Livelihood Concept

Enable Coffee Farmers An Improved Livelihood

The industry is concerned that coffee supply could be threatened in the mid to long term. Inefficient extension services, inadequate use of agricultural input, exploitation of natural resources and the consequences of climate change might limit the production potential and reduce the area suitable for coffee production. Despite numerous activities for promoting sustainability in coffee, the sector runs the risk of falling short by focusing on production only and channeling investments to the rather small segment of professional farms and rather well-structured farmer organizations.

At Hanns R. Neumann Stiftung we do not only look at coffee as a product. Rather we look at the farmer families who grow it and center our efforts on improving their livelihood situation. The vast majority of producers worldwide are smallholder farmers growing coffee on small pieces of land together with their families as part of their production systems. Often unorganized, these farmers are distant from markets and severely constrained in their competitive position.

For us, the coffee farmer family with the next generation of coffee farmers is the starting point for developing strategies to ensure positive developments in rural areas. The farmer families face numerous challenges that need to be addressed in a comprehensive manner to improve their livelihoods. Our approach, therefore, combines the promotion of advanced agricultural practices, appropriate farm and household management, adaptation to climate change, development of member-oriented farmer organizations, gender equality, intergenerational dialogue and skills enhancement of youth. We support the farming community to advocate for their needs and promote entrepreneurship, respect, and integrity as underlying values of decision taking.



It is more than coffee that makes life in rural areas attractive and that secures the living basis for the producer community in the mid- to long-term. Balanced and diversified production systems generate income, provide food security, reduce risk and are the backbone for rural well-being.


Become part of our Approach:



Currently, in seven countries we seek to show the upcoming generation of coffee farmers that agriculture can be an attractive and lucrative income-generating activity. The main goal is to empower young people in rural communities to improve their livelihoods and to tap their potentials. While fighting the root causes of migration around the world in creating prospects for young people both within and outside the coffee industry, HRNS has also been active in northern Germany since 2005. With this approach, we help to build a bright and talented future generation.


The effects of climate change can be devastating to coffee production, forcing farmers to adapt quickly in the face of fluctuating precipitation levels, temperature patterns, and increasing incidences of pests and diseases. Through our various climate programs across the globe, Hanns R. Neumann Stiftung (HRNS) develops innovative techniques that give farmers the tools to do just that, protecting the yields of their farms today while positioning themselves for future success.

Farm Management

Follow Webster to a farm in Tanzania and find out how Hanns R. Neumann Stiftung is impacting smallholders farms.


Inequalities between family members add to the challenges faced by rural farming families and hamper their efforts towards improving their livelihoods. We support farming families on their way to a more balanced family life. In all our interventions, we focus on coffee as a family business to ensure the highest benefit for the family and profitability of the farmer organizations.

Organizational Development

Efficient farmer organizations are the entry point for smallholder farmer families to become competitive members of the value chain. We aim to help to build farmer organizations that support coffee smallholder families to prosper.