Evaluation summary of the project "Resilience of coffee smallholder farmers in Ethiopia through agroforestry in Ethiopia"

The Sidama region, located in the highlands of southern Ethiopia, is renowned for its coffee production, which is the main livelihood of smallholder farmers. Traditionally grown in agroforestry systems, coffee now faces major challenges, including reduced tree cover due to agricultural expansion and unregulated timber exploitation. Climate change, characterised by significant variations in temperature and rainfall, is affecting production by weakening trees and encouraging pests and diseases. Farmers also face additional difficulties such as land fragmentation, declining soil fertility and tensions over water resources. Diversifying incomes, renewing coffee plantations and replanting shade trees are key strategies to build community resilience.