Why regenerative cultivation is the only way out of the coffee crisis
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coffee is in crisis: it is becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. Global demand is rising, while crop yields are falling. Droughts, extreme weather conditions and depleted soils - consequences of climate change - are affecting coffee plants worldwide. In addition, monocultures are reducing the diversity and resilience of the plants. As a result, one of the world's most popular consumer goods is increasingly becoming a scarce commodity. The Menschen für Menschen (MFM) foundation, which provides sustainable development cooperation in Ethiopia, believes that a fundamental change is needed in coffee cultivation.
"The coffee market is one of the most visible examples of the economic consequences of doing nothing in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss," explains Dr. Sebastian Brandis, CEO of the Menschen für Menschen Foundation. "If we don't change course quickly, the consequences will not only affect producers in the Global South, but also us here in Europe. In the end, it's all about whether there will still be affordable coffee in the future."
According to the foundation, the solution lies in regenerative cultivation methods. The focus is on agroforestry. Coffee is not grown in monocultures, but together with shade trees, fruit, vegetables and spices. The plants are selected in such a way that they strengthen the local ecosystem and improve the soil.
"Regenerative coffee cultivation strengthens soils, biodiversity and climate resilience - and thus secures the income of local farmers in the long term," says Dr. Brandis. "In Ethiopia, the country of origin of coffee, this approach is particularly suitable, as there are hardly any large-scale plantations, but mainly small-scale agriculture. If one crop fails, others continue to provide yields. This is a decisive advantage in times of climate change."
Menschen für Menschen supports coffee farmers in Ethiopia
The Menschen für Menschen Foundation is helping coffee farmers in 13 project regions in Ethiopia to switch to regenerative coffee cultivation. This includes practical training, materials and climate-resilient seedlings from our own tree nurseries. Around 25,000 farmers are already successfully implementing this form of coffee cultivation. The results show: Productivity can be doubled or even tripled within a short period of time through better care, storage and mixed crops.
"Coffee is not just an export commodity in Ethiopia, but is deeply rooted in everyday life. Around two thirds of coffee cultivation remains in the country. For many families, coffee is the first step from pure self-sufficiency to a regular income and greater food security," explains Dr. Brandis. "Stabilizing yields is therefore not just a question of exports and world market prices, but also of social development and future opportunities."
Also relevant for German consumers
However, regenerative coffee cultivation does not only affect local farmers. Dr. Brandis emphasizes: "Coffee is an extremely climate-sensitive plant. Climate change is altering the conditions that are crucial for good coffee quality: certain altitudes, suitable soils and water at the right time. Investing in regenerative coffee cultivation is therefore a kind of insurance for the future - both for producers and consumers."
Note: This article has been translated using a computer system without human intervention. LUMITOS offers these automatic translations to present a wider range of current news. Since this article has been translated with automatic translation, it is possible that it contains errors in vocabulary, syntax or grammar. The original article in German can be found here.
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