Costa Rica Study Explores the Social Impact of Biennial Production Cycles

"The study found that coffee production 'ups and downs' began to occur simultaneously across farms, particularly after the leaf rust outbreak of 2012-13, which was one of the worst in decades."

"Gabriela Garcia noted that there are 'basically no studies' examining the social aspects of alternate bearing, including how farmers conceptualize the cycles and their underlying drivers."

Coffee production often follows a boom-and-bust cycle, impacting smallholder farmers significantly. Research in Costa Rica indicates that these cycles can synchronize across farms, particularly after disease outbreaks like the 2012-13 leaf rust. This synchronization can lead to increased income volatility for growers. The study also examines the social implications of these cycles, including how farmers rationalize their experiences and respond to financial challenges during down years. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for addressing the vulnerabilities faced by smallholder coffee farmers.

Read at Daily Coffee News by Roast Magazine