Climate Change Impact on Robusta Coffee: How it Affects Production and Quality

Robusta coffee is one of the most essential coffee varieties in the world, known for its high caffeine content and intense flavor. The production of Robusta coffee has been significantly affected by climate change in recent years. In this article, we’ll explore the climate change impact on Robusta coffee, including its production and quality.

Introduction

Robusta coffee is a coffee variety known for its high caffeine content and robust flavor. It is one of the most essential coffee varieties in the world and is grown in several countries across Africa, Asia, and South America. The production of Robusta coffee is critical to the livelihoods of millions of people around the world. However, climate change has been affecting the production and quality of Robusta coffee in recent years.

This article aims to explore the impact of climate change on Robusta coffee, including its production and quality. We’ll examine how climate change affects weather patterns, soil quality, pests and diseases, water availability, and the chemical composition of Robusta coffee. We’ll also look at the mitigation and adaptation measures that can be taken to address the impact of climate change on Robusta coffee.

The importance of Robusta coffee in the coffee industry

• Robusta coffee is an essential component of the global coffee market, accounting for about 40% of the world’s coffee production.
• It is primarily grown in tropical regions of Asia and Africa and is known for its strong, bitter taste and high caffeine content.
• Robusta coffee is used in many coffee blends, including instant coffee and espresso, and is often used as a cheaper alternative to Arabica coffee.

Understanding the basics of climate change

• Climate change refers to the long-term changes in the Earth’s climate, including temperature, precipitation, and weather patterns.
• Climate change is primarily caused by releasing greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere from human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation.
• The impacts of climate change are felt around the world and include rising sea levels, more frequent and severe weather events, and changes in plant and animal species distributions.

Climate Change Impact on Robusta Coffee Production

Robusta coffee production has been severely affected by climate change. Changes in soil quality have impacted the yields and quality of Robusta coffee. The increase in pests and diseases, such as coffee rust, has been another significant challenge for farmers. Due to droughts or floods, the changes in water availability have also affected coffee production.

Coffee farmers are struggling to maintain their coffee yields and quality of their coffee due to the impact of climate change. These challenges pose significant threats to the sustainability of Robusta coffee production and the livelihoods of coffee farmers.

Climate Change Impact on the Quality of Robusta Coffee

Climate change has also affected the quality of Robusta coffee. Changes in the flavor profile, aroma, and chemical composition of Robusta coffee have been observed due to climate change. These changes may affect the marketability and demand for Robusta coffee.

Coffee beans from different regions have unique flavors, aromas, and chemical compositions, contributing to their quality. Changes in these attributes may result in the loss of individual flavor profiles of Robusta coffee, affecting the coffee industry’s sustainability.

According to many studies, the regions considered the most suitable for growing coffee worldwide are Central – South America, especially Brazil; Central and West Africa; and South Asia and Southeast Asia. Among many types of coffee, Arabica coffee plants – the most appreciated and used by many major coffee brands in the world (such as Starbucks) – are in more demanding geographical conditions. , climate, water resources… to be able to develop best. The optimum temperature of Arabica coffee plants is in the range of 64° – 70°F (18° – 21°C); The highest temperature this coffee can withstand is 73°F (24°C).

In Vietnam, the famous Arabica coffee is grown in Cau Dat (Da Lat – Lam Dong) with an average altitude of 1,450 – 1,650m above sea level. According to research by Jeremy Torz & Steven Macedonia (2022), Arabica coffee “has a very narrow tolerance for temperature and precipitation.” Accordingly, “it is necessary to have rain at specific times of the year, during flowering, to bear fruit and not to appear after harvest when the farmer is trying to dry the coffee.” In 2014, the 5th Assessment Report (AR5) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicted: The area suitable for growing coffee will likely be reduced by 2050. Additional research also demonstrates that increased temperatures can affect the pest status of coffee plants.

The more severe problem is that when the temperature increases, the coffee will ripen faster, but the quality of the beans will decrease. When exposed to temperatures higher than 86°F (30°C), coffee plants will experience stunted growth, yellow leaves, or stem tumorigenesis. As quoted from Jeremy Torz & Steven Macatonia in The Peak of Coffee World: “In 2012, Dr. Aaron Davis and his team completed a predictive computer modeling analysis of the between 85% and 99.7% of the land suitable for wild Arabica coffee by 2080.

IPCC scientists also determined the expected loss of coffee land in Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico. Changes in temperature and rainfall could reduce Central America’s coffee-growing area by 38 to 89 percent by 2050. The same holds for countries that are significant producers and exporters of coffee, leading countries such as Brazil, Vietnam, Indonesia, Colombia…

This, of course, also led to a massive increase in the price of coffee in the international market. In 2020, the retail price of coffee in the US increased by 6.3% due to drought and unusual frost in Brazil – the world’s top coffee supplier. With fewer places to grow coffee in the future, tighter supply could exacerbate price increases.

