Climate Change & The Coffee Agroforestry System In Kodagu : Analysis Of The Ecological And Socio-Economic Impacts

Abstract

The impacts of climate variability on the coffee agroforestry system in Kodagu have visibly increased over the last decade. These impacts are not limited merely to coffee production, but also extend to the sensitive ecology of the agroforestry system, the biodiversity of this hotspot in the Western Ghats, hydrological and ecological services, the economy, labour wages and relations, and even the culture of the region. Through an extensive literature review and stakeholder interactions, this research has surveyed the local perspectives on climate change impacts and the required policy actions to overcome the same. Based on these perspectives, policy options ranging from institutional and structural reform, to payments for ecosystem services, and marketing strategies have been formulated to increase climate resilience of the Kodagu coffee agroforestry system, and ensure sustainability in the coffee sector.