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CENCOIC (CENtral COoperativa Indígena del Cauca) was born from the initiative of a group of indigenous entrepreneurs who wanted to harness the agricultural potential of the Cauca region. They thus created a solidarity-based organization to directly market indigenous production, specifically coffee. Over the years, the cooperative has diversified its activities: today, through its “Economie Propre” (Own Economy) department, it acts as an intermediary and distributor for all types of products between indigenous communities and suppliers. It also manages the health program for the indigenous populations in the area.
Colombia is a middle power and the fourth-largest economy in Latin America. It ranks 88th out of 191 in terms of the Human Development Index (HDI). The country suffers from major gaps in its infrastructure due to historically low investment levels and a complex topography, as well as a problematic security situation caused by drug trafficking (especially in the Cauca Valley) and illegal mining. Finally, levels of poverty and inequality are extremely high. The production of coffee, flowers, emeralds, coal, and oil form the main sectors of the Colombian economy. Colombia is currently the third-largest producer and exporter of coffee worldwide (far behind Brazil and Vietnam) and the second-largest producer of Arabica coffee (far behind Brazil).
CENCOIC has a strong social commitment to indigenous communities: besides coffee production and marketing, the “Economie Propre” (Own Economy) and Medicine departments play an essential role in strengthening these communities. Similarly, environmental impact projects are regularly carried out by the cooperative, such as collecting plastic waste from the fields and building coffee drying tables for producer groups. Strategies are also promoted for the diversification of crops associated with coffee, with the aim of achieving a transition toward agroecology.
