The impact of climate change on coffee production of small farmers and their adaptation strategies: a review
Tariku Olana Jawo, Dennis Kyereh, Bohdan Lojka
Abstract
Recent climate change models predict that coffee production and the livelihood of millions of farmers will be hardly affected by climate change. Climate changes pronounced in increasing temperature and rainfall variability will reduce the bio-climatic suitable areas, growth and yield of coffee and will induce the occurrence of pests and diseases. Understanding the extent of the climate-driven impact on coffee production and farmers’ adaptation strategies is vital in sustaining coffee productivity. In the form of in-depth analysis, this review begins by contextualizing climate change and coffee production and gives insight into the impact of climate change on coffee suitability areas, growth, yield and the incidence of pests and diseases. It further examines the adaptation strategies pursued by farmers to reduce the impacts of climate change. Site-specific adaptation strategies implemented by farmers to minimize detrimental effects of climate change include (i) selecting appropriate shade tree species and their optimal management, (ii) farmers training, (iii) soil fertility maintenance and protection and (iv) pests and diseases management. Moreover, improving farmers’ access to weather, fair market and technology will enhance their adaptive capacity to climate change. Finally, designing adaptation policies and building the existing practices help the small farmers to pursue climate-resilient coffee production.