The Coffee Heartlands:
A Landscape Under Threat
Photographs comission by GCCM
A Glimpse into the Climate Challenges of Santa María de Dota and Tarrazú, Costa Rica.
As the dense fog of Costa Rica's cloud forests lifts, a quiet but powerful transformation takes place. In the rural districts of Santa Maria de Dota and Tarrazu, located just 30 kilometers south of the capital, San Jose, the impacts of climate change are becoming more evident with each passing day. Known for its rich, fertile land ideal for coffee cultivation, these areas are now grappling with challenges that extend beyond the fluctuating climate.The lush valleys of Santa Maria de Dota and Tarrazu have long been synonymous with coffee farming, a cornerstone of Costa Rica's economy. The rolling hills, dotted with small farms and thriving coffee plantations, seem like an idyllic haven. But beneath the beauty lies a story of growing unease. Climate change is altering the region's production cycles, shortening harvests and disrupting the livelihoods of the local farmers. Heavy rains, long droughts, and erratic weather patterns are slowly reshaping the familiar rhythms of agriculture.As the world heats up, coffee trees, a sensitive crop, are facing a fight for survival. The challenges faced by farmers are not just environmental; they are economic and social. The weather patterns that once defined seasons have become increasingly unreliable, and coffee farmers in these rural areas, many of whom rely on these harvests to feed their families, are starting to see the consequences.While much of the world is fixated on international migration patterns, Santa Maria and Tarrazu tell a different story. Here, migration isn’t solely about crossing borders. Instead, it reflects a broader narrative of internal displacement and shifting rural-urban dynamics. The area’s migration pattern is predominantly internal, with many from other parts of Costa Rica seeking work in the coffee-growing districts, driven by economic hardship or seeking refuge from climate-induced impacts elsewhere in the country.However, many have also come from neighboring Panama and Nicaragua, attracted by the promise of agricultural work. This region of Costa Rica is a key destination for migrant workers, many of whom take on seasonal jobs in the coffee plantations. Yet, as the changing climate continues to impact production cycles, the once stable pattern of labor migration is being disrupted.Despite the growing challenges, a sense of resilience pervades the community. Through the lens of this photo documentary, you can feel the determination in the faces of the workers who continue their efforts in the fields despite uncertain futures. One of the key findings of the study, conducted by Samuel Hall in February 2024, is that despite the overwhelming challenges, a significant majority of respondents from both Santa Maria de Dota (75%) and Tarrazu (78%) expressed no intention to migrate. The deep-rooted connection to their land and community holds them back.Their decision to stay reflects a broader cultural attitude—a strong preference to remain at home, even in the face of uncertainty. This local sentiment, prevalent across many rural districts, shows how migration remains a last resort, with people choosing to endure hardship rather than abandon their homes.In the streets of Santa Maria, there is a palpable concern about the future. Nearly 85% of respondents in both districts reported seeing the impact of climate change in their daily lives. The sense of urgency is unmistakable, with the community understanding that their livelihoods are directly tied to the environment. Yet, despite witnessing these changes, many are reluctant to leave, as their ties to the land and the community are too strong.Farmers discuss how coffee production cycles have been altered, affecting not only the crops but the local economy. People express frustration over what seems to be a double-edged sword—climate change is both a catalyst for migration and a reason to stay and fight for a way of life.In the midst of this, the younger generation faces a dilemma. With dwindling agricultural prospects and fewer opportunities for stable employment, youth in these areas are looking beyond the hills of their hometowns. While many of the older generations continue to hold onto the land, the youth are increasingly open to exploring new opportunities elsewhere, both within Costa Rica and abroad. But even then, the decision to leave is not one they take lightly.The voices of youth, often unheard in the grand narrative of migration, are captured here—expressing both hope and uncertainty. As climate change alters the very landscape in which they have grown up, they wonder whether their dreams of a stable life can be fulfilled in their rural communities, or if their futures lie elsewhere.This study, part of a broader exploration of climate mobility in the Greater Caribbean, is a snapshot into the lives of those caught between two worlds. It paints a picture of the complexity of climate change’s impacts—affecting not just the environment, but the social fabric and economy of communities.The mobility patterns observed in Costa Rica offer a critical insight into a regional phenomenon. The dynamic between migration and climate impacts is not limited to Costa Rica alone. Neighboring countries such as Panama and Nicaragua, similarly grappling with the effects of climate change, share similar stories of migration, displacement, and resilience.As we leave the coffee fields behind, there is a lingering sense of uncertainty but also a glimmer of hope. Despite the mounting challenges, the people of Santa Maria de Dota and Tarrazu continue to fight for their land, their livelihood, and their future. They have not yet succumbed to the pressures of climate-induced displacement, showing resilience in the face of adversity.Through this photo documentary, we are offered more than just an observation of rural life under threat; we are invited into the hearts and minds of those who, despite the changing world around them, continue to plant, harvest, and dream. The path forward for these communities may be uncertain, but their determination to hold onto their homes and their way of life provides a powerful testament to the enduring strength of human spirit amid environmental upheaval.
