At ECOM, we work closely with producers to address the practical challenges that affect their livelihoods and the long-term resilience of our supply chains. This means looking beyond short-term interventions and investing in solutions that support farmer wellbeing, productivity, and stability over time– particularly where risks to livelihoods and food security intersect with the sustainability of coffee production. 

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck Kenya in 2020, coffee producers faced severe and unprecedented challenges. In response, ECOM mobilised quickly alongside development partners to support farming communities. Recognising the immediate risks to livelihoods and wellbeing, these efforts focused on the provision of essential food supplies and basic necessities, helping producers and their families navigate the most acute phase of the crisis. 

However, these measures were always intended as temporary support. From the outset, ECOM and its partners recognised the need for a longer-term approach– one that would strengthen household resilience and reduce vulnerability to future shocks. 

Through collaborative efforts, a range of interventions were implemented, including income diversification activities, improvements in dietary diversity, the establishment of kitchen gardens, training on food crop production, and the distribution of food crop seeds. Together, these initiatives aimed to support more stable and nutritious food systems at the household level, alongside continued coffee production. 

These efforts have now resulted in a significant milestone: two ECOM-supported farmer groups in Kenya have achieved Food Security Standards (FSS) certification – the first of its kind in the country. This certification considers the human right to adequate food in agricultural production and indicates that a company has taken all necessary measures to guarantee the human right to food for workers and smallholders.  

This achievement reflects the importance of food security as a foundation for sustainable coffee production. Farmers who are food secure are better positioned to invest time, care, and resources into their farms. For ECOM, strengthening food security is an essential part of supporting resilient farming communities and ensuring the long-term viability of Kenya’s coffee sector.