How to quantify the impacts of diversification on sustainability? A review of indicators in coffee systems

Abstract

Despite the potential of diversification strategies to achieve sustainability, diversified systems such as agroforestry are still not widely implemented by farmers, which indicates the need to further understand and adequately assess the impacts of diversification to inform the design of complex systems. In this paper, we conduct a systematic literature review focused on agroforestry coffee systems, to assess (i) how current methods and indicators are used to quantify the impact of diversification on multiple dimensions of system sustainability, and (ii) to assess the impact of diversification through coffee agroforestry on multiple dimensions of sustainability. Our analysis was based on 215 selected papers and all the indicators identified could be classified in one of the sustainability dimensions proposed in our framework: ecosystem services (57.2%), biodiversity (35.6%), input use (4%), socio-economic sustainability (2.7%) and resilience capacity (0.5%). Despite the broad scope of the indicators, individual studies were found to often lack interdisciplinarity and a systemic view on agroecosystems. Besides, not only were there few studies that included the impacts of diversification on input use, socio-economic sustainability and resilience capacity, but specific biodiversity attributes (e.g. functional diversity, landscape diversity) and ecosystem services (e.g. soil biological quality, water regulation, pollination) were generally underreported. The impact of diversification was more positive than negative in all dimensions of sustainability, with the exception of crop productivity. Yet, diversified systems are associated with reduced costs and high yields can still be achieved in diversified systems with appropriate agricultural management (e.g. adequate number and type of shade trees). Key to reaping the benefits of diversified systems is that the diversity of elements is carefully integrated considering the impact on multiple dimensions of system sustainability. A better understanding of synergies and trade-offs remains crucial for the customized design of diverse and sustainable systems for a variety of geo-climatic conditions.

On the complexity of agroforestry systems

“…However, in this study we defined a continuous complexity gradient based on metrics that represent three key components: diversity, tree density and management. This approach of assessing gradients is in line with recommendations by Teixeira et al (2022) and allowed us to reveal important nuances that would have otherwise remained hidden. Since we also included management (pruning & mulching frequency) in the definition of this gradient, we chose the term complexity instead of diversification (used e.g.…”

“…Since we also included management (pruning & mulching frequency) in the definition of this gradient, we chose the term complexity instead of diversification (used e.g. in Beillouin et al, 2021;Hufnagel et al, 2020;Teixeira et al, 2022). Blaser et al (2018) also assessed the provision of ecosystem services in relation to an agroforestry gradient which was based on shade tree cover, but did not find a positive relationship with neither soil fertility nor SOC storage.…”

A Review of Sustainable Pillars and their Fulfillment in Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Aquaponic Production

“…Even though social sustainability can be considered as being secondary [61], difficult to quantify the impact of [62], and often overlooked, attention is still paid to social practices and the relationship between economic growth and social responsibility [55]. In agricultural food production processes and due to the harmful environmental impact of using intensive monoculture systems, population growth has created a high social demand for suitable practices [63].…”

Belowground carbon storage in coffee agroforestry systems: A strategy to mitigate climate change

“…In spite of the bene ts of AFS, there is a lack of information about belowground C sequestration. Shade grown coffee, for example, has the potential to both increase soil C stocks (Schmitt-Harsh et al 2012) and promote the restoration of biodiversity (Valencia et al 2014; Ngovene 2020; Teixeira et al 2022). Evaluating the capacity of coffee agroforestry systems (CAFS) to sequester and store C belowground will contribute to a better understanding of the role that CAFS may play in C storage initiatives.…”