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Barriers to Entry for Female Coffee Producers, Part One: Lack of Acknowledgement & Disempowerment

Writer's picture: Ronda MelendezRonda Melendez

When we begin to analyze components of infrastructure, we must look to various areas.

There are the components of agricultural resources and approaches, the fabric of

culture, economic and financial networks, operations at the farm level, technical

frameworks both within the producing country, but also global technical frameworks,

logistical profiles both internal to the country of export and also in those of importing

countries, regulatory powers, start costs, ability to differentiate and respond

competitively. All of these have a direct impact on whether a farmer will successfully

enter the market and gain viability.

All of these barriers are inherent to entry, no matter the gender of the business owner.

However, in almost every coffee growing region there comes gender specific

impediments which create even stronger barriers to entry than those faced by their male

counterparts. I would like to begin introducing these impediments to you with the hope

that you can further understand what it takes to produce the coffee we all love and why

our mission and vision here at El Camino Coffee Roasters is to serve the female coffee

growing demographic.

It is imperative to understand that while our mission is to serve the female coffee

producing population, it is absolutely not intended to disempower male coffee

producers in the sector. We also honor all of their hard work and dedication to the

industry. Rather, it is my wholehearted belief that there is no need for one to lose

power, in order for the other’s contributions and strengths to be appropriately and

honestly acknowledged. Quite the opposite. I believe that when we truthfully acknowledge the powerful economic contributions and leadership skills women bring to caring for the land and their families, both men and women benefit, growing together in unity without fear. Families actually grow and not crumble. It is culturally ‘mandated’ core beliefs and traditions which continue to disempower women, which creates a distrust of male leadership and an inherent female distrust of their own capacity and value; this distrust of both fundamentally destroys the fabric of families, and impacts community efficacy, whether locally or globally. There are many beautiful implications for accurately representing women’s economic contributions; but strengthening the ability for spouses, family members and/or business partners to be unified in economic decision making, not agreement stemming from coercion and fear, but out of honor and respect and mutual submission to one another, trumps them all, in my opinion. This approach strengthens families, and it strengthens economies. Now, let’s take a look at some of the statistics describing the inputs provided by women in coffee growing regions.


According to the ICO, “up to 70% of labour in coffee production is provided by women,

depending on the region.” In Jenna Gottlieb’s August 18, 2022, article, “The

indispensable role of women in coffee”, she makes some interesting notes. They are as

follows:


  • “Women are the backbone of global agricultural production. They make up

almost half of the world’s agricultural workforce and, in some countries,

provide the vast majority of the labour.”

  • “The coffee industry is no different, with up to 70% of roles filled by

women, who do everything from picking to sorting to processing. In some

areas of fieldwork, their contribution can reach up to 90%.”

  • “According to the World Bank, male producers have a disproportionate

level of empowerment and capacity to exercise “agency” in comparison to

their female equivalents. In other words, men have a greater ability to

make effective choices and transform these choices into desired

outcomes. This is true even for those who are considered to be in charge

of their farms. This is because women rarely have access to the same

finance, training, or education as men.”

  • Lucia Bawot is quoted in this article as saying, “Women play an

indispensable role at a farm level. However, the lack of recognition, their

opinions being hushed, and their marathon work still being undervalued

and unpaid are some core challenges.”


When we look at these types of statistics and we are honest, we would have to admit

that to be in these women’s places would be very disheartening. Which of us, male or

female would like our work to be disqualified from honesty paid value? Or devalued as

less worthy of honest, equal valuation of payment, simply because of our gender? While

this is a very prevalent issue in the third world, it still occurs in first world countries, as

well. It happens right here; it is just more difficult to see and often hidden. It happens in

my family, which is why it is so close to my heart. I have often asked myself when

examining the beliefs of my family system which of my male relatives...husband,

brother, uncles, grandfathers, sons would accept being paid less simply because

someone decided their gender made their work within the context of family life or

business, not worthy of equitable payment? I know that each of them would have

serious problems with that approach and rightfully so. Yet, sadly, it is not uncommon for

males and females within my family and many, many others to continue this dishonest

dance of value and worth. So often, neither side sees the difficulties it brings to all. And

here in North America, we are not dealing with the poverty found in the third world

where most of our coffee is grown. The thought is extraordinarily grievous to me, as if

the topic is so destructive here when in play, how much more so with the extreme

poverty often found in coffee growing regions? So much turmoil arises from this broken

system.


A final thought for today, there is well founded research which links economic

undervaluation and gender discrimination to increased anxiety, depression and even

suicide. All of which, of course, further hinders the progression of economic growth for

families. We will look at how these belief systems impact mental health and economies

in the blogs to come.


I’d like to end our blog today on a high note. There is a female coffee producer I have

had the privilege to meet and visit her farm in Quindío, Colombia. Her name is Ana

Donneys. Her grandfather, Primitivo, honored his family and all of their contributions, as

well as his workers. You can see it in their land, but you can palpably feel the peace on

their land. We have had the privilege to obtain some of Ana’s coffee and will be

releasing it for purchase within the next two weeks. We would love to invite you to join

us in supporting Ana, Primitivo and the growing region of Quindío by making a

purchase. Ten percent of your purchase with go to Lucia Bawot’s second phase of

mental health research and Bean Voyage’s contribution to business development for

female coffee producers. We will release Ana’s coffee for purchase within the next two

weeks. Please keep an eye out for its announcement!


We are thankful for each of you!

Happy sipping!

Ronda

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