systems and demonstrations, the project encouraged sustainable farming. It also aimed to improve resource efficiency and strengthen livelihoods across the coffee value chain.