Mrs. Digna came to Costa Rica to pick coffee seasonally with the sole dream of making money quickly to finish her university studies. She came accompanied by her 31-year-old son, Edison. However, this dream is drifting further away as coffee picking becomes more difficult than they expected due to the lack of ripening and fallen beans caused by climate change.
Coffee plants affected by climate-related stressors.It shows a plant suffering from fungal infections, such as roya and anthracnose, exacerbated by unstable climate conditions. The increase in fungal diseases due to climate instability highlights the challenges faced by coffee farmers, posing a threat to crop health and overall productivity. Santa María de Dota, Costa Rica
A Ngäbe Buglé woman migrant from Panama comes to collect coffee during the harvest season, after which she will return to Panama. She shares how climate change has impacted the coffee harvest. As she works on the ground among unusable beans damaged by the extreme weather, a mix of rain and intense sun, she tries to salvage the good beans. Climate change is affecting labor mobility because the fewer beans they manage to collect, the less money they earn to support their families. This is why many people are no longer choosing to migrate temporarily to Costa Rica for coffee harvesting, which causes a labor crisis for coffee producers. Copey de Dota, Costa Rica
The shift in coffee maturation due to climate change raises concerns for farmers and the local coffee industry, as it disrupts traditional harvesting schedules and may impact quality and yield. San Pablo de León Cortés, Costa Rica.
Portrait of a worker from Panama, Ngäbe-Buglé, who came to work seasonally.
Recent changes in the coffee industry have seen an increase in family presence on farms, a move that is now being embraced by many producers. Once, family members were not allowed to accompany workers, but due to labor shortages caused by both climatic factors and better wage opportunities in migrant workers' home countries, producers have become more flexible. Families, like that of three-year-old Smith, can now be seen working together on the farms. This approach has helped mitigate the shortage of labor during harvest season, as many workers prefer to bring their families rather than leave them behind. Copey de Dota, Costa Rica
Jorge Abrego, a 31-year-old Ngabe coffee picker, reflects on how much harder the harvest has become. He spent over three hours changing rows in search of better crops, but found that the beans were mostly underdeveloped or damaged. As the season progresses, Jorge wonders if he will return next year, as the climate continues to make the harvest more difficult each season. Copey de Dota, Costa Rica
A couple of ngäbe buglé coffee pickers.
A 14-year-old Ngäbe boy from Panama bathes in the river after a day of harvest work. He came alone, accompanied only by his cousin, to earn temporary money for his family. Costa Rica, Copey de Dota
The impact of coffee farmers in the protected area of San Pablo de León Cortés. It illustrates the practice of ring-barking trees, a silent method of clearing land for the expansion of coffee monoculture, with a tree visible that has been cut down through this technique.The location is within a protected area in San Pablo de León Cortés, Costa Rica. The extensive deforestation caused by these practices has led to increased temperatures and heightened climate impacts in the region, raising concerns about environmental sustainability and conservation.
Seeing flowers in coffee plantations at this time of year (September) is neither normal nor common, and this phenomenon is one of the effects of climate change. Each flower represents a coffee bean, so the presence of flowers in September indicates a potential loss of beans in the upcoming harvest. This change not only affects production but also negatively impacts the economy of coffee farmers, who rely on abundant harvests for their livelihoods.
The communities in San Pablo de León Cortés are facing the challenges of monoculture expansion. This photograph depicts the impact of deforestation for coffee cultivation, highlighting areas that were declared protected in 2023 to halt further logging for monoculture expansion. The incident of deforestation and a recent fire occurred three months ago. The image was taken in the protected natural monument of the Zona de los Santos, Costa Rica. The extensive deforestation and burning in this region have raised temperatures and intensified climate impacts, illustrating the urgent need for sustainable farming practices to protect the environment.
Albaro Casco Mejía, 33 years old, coffee picker and farm worker from Chinandega, Nicaragua. He has lived in Costa Rica for 18 years. He works on a coffee farm in Copey de Dota. In the image, he is seen performing coffee harvesting tasks. The photograph was taken in September 2024; Albaro has been working on this farm for 6 months. He mentions that the instability of coffee work, exacerbated by climate change, has led many Nicaraguan migrants to seek better opportunities in the United States. He has maintained a multi-locality migration, sending remittances to his family and planning to stay in Costa Rica.
