Shading in family coffee farms as an environmental incentive promoter for ecosystem services in Tolima, Colombia

ABSTRACT

Coffee agroforestry systems or coffee plantations under shade represent less than 3% of the current cultivated coffee surface, the number of farms with this system is very low and difficult to find. This study assessed 30 farms through semi-structured interviews and an on-site evaluation to analyze the shade conditions in family farming coffee systems in the central region of Tolima, Colombia, with the purpose of promote environmental incentives and get better prices for the producer. Thirty-five tree species with arrangements utilizing from 2 to 9 associated tree species were found. The classification was made according to the shade structure and agronomic management. Forty-one percent of the systems meet the requirements of two environmental certifications. Of these, 55% can obtain the Bird Friendly certification, and the remaining, Rainforest Alliance. The presence of Magnolia henandezii (alma negra), an endemic species of the eastern slope of the Central Cordillera and classified as Endangered, was found.

KEYWORDS:

• Family farming
• farmers
• agroforestry
• biodiversity
• agroecology

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work got financial support from the University of Tolima: [Grant Number 470214].

Notes on contributors

Brenda Aguirre Cuellar

Aguirre - Cuellar B. Agricultural Engineer, researcher in agroforestry systems and sustainable production.

Jaqueline Chica Lobo

Chica - Lobo J. Economists, MSc Agricultural Economics. Researcher in Ecological Economics.

Félix Moreno Elcure

Moreno - Elcure F. Production Engineer, MSc Natural Resources and MSc in Agroecology. Researcher in Agroecology.