The Impact of Coffee Rust

Assessment of livelihoods and food security of families working in El Salvador’s coffee sector

Publication date: 5 December 2014
Author: Alberto Vargas, Coordinator, Emergency Food Security and Vulnerable Livelihoods (EFSVL) team

Since 2013, an outbreak of coffee rust disease in a large proportion of El Salvador's coffee plants has affected the food security and livelihoods of families dependent on day labour on coffee plantations. With the support of partners and donors, Oxfam carried out an assessment to measure the impact in areas of the country where food assistance action is already being implemented. This briefing describes the results of the assessment and recommends short- and medium-term actions to improve food security and help communities to adapt to climate change.