Climate Change Impact on Robusta coffee producing regions

• Coffee is a crop susceptible to climate change, making it vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
• Coffee-growing regions are already experiencing changes in temperature and rainfall patterns, leading to decreased yields and poor-quality coffee beans.
• Due to climate changes, pests, and diseases are also becoming more prevalent in coffee-producing regions.

Mitigation Measures

Mitigation measures can help reduce climate change’s impact on Robusta coffee. Sustainable coffee farming practices such as agroforestry, intercropping, and organic farming can help to maintain the soil quality and increase the resilience of coffee crops to climate change. Using shade trees and water conservation practices can also help keep soil moisture and reduce the effects of extreme weather events.

Soil management practices such as using cover crops and compost can also help maintain soil fertility and increase the resilience of coffee crops to pests and diseases.

Adaptation Measures

Adaptation measures are necessary to help Robusta coffee farmers cope with the impact of climate change. Diversification is crucial, and coffee farmers should explore other crops that can thrive in their regions. Adopting resilient coffee varieties, such as those that are resistant to pests and diseases and can tolerate droughts, can also help increase the resilience of coffee crops.

The Future of Robusta coffee production in a changing climate

• Temperature and Rainfall Patterns: Robusta coffee is generally more heat-tolerant than Arabica coffee but still has limits. Rising temperatures associated with climate change can impact Robusta coffee production by increasing the occurrence of heatwaves, droughts, and water stress. Changes in rainfall patterns can also affect Robusta coffee, as it requires a well-distributed water supply throughout the year. Shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns may necessitate adjustments in cultivation practices, such as improved irrigation systems and shade management.
• Pests and Diseases: Climate change can influence the prevalence and distribution of pests and diseases that affect Robusta coffee. Warmer temperatures and altered rainfall patterns can create more favorable conditions for problems like the coffee berry borer and diseases like coffee leaf rust. These factors can lead to increased infestations and higher crop losses. Integrated pest management strategies, including monitoring, early detection, and disease-resistant coffee varieties, will be crucial to mitigate these challenges.
• Agroforestry and Shade Management: Robusta coffee is often cultivated under shaded conditions, which provide a favorable microclimate and help mitigate the impact of high temperatures. In the face of climate change, maintaining appropriate shade levels will safeguard Robusta coffee production. However, shade management strategies may need adjustments to balance the need for shade with potential increases in temperature and changing rainfall patterns.
• Genetic Improvement and Adaptation: Developing climate-resilient Robusta coffee varieties through breeding programs will be essential for ensuring the future of Robusta production. These varieties should exhibit traits like heat and drought tolerance, resistance to pests and diseases, and suitable quality attributes. Research efforts are underway to identify and develop robust coffee varieties with enhanced adaptation to climate change.
• Geographic Shifts: As climate conditions change, the suitable regions for Robusta coffee cultivation may shift geographically. Some traditional Robusta-growing areas might become less ideal due to increased temperatures or changes in rainfall patterns. On the other hand, new regions or higher elevations within current growing areas might become more conducive to Robusta cultivation. Farmers and stakeholders must monitor and adapt to these geographic shifts to maintain Robusta coffee production.
• Climate-Smart Agriculture: Implementing climate-smart agricultural practices will be crucial for Robusta coffee production in a changing climate. These practices include optimizing water use, improving soil health and fertility, integrating shade trees, adopting precision agriculture techniques, and promoting sustainable farming practices. Climate-smart agriculture can enhance Robusta coffee farms’ resilience and help mitigate climate change’s impacts.

