Drought Stress in Coffee: Determinants, Physiological and Agronomic Impacts and Adaptation Strategies: A Review

Drought stress is a primary constraint on global coffee production, threatening the industry's sustainability. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the determinants and physiological and agronomic impacts of drought stress on coffee plants, and critically evaluates current adaptation strategies. We delineate how drought severity is governed by the interplay of genetic factors (e.g., the greater susceptibility of Coffea arabica compared to C. canephora), soil properties, and local climatic conditions. The primary physiological disruptions triggered by drought—beginning with stomatal closure and oxidative stress, and culminating in severely reduced photosynthesis—compromise plant vigor and resource allocation. Consequently, these physiological insufficiencies manifest as significant agronomic losses, including stunted growth, yield reduction, bean quality deterioration, and heightened susceptibility to pests and diseases. Compounding these direct impacts, this work synthesizes climate modeling evidence indicating that prolonged drought risk may ultimately lead to a significant geographic shift in viable coffee production areas. By identifying the major determinants of drought stress—such as genetic variety, soil properties, and local climate patterns—this review establishes a foundation for targeted solutions. In response to these multifaceted challenges, we systematically analyze a suite of agronomic interventions—from drought-tolerant cultivars and irrigation to agroforestry and soil management—outlining their efficacy in building resilience. The review concludes by identifying critical knowledge gaps, establishing that future research must prioritize the development of integrated, scalable adaptation frameworks and advance breeding programs for drought tolerance, thereby enhancing climate-resilient coffee production.