Our Foundations

Background

1) Mental health challenges for women in coffee farming

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Women in coffee farming face unique and often overlooked mental health challenges. Globally, 1 in 5 women experience mental illness—compared to 1 in 8 men—but women coffee farmers are at even greater risk. Systemic gender inequities—including income disparity, unpaid labor, limited leadership opportunities, and higher rates of domestic violence—exacerbate their mental health struggles., Additionally, the stigma surrounding mental health in these rural communities makes it difficult for these women to seek the support they need.

2) Limited mental health resources

Most Latin American countries allocate less than 2% of their total health budget to mental health. With only 2.8 psychologists per 100,000 people—mostly concentrated in urban areas—access to care is severely limited, especially compared to the 30 psychologists per 100,000 in the United States. Even when mental health services exist in coffee-growing regions, women often struggle to access them due to the dual burden of farmwork and household responsibilities, leaving them with little time and fewer resources to seek support.

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3) The economic impact of investment in mental health

In agricultural sectors, including coffee production, not providing mental health accessibility, especially for women, can lead to lower productivity, increased absenteeism, and overall economic instability for farming households, fueling higher rates of depression and anxiety for these women., The World Health Organization estimates that “every $1 invested in mental health care yields a $4 return in improved health and productivity.”

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4) Effectiveness of teletherapy

Given the barriers and lack of in-person mental health services in rural areas, teletherapy presents a viable solution to the mental health resource gap faced by these rural women. A review of over 60 studies found that virtual sessions with psychologists are as effective as in-person sessions for most people with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Additionally, teletherapy reduces travel costs and time, increasing accessibility and overcoming geographical barriers by allowing women to receive support from their homes.