Coffee Production Thrives Against Challenges: How Yemen, Ethiopia, and Colombia Are Defying the Odds

The World Coffee Report has published an important study titled “Against Challenges: Where Coffee Production Thrives?” written by April Hawksworth. Given the significance of this study, we at Qahwa World have decided to republish its key findings. The report explores the countries where coffee production is flourishing despite climate challenges that have significantly impacted major coffee-growing regions.

While major producers such as Vietnam and Brazil have suffered setbacks leading to soaring coffee prices, some nations have managed to defy the odds through innovation, resilience, and strategic government initiatives.

Yemen: A Genetic Lifeline for Coffee’s Future

Yemen is emerging as a crucial player in safeguarding coffee’s future, not only for its historical significance but also for its remarkable genetic coffee diversity. Despite being one of the driest regions in the world, Yemen’s coffee trees continue to thrive, offering an essential solution to climate-induced challenges.

“At least 60% of wild Arabica species are at risk due to climate stress and low genetic diversity,” explains Faris Sheibani, founder of Qima Coffee. “Yemen’s coffee plants possess a unique resilience that could hold the key to safeguarding coffee production worldwide.”

Genetic Research Unlocking a Climate-Resistant Future

Yemeni researchers, in collaboration with international scientists, are leading genetic mapping projects to study the traits of Yemeni coffee varieties, including their flavor, climate adaptability, pest resistance, and disease tolerance. These insights will shape the future of climate-resilient breeding programs, supported by the Yemeni government.

While Yemen’s official annual coffee production is estimated at 20,000 tons, experts believe the true figure is higher due to the existence of a black market trade. Yet, one thing remains certain: Yemeni coffee is gaining international recognition for its exceptional quality and genetic importance.

“Yemen’s coffee traditions date back centuries,” Sheibani adds. “Now, as climate change threatens global coffee supplies, the country’s genetic resources offer a crucial lifeline to coffee farmers worldwide.”

Ethiopia: A Coffee Giant Expanding Production Despite Droughts

As Africa’s largest coffee producer, Ethiopia continues to assert its dominance in both export markets and domestic consumption. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Ethiopia has doubled its coffee production over the past five years, defying extreme drought conditions.

Ethiopia’s coffee export revenue surged from US$900 million in 2018 to US$1.4 billion in 2023, with ambitions to reach US$2 billion by 2025.

Government Policies Pushing the Coffee Boom

According to Israel Degefa, CEO of Kerchanshe Trading, Ethiopia’s largest coffee exporter, the Ethiopian government’s agricultural policies have played a vital role in sustaining coffee production:

• The Green Legacy Initiative, launched in 2019, has planted 25 billion trees, expanding coffee cultivation across new regions.
• Farmers now have duty-free access to advanced agricultural equipment, including irrigation systems, tractors, and harvesters.
• Export reforms have enabled Ethiopian coffee exporters to retain 50% of their foreign currency earnings, reinvesting in infrastructure and productivity.

At Kerchanshe Trading, coffee farms have undergone a major transformation, shifting from traditional rain-fed farming to high-density, fully irrigated farms. These modern techniques have significantly boosted yields, producing four to five times more coffee per hectare than conventional Ethiopian farms.

“We’ve moved away from rain-dependent farming,” says Degefa. “By adopting modern irrigation systems, we’ve secured a sustainable and profitable future for Ethiopian coffee.”

Additionally, Ethiopia has invested heavily in logistics, including a dedicated railway for agricultural exports, ensuring that Ethiopian coffee reaches global markets faster than ever before.

Colombia: A Resilient Powerhouse in the Global Coffee Market

Colombia, the world’s third-largest coffee producer, continues to strengthen its position in the global market despite ongoing climate challenges. Coffee remains a pillar of Colombia’s economy, supporting 560,000 families and employing 2.5 million people.

In 2024, Colombia’s coffee production surged by 23%, reaching 14 million 60-kilogram bags, with a total crop value of 14 trillion pesos (US$3.14 billion).

According to German Bahamon, CEO of the Colombian Coffee Growers Federation (FNC), the country’s resilience stems from its advanced pest management strategies, climate adaptation programs, and extensive replanting efforts.

“Eighty-seven percent of our coffee farms now cultivate climate-resilient coffee varieties developed by Cenicafé, ensuring greater protection against pests and unpredictable weather patterns,” Bahamon explains.

Technology-Driven Coffee Growth

Colombia has leveraged advanced geolocation technology to track and optimize farm performance, ensuring precise replanting and fertilization strategies. In 2024 alone, the FNC oversaw the replanting of 90,000 hectares, equivalent to 11% of the country’s total coffee plantation area.

Through targeted subsidies and credit programs, Colombian farmers now have greater access to fertilizers and soil enhancement techniques, leading to stronger coffee plants and higher yields.

“Our commitment to quality and sustainability is unwavering,” says Bahamon. “We’re not just focused on the U.S. market—we’re actively expanding into Europe, the Middle East, and China, where demand for Colombian coffee is on the rise.”

With nearly a century of expertise, the FNC remains a central force in ensuring Colombia remains one of the most reliable and innovative coffee producers worldwide.

The Global Coffee Industry: A Story of Resilience and Adaptation

Despite climate volatility and shifting market dynamics, the coffee industries of Yemen, Ethiopia, and Colombia stand as models of innovation and resilience. Through scientific research, government-backed programs, and modern farming techniques, these nations have not only survived but thrived.

As the world’s appetite for coffee continues to grow, these trailblazing strategies will help shape the future of sustainable coffee production for years to come.