The cultivation of coffee in agroforestry systems serves different purposes for humans, nature and the coffee itself.
The coffee plants find best growing conditions in the protecting shade of taller trees so that they can show highest productivity in an agroforestry system. Due to the diversity of the cultivation system it is much more stable and resistant to pests like insects or fungi.
The biodiversity is also enhancing the cultivation´s ecological integrability into the surrounding landscape, especially the forests nearby. Species of the neighbouring forests can find a new habitat in the cultivated areas.
Furthermore the shade and side tree species of the agroforestry system provide an additional source of food and income to the families. By also offering firewood to the household, this cultivation method contributes to lowering the usage pressure on natural forests nearby.