Africa: Climate Change Is Coming for Your Morning Coffee
AllAfrica
March 2, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Climate change is posing a significant threat to global coffee production, leading to higher costs for consumers and putting pressure on small-scale farmers who make up most of the industry. A new study by Climate Central reveals that rising temperatures in key coffee-growing regions are causing heat stress, resulting in lower yields, poorer bean quality, and increased disease vulnerability. This is particularly concerning as these regions account for 75% of global coffee production. Countries like Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, Ethiopia, and Indonesia have experienced an average of 57 additional days per year of harmful heat due to climate change.
The study compares observed temperatures from 2021 to 2025 with a hypothetical scenario without carbon pollution, finding that all 25 major coffee-producing countries have faced more extreme heat. This heat stress not only reduces crop quality and quantity but also drives up global prices, as seen in recent record highs. Smallholder farmers, who account for 80% of production and 60% of supply, are hit hardest by these challenges yet receive minimal funding for climate adaptation—just 0.36% of the needed resources in 2021.
Adaptation efforts are crucial but costly. For example, planting shade trees to cool coffee plants is one strategy farmers are adopting. In Ethiopia, where coffee production is vital, farmers like Dejene Dadi emphasize the need for shaded areas to protect crops from direct sunlight. However, governments and international organizations must invest in supporting smallholder farmers and implementing climate-resilient practices.
The global demand for coffee remains high, with over 2.2 billion cups consumed daily. While consumers in countries like the U.S. and Finland drive this demand, they are also feeling the impact through rising
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Originally published on AllAfrica on 3/2/2026