The study funded by the United Nations International Trade Council (UN-ITC) analysed the coffee and cocoa export sector in Peru in relation to climate change. It assessed the level of awareness, vulnerability and capacity to adapt of agro exporting SMEs to the climate change impacts. Main conclusion is that perception of climate change as a problem by agro-exporting SMEs in Peru so far is very limited, despite many pilot projects going on in this area. Recommendation therefore is to group these projects and systematize lessons to be learned by developing joint policies on a regional and national level. This could be done by stressing the business opportunities that climate change adaptation provides to these businesses: it may help to improve their products’ performance, quality and sustainability and therefore result in higher overall sales prices if quality of the products sold is stressed instead of quantity. Peru is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change and coffee and cocoa are two of the most important Peruvian agro-export products. The study found that, while the main challenge identified by agro-export SMEs is price volatility, climate change is perceived as having a negative impact on the coffee and cacao exports. However, SMEs adaptation responses to climate change are very limited (in part due to the lack of resources), isolated and respond to the immediate situation. To a large extent adaptation actions are related to the best agricultural practices, appropriate field management required by the certifications, and a sustainable use of natural resources. Most of the surveyed SMEs mentioned the need to develop more resistant varieties, and to diversify their exports to confront climate change.

For more information please contact Jessica Yearwood.