How Coffee Can Help Grow Communities: Our Latest Update from Togo

At Indigo Valley, we believe coffee can – and should – create positive ripple effects far beyond the cup. That’s why for over 15 years, we’ve supported the work of Compassion UK, helping fund a range of community development initiatives. The current project we’ve proudly been contributing to is the Nehemiah Agro Business Academy (NABA) in Togo – a hands-on agricultural training centre that’s providing real, lasting change.

We recently received a full update from Compassion on how things are progressing – and we wanted to share just how far this project has come, thanks to your continued support.

Building Skills, Building Futures

In many parts of Togo, especially rural areas, access to training, modern farming tools, or even formal employment is incredibly limited. This makes it difficult for young people and their families to generate sustainable income or grow beyond subsistence farming.

The NABA centre was created to change that.

Built on land donated by local churches, the centre offers agricultural training and life skills to young people and their caregivers – with the aim of equipping over 2,400 participants and 1,100 caregivers across two development phases.

Our support has contributed directly to:

• The construction of two training rooms, two offices, a poultry house, fish tanks, kitchen and storehouse
  
• A new water borehole
  
• Ongoing agricultural training and supervision
  
• Near-completion of both girls’ (88%) and boys’ (77%) dormitories

The centre is now connected to the national power grid, with future plans for school holiday learning programmes and expanded crop trials already in motion.

Local Impact: What’s Growing on the Ground

The agricultural output is already underway:

• Participants are cultivating maize, watermelon, taro, pistachio, yam, sweet potato and more
  
• Over 500 chickens are being raised to support nearby Compassion child and youth development centres
  
• Organic compost and biopesticide training has helped local farmers grow more nutritious, higher quality food, using natural and sustainable methods
  

This is having a knock-on effect across entire communities. Not only are families improving their food security, but the vegetables grown are now used to feed children during Compassion Saturday activities – reducing reliance on external sources and improving diet quality.

Real Stories, Real Lives

One farmer, Kossi, shared the difference the training has made to his everyday life:

“After training at the NABA centre, I now produce organic fertiliser (compost) for my gardening activities. We eat these vegetables as a family, and I sell some of them too. I’ve learned how to use local resources to improve our produce and generate income even after the rainy season ends. A big thank you to the donors who made this possible.”

Another participant, Ezin, is successfully growing nightshade and tomatoes using the techniques she learned. These aren’t just crops – they’re confidence, food sovereignty, and future opportunities.

And in the words of Compassion Centre Director Kotche:

“This intervention has enabled many participants to receive training in sustainable market gardening, compost production, and livestock rearing. I want to thank the donors and reassure them their investment was worthwhile.”.

Final Sip

We’re incredibly proud to support work like this. While we can’t take credit for the hands-on training or day-to-day operations – that’s all down to the incredible team on the ground – we’re grateful that the Indigo Valley community can play a small but meaningful role in helping these futures flourish.

By choosing Indigo Valley, you’re not just picking a cup of coffee. You’re helping build self-sufficiency, dignity, and opportunity – one seed, one crop, one young farmer at a time.

Images courtesy of Compassion UK

Learn more at www.compassionuk.org

Want to know more about Our B Corp certification ?
Visit bcorporation.uk

Explore our full range of Fairtrade, carbon-neutral coffees here