Africa’s coffee, cocoa and tea farmers face growing risks as prices swing
Behind volatile global prices for coffee, cocoa and tea are millions of smallholder farmers whose livelihoods depend on these crops. The FAO warns that climate shocks, diseases and market instability are putting pressure on producers, especially in African countries where these commodities are vital sources of income.
Global price fluctuations for coffee, cocoa and tea are creating growing uncertainty for millions of small-scale farmers, with producers often facing the greatest risks across the supply chain.
According to a new report from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), weather disruptions, crop diseases and shifting supply and demand patterns have driven sharp price movements in recent years.
"These price fluctuations have a significant impact on those who produce these commodities, namely smallholders," said El Mamoun Amrouk, senior economist at FAO’s Markets and Trade Division. "Smallholders are responsible for more than 60 percent of global production of these commodities, essentially coffee and tea."
