The key environmental problem to be addressed by the project is land degradation due to excessive cutting down of trees for firewood, inadequate control of soil erosion, and poor agronomic practices which result in low crop yields. The project will contribute to the GEF SGP focal areas of Land Degradation and Climate Change.

The project aims at improving the socio-economic wellbeing of the communities in the project area who rely on coffee as a major source of income. The purpose is to improve the land productivity in the district so that crop yields and subsequent household incomes are increased. Land degradation will be addressed by improving the agronomic practices in coffee gardens. The recommended agronomic practices for improving the yields and quality of coffee include: planting shade trees; proper pruning of coffee plants; mulching to control soil erosion and maintain soil moisture; application of organic fertilizers to improve soil fertility; disease and pest control; and making contour bunds for proper water management.