Asociacion de Caficultores La Esperanza (ASOCAES)
The Story of a resilient town shattered by a hurricane, restored by its citizen through fair-trade coffee and sustainable development.
ASOCAES/Esperanza
Logo for fair-trade coffee.
Within the mountains of the beautiful island of Hispaniola, lies a small town within the Dominican Republic, where a the community refuted the impact of hurricane David in 1979 and other major ones that have recently created major risks for its inhabitants. Los Cacaos, a small municipal of San Cristobal, located approximately two hours away from the capital of Santa Domingo. There is a population of about 2,000 people; where 85% are dependent on the production and profits of coffee farming. In 1979, Hurricane David left the people and village in turmoil; destroying 90% of their coffee plants. This devastation sparked a discussion within the community to begin a Fair Trade organization called, La Esperanza (The Hope)
Esperanza's presence has enabled the people and the town of Los Cacaos to sustain themselves. Also the leaders thrive in establishing a sustainable foundation to offer a secure and better future for generations to come. With La Esperanza’s leverage in the fair trade coffee market, It has allowed the community to sustain and eliminate the existence of extreme poverty occurring in many regions of underdeveloped countries, and moreover created a positive future for those left without hope.
We are dedicated to make to help local coffee growers to increase their production efficiency, as well as improving their lives as human beings. Our focus to sell to Fair Trade Organizations is a way to maintain our integrity in the coffee sector. Esperanza is accountable to the welfare of all its stakeholders, therefore will work with ASOCAES members, facilitating them to harvest and sell fair trade coffee to our organization. It allows for all earnings to be put back into developing and sustaining the community of Los Cacaos, therefore allowing the community to sustain their needs and living conditions, as well as paying farmers an ethical wage.
After many years of harvesting fair trade coffee and bringing the town of Los Cacaos back on their feet; the La Esperanza has helped maintain a permanent doctor, a pharmacy, school, and paved roads. With a long established partnership with FEDECARES, (Federation of Coffee Growers of the Southern Region) it allows the community to send their youth to university, so they can return to assist the production of their trade. All these benefits would have certainly been taking away if corporations and businesses were to take over. Unfortunately, this continues to be the case for other coffee growing countries and regions of the Dominican Republic; who are controlled by corporations who are deprived of their rights such as proper housing, drinkable water, electricity, health care, education, and proper roads.
With La Esperanza having a bright future, the opportunity for other fair trade and agriculture tourism opportunities are endless!
Esperanza's presence has enabled the people and the town of Los Cacaos to sustain themselves. Also the leaders thrive in establishing a sustainable foundation to offer a secure and better future for generations to come. With La Esperanza’s leverage in the fair trade coffee market, It has allowed the community to sustain and eliminate the existence of extreme poverty occurring in many regions of underdeveloped countries, and moreover created a positive future for those left without hope.
We are dedicated to make to help local coffee growers to increase their production efficiency, as well as improving their lives as human beings. Our focus to sell to Fair Trade Organizations is a way to maintain our integrity in the coffee sector. Esperanza is accountable to the welfare of all its stakeholders, therefore will work with ASOCAES members, facilitating them to harvest and sell fair trade coffee to our organization. It allows for all earnings to be put back into developing and sustaining the community of Los Cacaos, therefore allowing the community to sustain their needs and living conditions, as well as paying farmers an ethical wage.
After many years of harvesting fair trade coffee and bringing the town of Los Cacaos back on their feet; the La Esperanza has helped maintain a permanent doctor, a pharmacy, school, and paved roads. With a long established partnership with FEDECARES, (Federation of Coffee Growers of the Southern Region) it allows the community to send their youth to university, so they can return to assist the production of their trade. All these benefits would have certainly been taking away if corporations and businesses were to take over. Unfortunately, this continues to be the case for other coffee growing countries and regions of the Dominican Republic; who are controlled by corporations who are deprived of their rights such as proper housing, drinkable water, electricity, health care, education, and proper roads.
With La Esperanza having a bright future, the opportunity for other fair trade and agriculture tourism opportunities are endless!
Our Nursery
During coffee season, Esperanza employ local men and women to harvest the beans and ensure that the working environment is safe and practical for the workers. The nursery is our action plan for reforestation of the coffee farms. It will ensure the continuity of producing coffee as well as creating more jobs in the community. |