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Problems such as leaf rust (or ‘la roya’) have
affected over 50% of the coffee growing area in
Central America, with some individual counties
facing devastating effects. In El Salvador, 70% of
the coffee harvest was destroyed as a result of
crop disease in 2014.
Worse still, changing temperatures have had a
detrimental effect on crops around the world.
Because the crop is so sensitive to changes to
levels of precipitation and temperature, even an
increase of two degree Celsius can put a farmer
out of business.
Reports on the future impact of climate change
on the coffee crop are mostly alarming in nature.
One study found that up to 50% of the farmland
used for growing coffee worldwide could be
unusable by 2050.
There are 124 coffee crop species in existence, of
which Arabica and Robusta are the two most
popular. A recent study based on two decades of
research has shown that up to 60% of wild coffee
species are at risk of extinction.
Displacement of coffee farmers and families
Unfortunately, climate change seems likely to
contribute to major challenges in the future,
especially in relation to coffee production.
The migration of people from Central and South
America to the United States has been well
documented in the news headlines.
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JULY. 2021 | VOL. 19
However, behind the headlines, the reality is
that coffee farmers in countries like El
Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras face
internal displacement, a turbulent political
situation, devastation from hurricanes in
2020, and increased gang violence.
It is little wonder that so many people attempt
to cross the border, many of whom will
attempt to join family members who have
already made the journey.
Clearly, coffee is extremely valuable not just
as a product, but as a means by which
millions of people in disadvantaged areas can
escape poverty. The devastation of this crop
should indeed concern us all.
Solutions for industry stakeholders
Although the situation does seem dire, there
are many stakeholders working towards
solutions.
Some farmers have moved to adopt more
robust crops that are resistant to both crop-
damaging insects and the effects of climate
change.
Major industry names like Starbucks and
Illycaffè have increased research and
development activities in critical areas with an
eye on the coming climate crisis.
It will be important to remain up to date on
this evolving situation so that all industry
stakeholders can continue to enjoy the
benefits of this industry.
Aileen Bowe is a writer and correspondent for
the Immigration Advice Service, an
organisation of immigration solicitors that
provides legal aid to forcibly displaced
persons.