The communities in San Pablo de León Cortés are facing the challenges of monoculture expansion. This photograph depicts the impact of deforestation for coffee cultivation, highlighting areas that were declared protected in 2023 to halt further logging for monoculture expansion. The incident of deforestation and a recent fire occurred three months ago. The image was taken in the protected natural monument of the Zona de los Santos, Costa Rica. The extensive deforestation and burning in this region have raised temperatures and intensified climate impacts, illustrating the urgent need for sustainable farming practices to protect the environment.
Throughout the landscape of the Los Santos area, a rapid acceleration of deforestation is evident, driven by the conversion of mountains into coffee monocultures. This has led to rising temperatures; residents of the region note that, while it was once known for its cool climate, it now feels increasingly hot. This climate change raises serious concerns for biodiversity and the sustainability of agriculture in the area.
Furthermore, many water sources have begun to become contaminated due to the washing of coffee in rivers and potable water springs. This practice has led to the pollution of these sources, resulting in the implementation of protective laws requiring coffee farmers to recover and safeguard potable water sources.
It is common to see children aged 2 to 17 working in Costa Rica's coffee fields. Although child labor is prohibited in the country, it has become normalized for migrant coffee pickers to involve their children in the harvest, without any regulation. Coffee producers face a labor crisis and end up normalizing the practice of indigenous or Nicaraguan families bringing their children to help collect coffee, in order to earn more money for their families.
Niurka Palacios, a Ngabe woman from Panama, shares her thoughts as she works to collect coffee during the seasonal harvest. She explains how fluctuating weather patterns, from heavy rains to intense heat, have directly affected the coffee yield. The result is a lower number of ripe beans available for harvesting, which in turn impacts the wages workers can earn. Niurka plans to stay in Costa Rica for the duration of the harvest season with her son, while her partner, Ricardo, intends to remain for a longer period to secure more stable work opportunities. They hope this will help provide for their family back in Panama, as coffee picking alone does not offer enough financial stability. Copey de Dota, Costa Rica, January 2025
Picking 12.9 kilos of coffee sometimes takes 11 hours, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to collect fully ripe beans due to climate change. Unpredictable rainfall or harsh sunlight causes the coffee to either fall off or not fully ripen. This leads to workers earning less money and a lower production rate, which is economically challenging for them. In Costa Rica, a crate of 12.9 kilos of coffee is paid 1,400 colones.
Margarita Jiménez, Ngäbe-Buglé, originally from Panama, rests after an 11-hour work shift with her 6-year-old son.
Mrs. Digna came to Costa Rica to pick coffee seasonally with the sole dream of making money quickly to finish her university studies. She came accompanied by her 31-year-old son, Edison. However, this dream is drifting further away as coffee picking becomes more difficult than they expected due to the lack of ripening and fallen beans caused by climate change.
Laboratorio CEDAO
Founded in 2010, serves as a center for the development of organic alternatives.
It was established to support coffee growers in pest control and the recovery of soils saturated with agrochemicals, which contribute to climate change and other environmental issues.
The laboratory is funded by the coffee cooperative in Tarrazú and was a pioneer in the Los Santos region in developing bio-input services.
Climate change and the European Green Deal for coffee, along with a focus on sustainability and traceability, drove the creation of organic solutions for farmers.
Organic bio-inputs help combat pathogenic fungi and contain products that act as accelerators of decomposition, thus improving the greenhouse gas emissions generated by coffee production.
Currently, in Tarrazú, the Coopetarrazu cooperative produces 30,000 tons of coffee waste, which contributes to this greenhouse effect. Bio-inputs help reduce these emissions.
The mini-markets and shopping centers become crowded with Ngäbe indigenous people from Panama, who come to buy their food supplies on paydays.
Every week, after the harvest payments are made, the mini-markets fill up with migrant families stocking up on food to survive the next week. This has become an increasingly common sight, as fewer Nicaraguans are crossing the border due to political challenges. Instead, more and more Ngabe migrants from Panama are making up the workforce, supporting the local economy and the coffee harvest. Santa María de Dota, Costa Rica
As coffee harvesters are paid at the end of each week, the local bars in the area begin to fill up. The coffee trade directly influences the local economy, and without migrant workers to collect the beans, the entire region suffers. In this image, Ngabe migrant workers from Panama relax after a long day’s work, as the local businesses prepare for another busy weekend after harvest payments. Santa María de Dota, Costa Rica
Elizabeth Becker a neighbor, travels from Panama to accompany her husband during harvest season, helping prepare meals for the family. All the workers rises early each day 3am to ensure the family is ready to work in the fields.
A Ngäbe-Buglé family from Panama, who settled in Costa Rica more than 15 years ago to work on a coffee-producing farm.
