Regenerative agricultural practices in coffee plantations: A review of techniques, benefits, and pathways for sustainable cultivation

Abstract

Coffee farming worldwide is facing increasing environmental and socio-economic challenges due to climate change, declining soil fertility and market pressures. Regenerative agriculture has emerged as a promising approach to restore ecological balance while enhancing farmer livelihoods. This review synthesizes current research on regenerative practices in coffee agro-ecosystems, including agroforestry, composting, pollinator integration and cover cropping. The paper highlights their impacts on soil health, biodiversity, yield stability and climate resilience. Barriers to adoption—such as knowledge gaps, economic constraints and policy shortcomings—are also analyzed. Finally, the study outlines policy and institutional interventions needed to scale regenerative approaches in key coffee-producing regions like India, Latin America and Africa. This work underscores the potential of regenerative models to transform coffee landscapes into more resilient, productive and equitable systems.