Sustainability in Small-Scale Coffee Farming: Agricultural Practices, Women’s Role, and Climate Change Adaptation Along the Buffer Zone of Mt. Hamiguitan, Davao Oriental, Philippines
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: To promote a sustainable coffee industry, Davao Oriental has branded its coffee in association with Mt. Hamiguitan. This study evaluated the smallholder coffee farmers’ practices along the Mt. Hamiguitan buffer zone, highlighting women’s roles, and their climate change awareness and adaptation strategies. Fifty-seven purposively selected farmers (28 females, 29 males) were interviewed using a validated semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using ARCGIS software, thematic analysis, and descriptive statistics. Most farmers (70%) were old (>51) with over 40 years of experience (51%). Non-participation in farmers’ associations (73.7%) surpassed active membership (26.3%), with only 14% attending training. Most farmers (65%) intercropped 500–600 Robusta coffee trees/ha, with many farms established in the 1980s (36%). Farmers per-formed clearing (82%) and pruning (94%) of their coffee. Women played a vital role, especially during drying and harvesting. Challenges faced by farmers included long distances to buyers (91%), low prices (84%), poor farm-to-market roads (83%), and a lack of buyers (39%). All respondents acknowledged climate change and employed adaptation strategies such as intercropping, pruning, using ipil-ipil for shade, and utilizing nets. Recommendations for fostering sustainable practices while improving livelihoods include joining cooperatives, providing training for enhanced climate change adaptation strategies, and increasing women's participation in coffee production.
Source: Sustainability
DOI: 10.3390/su18010034
Institution: Davao Oriental State University
Language: English
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
OpenAlex ID: W4417501026