Yet scientists warn that the overcultivation of the fruit poses an environmental threat in one of the most biologically diverse regions of the world, especially as climate conditions grow more extreme. “But now, coffee is disappearing and avocado is taking its place.” ![]() “All my life, my family, my grandparents, my parents, everyone grew coffee,” Zapata said. Zapata was among countless Colombians who cashed in, ditching their crops for the lucrative “green gold”. The boom transformed regions like Zapata’s, turning the forest-cloaked Andean mountains surrounding his small town into avocado farms that stretch as far as the eye can see. I couldn’t afford food or lots of basic necessities,” Zapata told Al Jazeera.īut seven years ago, an “avocado boom” swept across the South American country, prompted by skyrocketing global demand and prices for the fruit. “I’d have to be taking money out from banks all the time. ![]() ![]() Unstable market prices, meanwhile, left 56-year-old Zapata subsisting during the best of crop seasons and sinking into debt during the worst. Extreme weather that scientists attribute to climate change – including extended droughts and heavy rains – began to ravage harvests over the past decade, jeopardising both the fate of the little bean that helped put Colombia on the map and the livelihoods of the farmers who cultivate it. Sonson, Colombia – Coffee farming was the economic lifeblood of Riobardo Zapata’s family for generations until the industry seemed to dissolve around him.
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