Coffee in biodiverse landscapes in Kon Tum, Vietnam
This assessment explores how coffee value chains in Kon Tum can transition towards climate-smart, deforestation-free, and inclusive systems that strengthen livelihoods while protecting biodiversity.
Abstract
Livestock and coffee production play a central role in sustaining rural livelihoods across Vietnam’s biodiverse landscapes. In Kon Tum, coffee supports over 100,000 people, including many ethnic minority communities whose livelihoods are closely linked to forest ecosystems. However, the sector faces increasing pressure from climate change, limited market access, and evolving sustainability requirements.
This assessment analyses the coffee value chain in the ecologically sensitive districts of Dak Glei and Sa Thay. It identifies structural constraints, including low productivity in smallholder systems, weak aggregation and traceability, and limited alignment with sustainability standards such as 4C, Rainforest Alliance, and emerging regulatory frameworks like the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
The findings highlight differentiated pathways for transformation. In Dak Glei, opportunities lie in strengthening agroforestry-based Arabica systems and improving quality for specialty markets. In Sa Thay, priorities include enhancing post-harvest practices, strengthening aggregation, and improving market linkages for Robusta production. Across both contexts, strengthening cooperatives, promoting climate-smart practices, and improving traceability are critical.
The report concludes that upgrading the coffee value chain—through inclusive, locally grounded, and environmentally responsible approaches—can improve farmer incomes while supporting long-term landscape conservation and climate resilience in Vietnam’s Central Highlands.
For more information
Please contact: Rik Overmars - Climate Adaptation Advisor
rovermars@snv.org
