Measuring the Carbon Footprint of Coffee, Cocoa and Livestock Farms using the Cool Farm Tool

Sustainable agriculture
11.03.2024
In the region of El Paraíso, Honduras, a pilot project is underway to train agricultural staff in measuring the carbon footprint of coffee, cocoa and livestock farms using the Cool Farm Tool. This effort is of utmost importance in El Paraíso, where agriculture plays a vital role in the local economy and sustainability of the region. 
Measurement of the carbon footprint on farms of producers in the department of El Paraíso, Paraíso Verde project.

The Cool Farm Tool methodology, developed by Unilever in collaboration with the University of Aberdeen in the United States, is a valuable tool for farmers worldwide. Its ease of use and accuracy in measuring carbon footprint and carbon dioxide sequestration in agricultural systems gives farmers a better understanding of their crops. This allows them to make informed decisions to reduce their environmental impact and increase their competitiveness.

In the Honduran context, this is of paramount importance, as the region relies heavily on agriculture for its livelihoods. In other words, any improvement in the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural practices can have a significant impact on the local economy and the environment.

In line with this vision, a training on carbon footprint measurement with the Cool Farm Tool calculator was conducted for the technical staff of the Paraíso Verde project and various partner organisations. This event was crucial in the development of skills on coffee, cocoa and livestock farms, strengthening collaboration between the various actors involved in the project, which is funded by the European Union and implemented by Swisscontact in collaboration with the Institute of Forest Conservation (ICF) and the Foundation for Rural Business Development (FUNDER), together with Solidaridad. 

A commitment to a sustainable future

Optimising the carbon footprint of coffee farms: A strategy for sustainable production.

Towards decarbonisation

Swisscontact has extensive experience in sustainable agriculture. The organisation implemented sustainable landscape approaches in multiple Latin American countries. Its comprehensive methodology encompasses not only the implementation of agricultural practices at the farm level, but also a deep understanding of the interconnectedness between various agricultural activities, the environment and local communities.  

Effective implementation of the Cool Farm Tool must be adapted to local conditions and needs; under our systemic approach, coupled with the expertise of partners such as Solidaridad in Cool Farm Tool, we are paving the way towards a more sustainable future for agriculture in Honduras.

The Paraíso Verde project goes beyond simply reducing the carbon footprint of farms. Swisscontact's vision is to move towards carbon neutral production. This commitment involves not only reducing emissions, but also offsetting them through sustainable practices such as reforestation and the use of renewable energy.  

This project is expected to not only produce tangible benefits in terms of sustainability and carbon footprint reduction, but also inspire as a replicable model for other agricultural regions in Honduras and beyond. 

Honduras
Sustainable agriculture
“Paraíso Verde“: decarbonising the agricultural and forestry sector in the department of El Paraíso
The project will focus on agricultural and forestry value chains, compatible with the agroecological landscape approach, to reduce vulnerability to climate change, improve social inclusion, reduce deforestation and CO2 emissions, and increase forest restoration with better governance and local appropriation.