In the highlands of Khe Sanh, where coffee plants stretch toward the morning mist, Mrs. Ho Thi Xanh tends to a farm that tells two stories — one of the past, and one of a transformed future.
Twenty Years of Conventional Farming
When Mrs. Xanh inherited her family's 2-hectare coffee plot in 2003, she followed the methods she'd watched her parents use: clear the land, maximize sun exposure, apply chemical fertilizers, and harvest as much as possible.
"We thought more sun meant more coffee," she recalls, standing under the shade of a macadamia tree that now towers over her arabica plants. "We didn't understand what we were losing."
The conventional approach produced results — for a while. But over the years, Mrs. Xanh noticed troubling patterns:
- Soil erosion during rainy season
- Increasing fertilizer costs for diminishing returns
- Pest problems requiring expensive interventions
- Declining bean quality despite higher inputs
The Turning Point
In 2019, WWF-Vietnam's agroforestry project arrived in Khe Sanh. Mrs. Xanh was skeptical.
"They wanted me to plant trees that would shade my coffee. To let grass grow between rows. Everything I'd learned said this was wrong."
But she agreed to convert one-quarter hectare as a trial. The first year was difficult — yields dropped as the new system established itself. Neighbors questioned her decision.
Three Years Later: The Transformation
Today, Mrs. Xanh's entire farm operates as an agroforestry system. The changes are visible:
| Metric | Before (2018) | After (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Trees per hectare | 0 | 150+ |
| Chemical fertilizer use | 400kg/year | 50kg/year |
| Organic matter in soil | 1.2% | 3.8% |
| Bird species observed | 8 | 34 |
| Coffee grade | Commercial | Specialty (84+ score) |
The Economics of Change
Perhaps most surprising is the financial picture:
- Input costs dropped 60% — shade trees fix nitrogen, reduce pest pressure
- Premium pricing — specialty-grade beans command 30-40% higher prices
- Diversified income — macadamia, pepper, and fruit trees provide additional revenue
- Carbon credits — new income stream through verified carbon programs
"My total income is higher than ever," Mrs. Xanh says, "but I work with the land now, not against it."
Lessons for Other Farmers
Mrs. Xanh now hosts visits from other farmers considering the transition. Her advice:
- Start small — convert a section, learn, then expand
- Be patient — full benefits take 3-4 years to materialize
- Connect with cooperatives — market access for specialty coffee is crucial
- Document everything — track changes to share knowledge
The Ripple Effect
Since Mrs. Xanh's success became visible, 23 neighboring farms have begun their own transitions. The Khe Sanh Cooperative now includes over 115 households practicing agroforestry methods.
"When I look at my farm now," Mrs. Xanh reflects, "I see what my grandchildren will inherit. Not depleted soil, but a living system. That's worth more than any single harvest."
This is part of our ongoing Farmer Profiles series, documenting the people behind Khe Sanh's sustainable coffee movement.