Transforming coffee landscapes: the legacy of Café-REDD

After six years of impactful work, SNV's Café-REDD project in Vietnam's Central Highlands has concluded, leaving a legacy of sustainable coffee farming and forest conservation. Officially known as Coffee Agroforestry and Forest Enhancement for REDD+, the project has successfully reduced deforestation and enhanced livelihoods in Lac Duong, Lam Dong Province.

Café-REDD addressed the key driver of deforestation in Lam Dong—converting forestland to agricultural land, especially for coffee farming. Through coffee agroforestry, the project introduced a sustainable model that allowed over 3,355 farmers, mostly from the ethnic minorities, to integrate trees with coffee, improving soil health and resilience to climate change. This transformation covered 2,853 hectares, contributing to more sustainable land use while providing stable incomes. 

By collaborating with local communities, especially the K’ho people, Café-REDD empowered farmers to become stewards of their land. Participatory planning and Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) ensured that local voices shaped the project. Sixteen village land use plans were developed, spanning over 11,876 hectares, harmonizing traditional knowledge with conservation goals. 

The project also mobilized €4.86 million from public and private sectors, establishing financial support systems like the Lac Duong Forest Conservation Fund and an Accelerator Fund for small agricultural businesses. Tailored credit support helped 375 farmers access funding for sustainable practices, with a strong focus on supporting women-led initiatives. 

Ms. Lieng Jrang K'Cham, Representative of Yu M’nang Coffee Enterprise: 'The support from Café-REDD has not only deepened our understanding of sustainable production but also equipped us with the necessary tools to improve production processes, ensure traceability, and build our brand. This has fostered customer trust and opened up many opportunities in international markets.'

Mr. Y Cuong Long Dung, Coffee farmer - 'In the past, my family had no access to sustainable techniques for growing and tending coffee plants. The café-REDD project provided us with high-quality seedlings, and we learned many new farming techniques. Our family’s income has significantly improved, and I feel more confident about joining cooperatives to develop our economy.'

Mr. Le Chi Quang Minh, Vice Chairman of Lac Duong District People’s Committee, said, 'The Café-REDD project has achieved remarkable results, most notably in supporting the livelihoods of local communities, who are predominantly ethnic minorities. The project has not only provided technical farming support to improve coffee quality and increase incomes but has also created favourable conditions for stable production.'

As Café-REDD concludes, SNV has released a comprehensive Impact Report, detailing the project’s successes and lessons learned. This report covers the innovative approaches in agroforestry, community engagement, forest governance, and finance mobilization that Café-REDD pioneered. It’s a valuable resource for anyone interested in sustainable coffee production and forest conservation.

Download the report to explore Café-REDD’s transformative journey and contributions to Vietnam's climate goals.