Effects of Drought on Coffee

Coffee is greatly affected by extreme weather conditions such as drought spells and frost. For coffee to thrive well the temperature should be optimum; say, 17 to 24 degrees Celsius. Rainfall should also be well distributed. Constant climate variations are responsible for the changes that occur in coffee beans quality and productivity. With regards to global warming, temperatures rise beyond the required and this affects the quality greatly. It is known that high temperatures facilitate fast growth and ripening of plants and fruits respectively. This distorts the quality of the coffee berries because; a quality berry is that which has enough time for maturing and ripening.Drought is a season that is hot and dry. There is inadequate water supply and the heat is way above the ideal temperature. It is a huge threat to coffee farming. The heat destroys leaves depriving the plant of necessary nutrients required for fruit maturation. It alters plant metabolism such as photosynthesis as it causes yellowing of leaves, and this leads to denaturing of chlorophyll that is responsible for photosynthesis. It also causes abnormal development of the coffee flowers.  The practice of open coffee growing is a common one worldwide. It exposes the leaves and the entire plant to radiation and subjection to high energy absorption. For this reason, shade coffee planting has been adapted by most farmersChanges in climate conditions have adverse effects on agriculture and they are inevitable. This is the reason why farmers should adapt practices that are flexible and can accommodate climatic changes all round.  This ensures that production is adequate; the yield is profitable and sustainable. Also, several measures to deal with drought should be put in place; these include conserving natural resources. Putting up water catchment areas for harvesting rain water is one measure. Another is use of organic fertilizer that does not strain soil composition as well as its drainage properties. It is also advisable to farmers to utilize seasonal climate forecast.