In an effort to combat labor shortages, many coffee producers have begun offering accommodation for migrant workers, including their families. This strategy is appealing to workers who are accustomed to higher wages in Panama but find the working conditions in Costa Rica to be more humane and labor-friendly. By offering a place to sleep, potable water, and the opportunity to stay with family, producers are hoping to retain workers for the duration of the coffee harvest season. In some areas, entire families live together in housing provided by the producers.Copey de Dota, Costa Rica.
Many women from Panama bring their mothers with them to help care for their babies while they work during the coffee picking season.
This two boys of 16 and 14-year-old migrants from Nicaragua, had joined their father in the coffee fields to earn money for their family. After a long day of collecting coffee beans, Brian finds some respite by playing with his phone. The harvest is especially challenging this year, as many of the beans have fallen or been damaged by the unpredictable climate, making the task even more difficult. San Pablo de León, Costa Rica,
A mother and her daughter from Panama prepare at 4 a.m. to go coffee picking.
Mamerto Abrego, an Ngabe migrant from Panama, has been working in Costa Rica for over 15 years. Now settled with his family on a farm in Dota, Mamerto reflects on the changes he has witnessed.Elizabeth Becker a neighbor, travels from Panama to accompany her husband during harvest season, helping prepare meals for the family. All the workers rises early each day 3am to ensure the family is ready to work in the fields. Copey de Dota, Costa Rica
In Costa Rica’s rural agricultural heartland, the life and livelihoods of its residents are inextricably tied to the land. For many, coffee cultivation has been the lifeblood of the economy for generations. But climate change is disrupting this delicate balance, driving shifts not only in agricultural practices but also in migration patterns and community structures.
Costa Rica’s coffee-growing regions have felt the slow and steady encroachment of climate change. Farmers report increased temperatures, especially heat waves, and erratic rainfall patterns. These shifts have brought significant challenges for coffee producers, impacting both the harvest season and the health of crops. One of the most profound effects is the unpredictability of the harvest, creating misalignments with traditional labor migration patterns. Many workers, particularly from Nicaragua, have long been seasonal laborers, moving with the rhythm of the harvest. But with changing weather patterns, this seasonal migration is becoming increasingly permanent.
The very crops that sustain these communities, including coffee, are being jeopardized by pests and diseases linked to shifting climates, requiring farmers to turn to harsher methods like increased pesticide use, which in turn risks human health. The impacts on people are not limited to their livelihoods but also extend to their well-being.
As the weather becomes more unpredictable, many young people in these rural communities, especially in areas like Santa Maria de Dota and Tarrazú, find their future uncertain. Limited livelihood opportunities, compounded by extreme weather, are pushing them to urban centers like San José or even abroad, particularly to the United States. The migratory flow is marked by a clear generational divide, with youth often seeking stability and opportunity elsewhere, while older generations are still committed to adapting to their land.
Climate-induced migration is reshaping rural Costa Rican demographics, with young people moving away and a growing reliance on permanent migrant labor. Yet, migration is not always seen as an escape. Many farmers, despite the climate crisis, express a deep attachment to their land. For them, migration is the last resort, a sign that adaptation has failed.
Despite these pressures, Costa Rican rural communities have shown resilience. A sense of belonging and identity is deeply tied to the land and the cultural practices of coffee cultivation. The majority of residents are reluctant to leave their communities. For them, adaptation doesn’t mean relocating—it means finding new ways to stay in place, adapting their agricultural practices to the changing climate.
Support networks like cooperatives have played a vital role in facilitating local adaptation. These community-based organizations provide a platform for sharing knowledge, diversifying crops, and developing strategies for climate resilience. By diversifying production and adopting climate-sensitive practices, these rural communities are attempting to weather the storm.
However, the future remains uncertain. As climate change continues to challenge coffee production, many are left questioning whether migration might become unavoidable in the coming decades. While some respondents in the study still express a desire to return after seeking better opportunities abroad, the reality is that returning to a sustainable life in coffee farming may be increasingly unlikely. With the threat of failing harvests, even those who once left in search of work may struggle to reintegrate into the coffee industry.
In the face of these climate impacts, most Costa Ricans still harbor a profound attachment to their land and community. Migration is framed not as an adaptation strategy, but as a potential failure to maintain the livelihoods and traditions that have sustained their culture for generations.
As Costa Rica grapples with the dual threats of climate change and migration, the future of coffee—and the communities that rely on it—remains uncertain. Will these communities adapt by shifting agricultural practices, or will migration ultimately become the unavoidable response to a changing climate? The answers lie in the delicate balance between culture, agriculture, and the shifting patterns of mobility.
