Is agroforestry a sustainable management system for future coffee production?

Athina Koutouleas*, Aske Skovmand Bosselmann, Eric Rahn

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingBook chapterResearchpeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In this chapter, the controversy as to whether agroforestry systems are a sustainable choice for coffee farming is explored. This led us to look through the social, economic, and environmental lens to navigate the huge body of work conducted by the coffee research community concerning agroforestry. A literature review was conducted to examine farmers’ attitudes and preferences together with ecosystem services provisions, coffee yield and quality reaped from agroforestry practices. Questions relating to labour and input costs of these systems are addressed using novel data sources across different geographies (i.e., Vietnam and Nicaragua) and different intercrops (e.g., avocado, bananas, durian, and pepper). Above and belowground interactions within the coffee agroforestry system were highlighted from an ecosystem services perspective. Ugandan and Vietnamese case studies were used to demonstrate the value of conversion to agroforestry under certain environmental challenges (i.e., high slope areas and water limitations). Finally, the possibility of carbon storage and biodiversity conservation payments for coffee farmers was briefly explored. This chapter provides a palatable assortment of arguments, evidence and insights surrounding the feasibility and sustainability of agroforestry in coffee production.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCoffee – A Glimpse into the Future
EditorsFábio M. Damatta, José C. Ramalho
PublisherAcademic Press
Publication date2025
Pages207-246
Chapter7
ISBN (Print)978-0-443-22294-8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2025
SeriesAdvances in Botanical Research
Volume114
ISSN0065-2296

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024

Keywords

  • Climate change
  • Coffea arabica
  • Coffea canephora
  • Polyculture
  • Quality
  • Shade
  • Sustainability
  • Yield

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