A new study by Hanns R. Neumann Stiftung (HRNS) concludes that new investment will be needed to support smallholding farmers as they cope with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The foundation, dedicated to improving the livelihoods of families in tropical rural environments, surveyed families in regions where the foundation currently operates, including Brazil, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Honduras, Indonesia, Tanzania, and Uganda. The survey shows the pandemic already adversely affecting coffee prices, the cost of living, employment and income, and other critical issues.
Families’ greatest concerns center on community health, the availability of labor, access to markets, and most importantly, the coronavirus’ effect on coffee prices. A resounding 71% of those surveyed confirmed that COVID-19 has already had a negative effect on household income.
“The situation triggered by the coronavirus pandemic for smallholder families in coffee regions needs an urgent response,” the foundation said. “The survey shows that COVID-19 will have a long-term impact on the livelihood of smallholder families. Upcoming crop cycles will be affected as much as families’ cashflow and food security. The effects of climate change might be felt stronger as mitigation measures cannot be implemented due to higher input prices under COVID-19. Farmer families face higher production costs at a prospect of lower revenues.”