The importance of coffee agroforestry systems in providing habitat for birds is highlighted in an article in The Conversation.

Coffee is grown on 24.8 million acres across the world, mainly in tropical forest ecosystems. When coffee is grown under shade trees (i.e. in agroforestry systems) these systems harbor high bird diversity. However, the vast majority of coffee is produced in monoculture plantations which harbor minimal biodiversity, says the article.

Research in Ethiopia over 3 years found more than twice as many bird species in shade coffee farms as in forest sites. The birds provide important ecological services to coffee farms, such as controlling pests and pollinating crops.

Read the full story: Why shade-grown coffee is good for birds and farmers