Coffee, as one of the world's most beloved beverages, has an extensive journey before it reaches our cups. From the high-altitude farms in Colombia to the bustling coffee shops in major global cities, the production and distribution of coffee is an intricate web of socio-economic and environmental interdependencies. Recognizing the breadth and depth of this journey is essential to understanding the pivotal role coffee plays in achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs, a set of 17 global goals, seek to address pressing challenges, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity, peace, and justice.
To begin with, coffee production is a primary source of income for millions of farmers, particularly in developing nations. Goal 1 of the SDGs aims to end poverty, and the coffee industry plays a crucial part in this. By ensuring fair prices for coffee beans, encouraging sustainable farming practices, and investing in farmer education, we can elevate the living standards of these farmers. The direct correlation between fair-trade coffee practices and achieving this SDG cannot be overstated. Similarly, Goal 2 seeks to end hunger and improve nutrition. When farmers receive fair prices, they are more likely to invest in their farms, leading to increased productivity and food security for their communities.
Further, coffee production intersects with Goal 5, which emphasizes gender equality. In many coffee-growing regions, women play a vital role in the cultivation and processing of beans. By promoting and supporting the rights of women in the coffee industry, we not only uplift half of the workforce but also contribute to more sustainable and prosperous communities.
From an environmental standpoint, coffee production has significant implications for Goals 13, 14, and 15, which revolve around climate action, life below water, and life on land, respectively. Unsustainable coffee farming can lead to deforestation, reducing biodiversity and increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Conversely, shade-grown coffee practices not only produce a higher quality bean but also protect wildlife habitats, promote biodiversity, and combat deforestation. Moreover, the usage of pesticides and fertilizers in some coffee farms can run off into local waterways, affecting aquatic life and violating Goal 14. By advocating for organic farming methods and proper waste management, the coffee industry can significantly reduce its environmental footprint.
Lastly, coffee has the power to promote peace and build partnerships, aligning with Goal 16 and 17. In regions previously affected by conflict, coffee production can be a means of rebuilding and reintegrating communities. By fostering international cooperation, sharing best practices, and building inclusive partnerships, the global community can ensure that coffee not only brings joy to its consumers but also prosperity, sustainability, and peace to its producers.
Background: Coffee is of the most traded commodities in the world and its market has grown regularly over the last 150 years. During production and processing of coffee beans many by-products are generated such as skin, pulp, mucilage, parchment, silverskin, and immature /defective coffee beans. Around 50% of coffee fruit is discard and can contaminate the environment. Scope and approach: The purpose of this review is to raise potential applications for coffee by-products in topical formulations. Besides, to present the main bioactive compounds responsible for their biological activity.
Background & Aims Coffee has anti-inflammatory and hepato-protective properties. In the general population, drinking ≥3 cups of coffee/day has been associated with a 14% reduction in the risk of all-cause mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between coffee consumption and the risk of all-cause mortality in patients co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV).
Voluntary standards are gaining in importance in global markets for high-value foods. We analyze and compare impacts of three sustainability-oriented standards - Fairtrade, Organic, and UTZ - on the livelihoods of smallholder coffee farmers in Uganda. Using survey data and propensity score matching with multiple treatments, we find that Fairtrade certification increases household living standards by 30% and reduces the prevalence and depth of poverty. For the other two certification schemes, no significant impacts are found.
