Increasing income from coffee production

The first consideration in order to increase income from coffee production is to make significant changes in the way coffee is managed. As discussed in the previous sections, this can be done by improving the soil fertility, better management of the coffee trees and by managing pests and diseases better. Together, these practices will ensure that more yields can be obtained from the same piece of land. The farmer can further expand the acreage of coffee, coupled with good management, the yields will be higher and enable more income. Organic coffee production also emphasizes use of locally available and, as much as possible, on-farm inputs for planting materials, soil fertility and pest and disease management. This ensures that the farmer is more self-reliant and spends less on off-farm inputs and hence money is saved. Through diversification by growing different crops along with coffee, the farmer minimizes a number of risks. In case coffee prices drop, the farmer can still get extra income from the intercrops like bananas, cocoa or vanilla. Many harvests are realized from the same garden over a long period of time. Coffee is, therefore, a long-term investment. Even if prices are low in one season, the farmer should manage the crop well to be prepared for seasons when higher-prices are offered.

Depending on the location, climatic conditions and growth stage of the coffee plants, coffee can be grown together with other crops, which can benefit the farmer:

• Intercropping - In young fields of both Arabica and Robusta coffee, there is enough space for growing short term crops such as beans, maize or cassava or long-term crops like bananas, cocoa and vanilla. On top of providing extra income to the farmer, such crops will provide the needed shade to the young coffee seedlings.
• Fruit trees - Fruit trees can be included in the coffee garden as shade or wind break trees. Fruit trees such as mangoes, jackfruit and avocadoes are commonly used. Fruit harvests can be eaten by the household to diversify their nutritional needs and extra harvests sold to earn extra income.
• Timber trees - Some species of shade and windbreak trees can serve as sources of timber in the longer term. This is a long-term investment for the farmer for future income needs. Tree species like Grevelia robusta, Albizia coriaria, Mesiopsis eminii and Cordia africana grow very well in the coffee system and provide good timber.
• Working together - Farmers who are willing to work together, for example, in the form of a producer group of organic producers can minimize the costs of production. Especially during postharvest handling, farmers in a group can share machinery for pulping and milling and storage space. As a group, it also becomes easier access to loans and market information.