Coffee is a lifeline for millions in Ethiopia, but climate change poses a serious threat. The country, known as the birthplace of coffee, relies heavily on this crop for income and export earnings. However, rising temperatures are making it increasingly difficult to grow coffee beans.
• Over 4 million households in Ethiopia depend on coffee for their livelihood.
• The top coffee-producing countries are experiencing more days of extreme heat, which harms coffee plants.
• Arabica coffee, especially sensitive to heat, struggles in temperatures above 30°C.
• Smallholder farmers, who grow most of the coffee, receive minimal climate adaptation funding.
This situation is critical as coffee consumption remains high globally, with about 2 billion cups consumed daily. Without urgent action to address climate change, the future of coffee production in Ethiopia and beyond is at risk. Governments must prioritize climate solutions to protect this essential industry and the livelihoods of millions.
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