Farmers coping strategies to climate change in sustainable Arabica coffee production

Abstract

Geographical Indications of Gayo Arabica coffee is currently faced with various challenges, including climate change, causing stagnation and, eventually, a decline in productivity. This research aims to determine the strategies adopted by farmers in dealing with climate change, to increase and maintain Gayo coffee productivity. The research was conducted in the Gayo Highlands, particularly in Aceh Tengah, Bener Meriah, and Gayo Lues districts, in three stages, including; (1) a study of the Gayo coffee GI area, (2) climate change study, and (3) a study of farmers’ strategies for dealing with climate change, using field observation surveys and interviews with farmers. The results reveal that the GI of Gayo arabica coffee has been mapped since its designation in 2010. Additionally, both rainfall and temperature have changed since the 1980s, and climate change (particularly temperature) has resulted in habitat shifting for the cultivation of arabica coffee clones, coffee berry borer infestations, and a decrease in coffee productivity. Farmers in the Gayo Arabica coffee GI area address climate change by implementing a strategy to create a microclimate through adaptation and mitigation. These include efforts to adapt coffee clones to their growing habitat, creating a microclimate by planting coffee and denser shade, covering the soil surface to minimize evaporation, and reducing the concentration of carbon dioxide gas and greenhouse gas emissions in the air by using locally sourced organic matter as fertilizer.