Generating More Income from Intercropping

According to a study done by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), and other partner organisations, it stated that farmers in Uganda receive 50% more from intecropping banana and coffee than growing coffee alone. The study was conducted across 30 districts of Uganda.

Not only has this type intecropping assisted these farmers economically, but another study indicates that it may also assist them with coping mechanisms against climate change. With possible temperature increase and erratic rainfall due to the impacts of climate change, the yield of Ugandan coffee crops could drastically reduce. Coffee grains such as Robusta and Arabica need to be grown at altitudes that are climate specific to there species, which are typically 1500 and 1400 meters respectively.

Using climate models, the study indicated that there will be a huge drop in locations and areas suitable for Arabica coffee with loses of up to US$100m that threatens not only foreign revenue but also the livelihoods of local farmers and their dependents. Therefore, if farmers and assisting organisations do not implement interventions (such as utilising traditional varieties and limited water), areas below the 1300 - 1700 meters mark may become totally unsuitable for crop production.

Some of the positives of intercroppng banana and coffee are outlined below:

1. Shade of the taller banana tree creates a canopy and reduces temperature on coffee crops,
2. The canopy, roots and mulch from the banana tree also reduces and prevents soil erosion and degradation of the hilly Ugandan landscape,
3. Finally, intecropping captures carbon dioxide through banana trees mulch and mitigates climate change.

However,  although these positives have been pointed out there are still other negatives that needs to be considered such as species competition. A quote from Van Asten points this out below:

"The downside of adding shade or shade crops to a coffee system is that it increases competition among the different plants for water, nutrients, and light. This competition needs to be managed by using good agronomic practices such as integrating fertilizers and organic nutrient inputs, managing plant density and canopy cover appropriately, and practicing good soil and water conservation to adapt successfully to climate change"

For more information and other resources follow the link to the press release on the CGAIR website.