Analysis of Adaptation Practices to Climate Change and Variability by Smallholder Coffee Farmers in Rwanda: a Case Study of Huye District

Abstract

Coffee farming is an important sub-sector to the economy of Rwanda and it contributes substantially to the national economy. The general objective of this study was to investigate the adaptation practices employed to mitigate adverse impacts of climate change and variability by smallholder coffee farmers in Huye district of Rwanda, with specific objectives of determining climate change related challenges and the adaptation practices employed by smallholder coffee farmers and to analyze trends for climate variables (rainfall and temperature) and coffee production in Huye district. Primary data was collected from the smallholder coffee farmers through interview guide through six focus group discussions, while Secondary data for climatic variables (rainfall and temperature) and coffee production over a period spanning 30 years were collected from Rwanda Meteorological Agency and National Agriculture Export Board respectively. Quantitative data were analyzed through descriptive statistical measures, and inferential analysis was done through comparison of group means through unpaired t-tests and simple linear regression to test for nature of relationship between the climatic variables and level of coffee production (tons); while the qualitative variables were analyzed through thematic analysis. Results showed a significant change in annual maximum temperature; while climate variables only explained 23% of the total variability in level of coffee production in Huye. The farmers reported that they were aware of seasonal change and the decline in level of coffee production. The main challenges facing coffee farmers in Huye were drought and occurrence of hails and storm, but other challenges including pests, diseases, soil infertility and landslides also presented challenges to coffee farmers. These farmers employed a number of adaptation practices including tree planting, mulching, pruning, trench digging, water canalization, application of fertilizers and quick lime. Furthermore, results from thematic analysis presented that most of the listed adaptation practices were linked on adapting and coping measures with temperature rise which emphasizes that increase in temperature was the most challenging climate related challenge coffee farmers were facing in Huye district. These findings are important for policy making on need for support for extension services for coffee farming in Rwanda; while future research should investigate what other factors are responsible for variation in the level of coffee production in Huye, including challenges around pest and disease control and land tenure changes.