What does it mean to be a woman coffee farmer today? Coffee Conversations with Indrawati - More Than 20 Years in the Coffee Garden

IN CONVERSATION WITH INDRAWATI

What is it like to spend more than 20 years growing coffee?

In our first conversation, we meet Indrawati, a coffee farmer from Takengon, Indonesia, who has continued the work of coffee farming passed down by her parents.

She talks about what coffee farming means to her family, the realities of working in the coffee garden, balancing farm and household responsibilities, and the importance of women farmers supporting one another.

How did you get started in coffee farming?

I have been farming coffee for more than 20 years, continuing the work from my parents. From long ago, our lives have depended on the coffee garden, so this is not merely a choice — it has become part of life.

At first I only helped in the garden, but over time it became my own responsibility. It is from this garden that we meet our daily needs, send our children to school, and keep going until today. Although I am referred to as a housewife, in reality I have long been accustomed to going to the garden.

As 2026 marks the International Year of the Women Farmer, what does being a woman in agriculture mean today?

Being a woman farmer is not an easy thing, but it has become my daily life. Every day I have to go to the garden, picking coffee cherries one by one as can be seen, under the heat of the sun or in the rain.

The most fulfilling thing is when the harvest succeeds. Seeing the red coffee cherries on the trees gives a sense of satisfaction, because that is the result of long work and patience.

The hardest challenge is dividing energy and time. From morning to afternoon in the garden, then coming home and still having to take care of household work. Exhausting, but because I am used to it, everything is carried out with sincerity.

What are the biggest challenges in coffee farming?

The difficulties most often felt are unpredictable coffee prices and limited labour. Sometimes prices fall during a large harvest, even though the effort expended has been enormous.

Labour is also often insufficient, so much of the work has to be done alone or together with family.

As a woman, physical strength is certainly more limited compared to men. However, we are usually more careful, especially when picking coffee cherries — more selective in choosing ones that are truly ripe.

The hardest times are when the harvest is abundant but labour is scarce, combined with low prices. At those moments, the burden feels very heavy.

How do women farmers support each other?

Fellow women farmers usually help one another. During harvest, we can work together in the garden, or simply share stories and experiences.

We also often discuss plant conditions, coffee diseases, and care methods. Although simple, things like this are very helpful.

Beyond family, especially husbands, the support from fellow farmers is also important so that we don't feel alone in facing difficulties.

What improvements would help women farmers thrive further?

At present, what is most needed are tools that can lighten the work in the garden, especially for women, since most of the work is still done manually.

In addition, training is also very important. Knowledge about how to properly care for coffee can help improve yields and protect plants from disease.

With support from tools and knowledge, garden management can become easier and harvest results can also be more optimal.

What do you value most about being part of the Fairtrade system?

Since joining the cooperative and Fairtrade program, quite significant changes have been felt. We have come to better understand how to care for coffee properly.

The prices received are also clearer and tend to be better. In addition, we have participated in activities from the cooperative that have broadened our understanding of the system and coffee management.

Now, work in the garden is more organized — from care through to harvest — so the quality of results is also better maintained.