Story perspectives

El Salvador Coffee Industry Struggles Amid Climate Crisis

3/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

The El Salvador coffee sector faces severe challenges from climate change, rising costs, and market volatility.
Oscar Leiva, a local farmer, says unpredictable weather has made planning difficult and increased costs.
Production has fallen from over 5 million quintales in the 1970s to under 1 million today due to climate pressures.
Institutional support has weakened, leaving producers to navigate crises largely on their own as temperatures rise and altitudes shift.

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Story summary

The El Salvador coffee sector faces severe challenges from climate change, rising costs, and market volatility.
Oscar Leiva, a local farmer, says unpredictable weather has made planning difficult and increased costs.
Production has fallen from over 5 million quintales in the 1970s to under 1 million today due to climate pressures.
Institutional support has weakened, leaving producers to navigate crises largely on their own as temperatures rise and altitudes shift.