colombia | el bombo women’s group 🇨🇴

in the hills of pitalito, colombia , a group of determined women are reshaping their futures through coffee farming. they belong to asombombo, officially grupo asociativo el bombo pitalito inza, founded by luis alfredo diaz. their goal: to secure fair prices and market access for their coffee, all while promoting sustainability

these women, numbering 15 strong, are certified organic farmers who reside in huila. they’re not just farmers; they’re artisans of coffee, dedicated to producing top-tier specialty beans. their journey began with humble roots and a strong work ethic. their farms, larger than average in pitalito, range from 3 to 5 hectares—a testament to their dedication and the fertile lands they cultivate.

originally from nariño, their families settled in pitalito over a century ago, drawn by the promise of affordable, fertile lands. here, coffee isn’t the only crop; many also grow sugarcane. asobombo, through their collective efforts, even established mills where sugarcane becomes panela, a traditional colombian product.

during harvest, these women meticulously handpick ripe, red coffee cherries . back at their farms, they use small handcrank pulpers to process the cherries before fermenting them in tanks for up to 36 hours. after fermentation, the parchment-covered beans are washed in clean water and carefully spread on drying beds. regular raking ensures even drying under the sun’s watchful gaze.

the premiums earned from their coffee sales are reinvested into their farms and processing infrastructure. always eager to enhance their craft, they eagerly embrace new processing techniques to improve quality.

their story isn’t just about farming coffee; it’s a tale of resilience, community , and empowerment . through asombombo, these women are proving that dedication to quality and sustainability can transform lives and elevate their community.