Journal ArticleTilden, G.; Curry, G.N.; Aranka, J. (2025) Shade and coffee: a marriage made in heaven!, In: PNG Coffee Journal, Vol.16 (1), 18-29, URL: https://pacificlivelihoods.com/special-issue-journal-publicationsMost smallholder coffee farmers in the PNG highlands grow their coffee under shade trees. Shade management is often inadequate because many farmers do not fully understand the benefits that well-managed shade trees can provide in terms of coffee productivity and provision of ecosystem services such as drought resilience, weed, pest and disease control, soil and water conservation, and nutrient cycling. Appropriate species of shade trees providing the correct shade level can also facilitate income diversification, increase labour efficiency and produce higher value, larger and denser coffee beans. Improved shade management will strengthen livelihood resilience in the face of climate change. However, a concerted extension effort by both the government and private sectors is required to inform smallholders of the economic and environmental benefits of effective shade management. Keywords: Shade; ecosystem services; income diversification; livelihood resilience; coffee extensionPCJ2025_V16N1P18-29.pdf397.04 KB, PDFhttps://pacificlivelihoods.com/special-issue-journal-publicationsnullnull