Behind every cup of your aromatic Ethiopian coffee, beans are grown under favourable climate conditions with adequate rainfall and a suitable environment. Ethiopian farmers are producing rich, aromatic coffee beans that are in high demand around the world. However, in recent years, they have been facing serious challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, and unpredictable rainfall. In this blog, let us understand how water scarcity affects coffee farmers in Ethiopia.
Impact of water scarcity
Water scarcity is a serious issue that affects coffee exporters and farmers alike. Irregular rainfall due to the drastic climate change in recent times is one of the factors that has resulted in water scarcity. Water scarcity mostly affects the significant time of coffee cherry development.
1. Decreases the coffee yield and quality.
Indigenous coffee varieties in Ethiopia need regular rainfall and optimal temperatures. Water scarcity will negatively impact these favourable conditions and the climate for growing quality beans. These lead to reduced yields in Ethiopian coffee production.
2. Soil Moisture Depletion
Water scarcity also results in the depletion of soil moisture levels. Coffee plants are sensitive to changes in temperature levels and rainfall patterns. Loss of moisture levels in the soil makes it difficult for the coffee plant to absorb nutrients from the soil. It affects the quantity and quality of Ethiopian coffee beans. Varied moisture levels increase the stress on the coffee plants.
3. Climate-resilient methods
Frequent droughts due to inconsistent rainfall are becoming more common in the Ethiopian region. These can damage the coffee plants, and the farmers have to find other favorable regions for growing coffee plants. As the coffee tree mainly depends on regular rainfall for its overall development, droughts affect the plant.
4. Increase pest attacks.
Water scarcity with an increase in temperatures leads to a reduction of the incubation period of pests. Increased pest attacks negatively affect the yield of coffee. The quality of the coffee crop decreases because of pest attacks and dry conditions.
5. Less availability of suitable land for coffee farming
If the rainfall patterns of Ethiopia change, then the traditional coffee-growing regions can be greatly affected. Coffee farmers have to find more suitable regions that provide adequate moisture, rainfall, and shade for the plant.
6. Reduced income for coffee bean producers
The majority of Ethiopian coffee farmers depend on coffee bean production for their livelihood. Coffee is considered a cash crop in the country, as it brings revenue to the smallholder farmers. Most of the revenue in Ethiopia is from coffee exports. Water scarcity, climate change, and drought affect Ethiopian coffee exporters and smallholder farmers.
7. Affects traditional practices
The traditional coffee processing methods practised in Ethiopia are also a factor that affects the uniqueness and aroma of the coffee. Coffee processing methods like washed or wet processes require an adequate amount of water. Water scarcity will affect the traditional methods that have been practised for generations in the country.
Important steps to overcome water scarcity
Strategic initiatives are needed to face the challenges faced by coffee exporters and farmers due to water scarcity. In this section, let us discuss some effective solutions to manage the problem.
1. Better irrigation system
Proper irrigation systems, like drip irrigation, help in overcoming irregular rainfalls. Drip irrigation is one of the successful methods, as it prevents challenges like waterlogging. Waterlogging can lead to adverse effects on the coffee plant as it decreases oxygen availability in the plant roots.
2. Rainwater harvesting
The farmers can collect the rainwater during heavy rainfalls. Then the collected water can be used to irrigate the plants during inconsistent rainfalls. Precision irrigation systems can be used to reduce water wastage.
3. Climate-resilient methods
The climate all over the world is changing, including in Ethiopia, and is expected to change in the coming years too. The temperature of the region has slightly increased, and a pattern change in rainfall is visible throughout the country.
Cultivating drought-tolerant coffee varieties and mulching are essential to reduce the effects of water scarcity in Ethiopia. Practices like mulching help in water conservation. It protects the soil and reduces the loss of water through evaporation.
4. Agroforestry
Coffee plants that are grown under the shade of native trees in the Ethiopian region help to reduce the problem of water scarcity. It regulates the climate, as the trees provide shade and protect the coffee plant from intense sunlight and heat. Also, it improves the much-needed soil health for the coffee plant.
5. Sustainable water management
Efficient use of available water has to be practised to face situations of water scarcity. In order to ensure the availability of water, it is important to responsibly use water. Monitoring the daily water usage, protecting local water resources, and implementing water-preserving initiatives are methods to manage water sustainably. These practices are necessary to irrigate the coffee at times of droughts and irregular rainfalls.
6. Weather forecasting
If the smallholder farmers in Ethiopia have access to accurate weather forecasts, it helps them to plan for rainfall or water scarcity. With the right knowledge about weather conditions, they can plan the harvest, irrigation, and planting of trees at the right time. It also helps them to reduce crop losses and utilise water effectively.
Conclusion
Water scarcity is a major concern in a coffee-producing country like Ethiopia, where the majority of the population are coffee farmers. It results in reduced crop yield and affects their source of income and livelihood. However, with efficient climate-resilient practices, the country can overcome this challenge and maintain its rich coffee heritage.