Connected by coffee: creating a shade corridor to support biodiversity and livelihoods in western Rwanda

A new study by Reckmann et al. (2025) explores whether shade-grown coffee could provide part of the answer.

The study focuses on three core questions:

1. To what extent is shade coffee cultivation currently climatically feasible between the two disconnected forest patches of Gishwati and Mukura?
   
2. How will climate change affect that feasibility under future scenarios?
   
3. Which native tree species are suitable for supporting shade-grown coffee systems in this region?

Using climate suitability analysis, the researchers assess where this type of agroforestry system could thrive today and how that might shift in the coming decades. They also identified native species that could be used as shade trees in the area. The results suggest that it’s possible to establish a “coffee corridor” made up of climate-resilient, tree-shaded coffee farms that could link fragmented habitats, promote biodiversity, and support rural livelihoods.

Why is this important? 
With climate change, climatic suitability for Coffea arabica cultivation in the study area will increasingly shift upwards in the coming decades making shade coffee production increasingly viable. In agreement with the findings of this study, increased temperatures and especially maximum temperatures are understood to be major drivers of this uphill shift.  The overall effect of this in coffee suitability across the global coffee sector will likely also apply to Rwanda.

Creating a shade coffee corridor between Gishwati and Mukura forest patches could provide the study area with a boost in livelihood opportunities as well as biodiversity conservation perspectives. In terms of biodiversity benefits, incorporating native trees to the canopy could offer a wealth of opportunity including increased diversity, carbon sequestration, habitat provision, soil protection, soil fertility, erosion control, and more. Shade coffee plots could ultimately become a wildlife corridor helping to facilitate the movement of diverse species between the Gishwati and Mukura forest patches.

But the corridor’s success is conditional: it will only be viable if it offers tangible benefits to local farmers, which is something that aligns with national policy. Encouragingly, the Rwandan government supports the cultivation of Coffee arabica, recognizing its potential to reduce poverty and provide sustainable economic opportunities.

As smallholder farmers will be the primary cultivators, their input is critical for the adoption and long-term viability of the project. It is important that coffee cultivation is integrated into the existing livelihood activities in a way that is helpful for the farmers. 

Moving forward:
Reckmann et al.’s findings suggest that a shade coffee corridor between Gishwati and Mukura forest patches could reconcile livelihood security and biodiversity conservation. They recognize the importance of prioritizing the local communities’ needs, and actively sharing knowledge when applicable and relevant. 

A possible next step could be a continuation of the identification of suitable tree species for the shade corridor. Although much research has been completed, the researchers recognize that local knowledge is also essential and highly valuable. They suggest a transdisciplinary action such as a living lab in order to get communities involved and engaged. Using the research completed as guidance for implementation, practitioners and policy makers can also look to existing initiatives . 

In a cautiously hopeful conclusion, Reckmann et al. state: “ With climate change being inevitable and restoration being a high priority for the Rwandan government, the coffee corridor proposed in this paper should be carefully considered as a possible win-win for people and ecosystems.”