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 language | English |
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Title of host publication | Coffee – A Glimpse into the Future |
Editors | Fábio M. Damatta, José C. Ramalho |
Publisher | Academic Press |
Publication date | 2025 |
Pages | 207-246 |
Chapter | 7 |
ISBN (Print) | 978-0-443-22294-8 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2025 |
Series | Advances in Botanical Research |
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Volume | 114 |
ISSN | 0065-2296 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2024
Keywords
- Climate change
- Coffea arabica
- Coffea canephora
- Polyculture
- Quality
- Shade
- Sustainability
- Yield