Coffee and Climate Change In Southeast Asia Workshop

"Coffee and Climate Change In Southeast Asia Workshop: 
Outlook for the Sarawak Coffee Industry"
Kuching, 5 - 7 November 2024

Co-organized by Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Southeast Asia Regional Office, Universiti Malaya, Sarawak Government, Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Sarawak, and School of Public Policy Chiang Mai University

In regions like Sarawak, where coffee cultivation has historical roots but remains underdeveloped compared to other parts of Southeast Asia, the industry faces unique challenges. Shifts in weather patterns, temperature fluctuations, and unpredictable rainfall are threatening the productivity and quality of coffee crops. Sarawak, known for its unique microclimates, is highly vulnerable to these changes, leading to reduced yields, increased pest and disease prevalence, and altered growing conditions.

Despite Sarawak’s potential for coffee cultivation, the lack of adaptive farming techniques, limited access to climate-resilient coffee varieties, and insufficient support for local farmers are hindering the region's capacity to cope with these environmental changes. Additionally, socio-economic factors, such as the dependence on smallholder farmers and limited access to advanced agricultural technology, further complicate the region's ability to adapt to the evolving climate.

This workshop aims to explore the intersection of coffee cultivation and climate change in Southeast Asia, with a specific focus on Sarawak. It will address the immediate and long-term impacts of climate change on coffee production, identify potential solutions and adaptation strategies, and foster collaboration between stakeholders, including farmers, researchers, policymakers, and industry experts, to secure a sustainable future for coffee in the region.

Key questions to address include:
1. How can Sarawak’s coffee sector adapt to the increasing risks of climate change?
2. What are the most effective climate-resilient agricultural practices for coffee farmers in the region?
3. How can local and international stakeholders collaborate to support sustainable coffee production in Sarawak?

By addressing these questions, the workshop will help develop a comprehensive outlook and actionable strategies for building a resilient and sustainable coffee industry in Sarawak, amid the challenges of a changing climate.

Registration Note: Invitations only, if you are based in Kuching and interested to join, please send your CV and tell us a bit about your background to the email on "REGISTER NOW" button for selection consideration.

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