Abstract:
The impacts of climate variability on the coffee agroforestry system in Kodagu have
visibly increased over the last decade. These impacts are not limited merely to coffee
production, but also extend to the sensitive ecology of the agroforestry system, the
biodiversity of this hotspot in the Western Ghats, hydrological and ecological services,
the economy, labour wages and relations, and even the culture of the region. Through
an extensive literature review and stakeholder interactions, this research has surveyed
the local perspectives on climate change impacts and the required policy actions to
overcome the same. Based on these perspectives, policy options ranging from
institutional and structural reform, to payments for ecosystem services, and marketing
strategies have been formulated to increase climate resilience of the Kodagu coffee
agroforestry system, and ensure sustainability in the coffee sector.
