How Trees Are Transforming Coffee Farming in Ethiopia

In the highlands of Sidama, Ethiopia, coffee farmers have long relied on traditional methods to cultivate their crops. But as climate conditions become more unpredictable and soil health declines, many farmers are embracing a powerful yet simple solution: trees.

We’ve been working with smallholder coffee farmers in Sidama since 2015, helping them integrate agroforestry into their farming landscapes. Through partnerships like our collaboration with Nespresso, we’ve distributed over 2 million trees, supporting 15,000 coffee farmers in restoring their land, enhancing biodiversity, and securing their livelihoods.

But what does this actually mean on the ground? How does agroforestry translate into real change? The answers lie in the stories of the farmers themselves.

Why trees matter for coffee farming

Agroforestry isn’t just about planting trees; it’s about transforming the way coffee is grown. When trees are planted among coffee crops, they provide critical benefits:

• Shade protection – Trees shield delicate coffee plants from excessive heat, allowing cherries to ripen more evenly.
• Soil restoration – Fallen leaves enrich the soil with nutrients, preventing erosion and improving fertility.
• Biodiversity revival – Trees bring back essential pollinators and wildlife, helping restore natural ecosystems.

These benefits don’t just make coffee farms more sustainable, they improve the quality of the coffee itself. As one farmer explains in our latest video:

“Trees give me a great advantage for the coffee I produce. They provide shade, protecting the coffee from the harsh sun. Without them, the quality diminishes. But with them, the cherries ripen perfectly, creating a rich and flavorful coffee.”

This connection between trees and high-quality coffee is at the heart of PUR’s work. We don’t just plant trees for the sake of the environment, we plant trees because they make coffee farming stronger, more resilient, and more profitable for the farmers who depend on it.

Agroforestry: a natural climate solution

While agroforestry is improving the quality of coffee production, it’s also playing a critical role in protecting farms from climate change. Ethiopia’s coffee-growing regions are experiencing more frequent droughts, erratic rainfall, and rising temperatures – all of which threaten the long-term viability of coffee farming. Trees help regulate local microclimates, making farms more resilient.

As Melkamu Demise, one of our project supervisors in Ethiopia, explains: “Agroforestry helps farmers increase coffee production while making it more sustainable. It optimizes weather conditions, prevents soil erosion, and improves soil fertility. It even provides additional income through fruit trees like avocados.”

By working with farmers to integrate trees into their landscapes, PUR is not only improving productivity but also ensuring farms are equipped to withstand climate pressures in the years to come. 

To sustain momentum, we’ve also established seven community nurseries, growing indigenous tree species that ensure the long-term resilience of both people and nature. Through these efforts, agroforestry has become more than just an agricultural technique – it’s a community-driven movement that is shaping the future of coffee farming in Ethiopia.

We believe in the power of nature-based solutions to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing coffee farmers today. And we’re proving, one tree at a time, that when we invest in ecosystems, we also invest in stronger, more sustainable communities.