Coffee Berry Disease (CBD)

Coffee Berry Disease (CBD) is one of the most significant threats to Arabica coffee production in Africa. Caused by the fungus Colletotrichum kahawae, the disease specifically targets the developing coffee cherries. It can cause the cherries to turn black, shrivel, and drop from the tree before they are ready for harvest, leading to yield losses that can reach 80% or more in severe cases.

How does CBD spread? The fungus thrives in the cool, humid conditions of high-altitude coffee regions. It is spread primarily by rain splash, which carries the fungal spores from infected cherries to healthy ones. Because it is so easily transmitted, managing CBD is a constant challenge for farmers. It requires a combination of strategies, including the use of resistant varieties, proper pruning to improve airflow, and, in some cases, the application of fungicides.

Why is this a concern for the coffee industry? CBD is a major factor in the economic instability of coffee-growing regions in countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania. When a farm is hit by CBD, the farmer loses not only the current harvest but also the investment made in the trees throughout the year. This makes the development of CBD-resistant varieties, such as those developed by research institutes like the Coffee Research Institute in Kenya, a top priority for the global coffee community.

In practice, CBD is a reminder of the fragility of the coffee supply chain. When you drink a coffee from an African origin, you are often drinking the result of a farmer's successful battle against diseases like CBD. Supporting initiatives that fund coffee research and provide farmers with access to disease-resistant cultivars is one of the most effective ways to ensure the long-term sustainability of the coffee we love. Understanding the impact of CBD helps us appreciate the resilience of the farmers who work to bring these exceptional coffees to our cups.