The importance of sustainable coffee production

• Environmental Preservation: Coffee production can have significant ecological impacts, including deforestation, water pollution, and soil degradation. Sustainable coffee production practices focus on reducing these adverse effects by promoting shade-grown cultivation, agroforestry systems, and organic farming methods. These practices help preserve biodiversity, maintain healthy ecosystems, and protect natural resources such as water and soil.
• Climate Change Mitigation: Coffee production is highly vulnerable to climate change, including rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall patterns, and increased pest and disease outbreaks. Sustainable coffee farming incorporates climate-smart techniques, such as planting shade trees, implementing water conservation methods, and adopting resilient coffee varieties. By mitigating the impact of climate change, sustainable practices enhance the long-term viability of coffee farming and protect the livelihoods of coffee growers.
• Social Responsibility: Coffee is a major global commodity, and the livelihoods of millions of farmers depend on its cultivation. Sustainable coffee production emphasizes fair trade practices, ensuring that farmers receive fair compensation for their labor and have access to better living and working conditions. It promotes ethical sourcing, discourages child labor, and supports initiatives empowering and uplifting coffee-growing communities.
• Quality and Marketability: Sustainability is closely linked to the quality of coffee. Environmentally friendly practices enhance soil fertility, promote healthier plants, and improve the taste and aroma of coffee beans. Consumers are increasingly conscious of sustainability issues and seek products with ethical and environmentally responsible credentials. Coffee producers and companies prioritizing sustainability can differentiate their products and appeal to a growing segment of environmentally conscious consumers.
• Long-Term Viability of the Industry: Sustainable coffee production is essential for the long-term viability of the coffee industry. Farmers can mitigate risks, adapt to changing conditions, and improve their resilience to climate change, pests, and market fluctuations by adopting sustainable practices. This, in turn, ensures the continuity of the coffee supply chain and contributes to the economic stability of coffee-producing regions.

The Potential of Coffee to Contribute to climate change solutions

• Carbon Sequestration: Coffee plants, especially shade-grown varieties, can sequester atmospheric carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. Additionally, agroforestry systems integrating coffee cultivation with shade trees can further enhance carbon sequestration. Coffee production can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change by promoting sustainable farming practices and reforestation efforts.
• Shade-Grown Coffee: Shade-grown coffee, where coffee plants are cultivated under a canopy of trees, provides multiple benefits. The shade trees act as carbon sinks, absorbing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. They also help regulate microclimates, reducing temperature extremes and providing a more suitable environment for coffee plants. Shade-grown coffee farms can maintain higher levels of biodiversity, supporting ecosystem resilience and carbon storage.
• Sustainable Farming Practices: Adopting sustainable farming practices, such as agroforestry, organic farming, and soil conservation techniques, can reduce the carbon footprint of coffee production. These practices enhance soil health, increase water efficiency, and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. By minimizing the use of fossil fuel-intensive inputs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, coffee farmers can contribute to climate change mitigation.
• Renewable Energy Use: Coffee processing requires energy, particularly pulping and drying. Transitioning to renewable energy sources, such as solar or biomass energy, can significantly reduce the carbon emissions associated with coffee processing. Many coffee-producing regions have ample sunlight or biomass resources that can be harnessed to power coffee processing facilities, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
• Climate-Smart Agriculture: Climate-smart agriculture techniques tailored to the specific challenges of coffee farming can help farmers adapt to the changing climate. These practices include planting shade trees to mitigate heat stress, implementing water conservation measures, using climate-resilient coffee varieties, and adopting precision farming technologies. By improving resilience and productivity, climate-smart agriculture enables coffee farmers to adapt to climate change while contributing to solutions.
• Supporting Forest Conservation: Coffee production is often linked to forested regions, as coffee thrives in areas with suitable environmental conditions. Protecting and restoring forest ecosystems in coffee-growing regions helps preserve biodiversity and prevents deforestation, a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. By promoting sustainable coffee production and supporting forest conservation efforts, the coffee industry can contribute to climate change mitigation.

Conclusion

Climate change is a significant challenge facing Robusta coffee production. It is affecting the production, quality, and sustainability of Robusta coffee. Mitigation and adaptation measures are necessary to help coffee farmers cope with the impact of climate change on their crops. Sustainable coffee farming practices, diversification, and adopting resilient coffee varieties are crucial measures that can help increase coffee crops’ resilience.

FAQs

1. What is Robusta coffee? Robusta coffee is a coffee variety known for its high caffeine content and robust flavor.

2. How has climate change affected Robusta coffee production? Climate change has affected Robusta coffee production by causing changes in weather patterns, soil quality, pests and diseases, and water availability.

3. What can be done to mitigate the impact of climate change on Robusta coffee? Mitigation measures such as sustainable coffee farming practices, using shade trees and water conservation, and soil management practices can help reduce climate change’s impact on Robusta coffee.

4. What adaptation measures can be taken to cope with the impact of climate change on Robusta coffee? Adaptation measures such as diversification and adopting resilient coffee varieties can help increase the resilience of Robusta coffee crops to the effects of climate change.

5. Why is it essential to address the impact of climate change on Robusta coffee? Robusta coffee is an important crop that provides livelihoods for millions of people around the world. The effects of climate change on Robusta coffee production and quality can have significant implications for the coffee industry’s sustainability and the coffee farmers’ well-being. Addressing the impact of climate change on Robusta coffee is crucial to ensure the sustainability of the coffee industry and the livelihoods of coffee farmers.