Most families in our community are currently engaged in monoculture farming, which relies on short-term crops and unstable market prices. This creates uncertain income and leaves families vulnerable to changing economic conditions. In addition, some farming practices contribute to deforestation and field burning, which reduces air quality, creates harmful smoke in the air, and leads to long-term health concerns in the community.
If this is addressed, youth and families will have access to a more stable and sustainable form of livelihood through coffee farming. Coffee trees provide long-term production and can generate income for many years once established. This will help families move away from unstable farming cycles and create more predictable household income. It will also reduce harmful environmental practices and support healthier land use in the community.
To respond to this need, our church has started a very small initial effort in promoting shade-grown coffee farming as an alternative livelihood. Our church will now expand this work by supporting youth and families to establish their own coffee plantations under forest-friendly conditions. Coffee will be grown under shade trees to avoid deforestation and improve environmental sustainability. Our church will also guide participants in basic cultivation, care, and long-term farm management so that they can begin building sustainable income over time.
The church, guided by God's Word, has the divine potential to raise up leaders empowered by the Holy Spirit—leaders who can bring about lasting change, transform lives, and advance God's kingdom in the community.
