Muddy Boots

Climate change threatens global coffee production, particularly in monoculture systems that degrade soil and increase vulnerability to pests and extreme weather. Agroforestry and syntropic agriculture offer sustainable alternatives by integrating diverse plant species, improving soil health, and reducing dependency on chemical inputs. A pilot project in Minas Gerais, Brazil, led by Hanns R. Neumann Stiftung (HRNS), is converting 500 hectares of coffee monoculture into agroforestry, training farmers in climate-resilient practices. Despite challenges such as initial investment and labor demands, tailored support, profitable business models, and strategic planning can facilitate a successful transition. Sustainable coffee farming secures both farmer livelihoods and the future of high-quality coffee.

Climate change has become a tangible reality for Indonesia's coffee farmers, manifesting through prolonged heat waves, reduced yields, and devastating crop failures. Many farmers initially misattributed these challenges to insufficient fertilizer use, revealing a critical gap in understanding the broader environmental impacts affecting their livelihoods. ...