Potential GIAHS proposal of the Agroforestry System of coffee crops in the Cordillera del Cacahuatique, Ciudad Barrios, El Salvador

Resumo

This study focuses on the shade-grown coffee agroforestry system of the Cacahuatique Mountain Range in Ciudad Barrios, El Salvador, a region with a long tradition of coffee cultivation under tree cover. All Salvadoran coffee is produced under shade, a practice that preserves greater biodiversity than sun-grown systems. The Cacahuatique region holds a denomination of origin, and its coffee production spans altitudes from 800 to 1,660 meters above sea level, incorporating diverse local municipalities. The objective of this research was to evaluate whether the Cacahuatique coffee agroforestry system meets the five criteria of GIAHS: food and livelihood security, agrobiodiversity, traditional knowledge systems, cultural and social value, and landscape features. The study combined bibliographic sources, census data, and field observations. Findings reveal that coffee cultivation is a cornerstone of the local economy, with a majority of producers being smallholders who integrate coffee with staple crops and livestock. The system maintains significant agrobiodiversity and traditional practices, reflecting deep-rooted local knowledge. Moreover, the coffee landscape of Ciudad Barrios supports cultural identity, cooperative organization, and ecotourism initiatives, while also facing threats from outmigration, aging farming populations, monocultures, and land-use changes. Despite these challenges, the cooperative structure and denomination of origin provide opportunities for differentiation in specialty coffee markets. Overall, the Cacahuatique coffee agroforestry system demonstrates strong alignment with GIAHS principles, highlighting its relevance for sustainable rural development, biodiversity preservation, and cultural heritage protection. Its recognition as a potential GIAHS site could contribute to safeguarding both ecological and socio-cultural values for future generations.