A new study is challenging the widespread industry belief that Robusta coffee (Coffea canephora) is a straightforward answer to the threats of climate change. Research published in the journal Sustainable Development by scientists from London's Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, suggests that while Robusta is more tolerant of high temperatures than Arabica, its significant water requirements and farming practices present their own sustainability challenges.
The research team, led by Dr. Aaron Davis, reviewed over a century of scientific literature and analyzed water availability where wild Robusta grows in Africa. They found that the species naturally occurs in areas with reliable access to ground or surface water. This contrasts with its reputation for resilience, as commercial cultivation in major producing countries like Vietnam and Brazil often depends on extensive irrigation. According to the study, this reliance on irrigation, especially from underground sources, can be detrimental to local populations and the environment.
For the coffee industry, the findings suggest that simply substituting Arabica with Robusta is not a viable long-term strategy. The study notes that large-scale Robusta farming is frequently associated with high synthetic fertilizer use and low shade cover, which are counter to goals for biodiversity and a low-carbon economy. The authors conclude that the sustainability of Robusta requires a more nuanced approach, including shifting cultivation to suitable climates, improving farming methods, and developing new climate-adapted varieties rather than treating the species as a universal fix.