CENCOIC

CENCOIC (Central Cooperativa Indígena del Cauca) is a public, non-profit cooperative founded in 1980 to strengthen the economic autonomy of Indigenous communities in Colombia’s Cauca region. We have been working with them since 2008.

They operate within the framework of Colombia’s solidarity economy and are composed of Indigenous cabildos and resguardos. Its mission is to lead the economic policy of these communities by promoting clean, culturally rooted production and fair trade, while its vision is to improve living conditions in harmony with nature and Indigenous cosmovision.

CENCOIC’s work spans three main commercial lines: coffee, general goods (such as hardware, stationery, and household items), and pharmaceuticals. Its coffee programme is particularly prominent, focusing on organic and specialty production for national and international markets. They have even developed their own roasted brand, Café A’te Sek, which reflects the cultural and environmental values of its producers.

Coffee is cultivated collectively and sustainably, with technical support provided to ensure quality and certification compliance. Producers typically manage small plots at altitudes around 1800 masl.

Gender equity is a key aspect of CENCOIC’s cooperative model, though not always explicitly stated. Women play active roles in production, administration, and leadership across the cooperative’s network. This reflects a broader commitment to inclusive governance and community-led development. CENCOIC also supports youth inclusion programmes aimed at diverting young people from narco-trafficking by engaging them in coffee production. These initiatives are part of a wider strategy to build peace and resilience in a region historically affected by armed conflict.

The cooperative’s Fairtrade premiums are reinvested into productivity improvements, infrastructure, health, housing, and education. Notably, bilingual schools have been established to revive the Nasa Yuwe language, reinforcing cultural identity alongside economic development.

The cooperative’s structure is deeply rooted in Indigenous governance, with each reserve maintaining its own association. These associations manage local collection warehouses and coordinate training, technical assistance, and environmental initiatives. Cecilia Valencia leads ASPROLE, an association within CENCOIC that includes over 370 families, reflecting the cooperative’s commitment to gender equity. ASPROCRIT, another member association, has invested in mechanical dryers and water treatment systems to improve coffee quality and reduce pollution.

CENCOIC’s impact is both economic and social. It provides Indigenous families with access to markets, fair pricing, and technical support, while also fostering cultural preservation and community wellbeing. Its model demonstrates how cooperative structures can be leveraged to promote gender equity, youth empowerment, and sustainable development in post-conflict regions.