The human health impacts of coffee cultivation systems in Latin America: a scoping review
摘要
While extensive literature exists on the environmental impacts of Coffee Cultivation Systems (CCS), evidence on their effects on human health remains limited. This scoping review examines the available evidence for Latin America up to October 31, 2024. We conducted a systematic search in Scopus, PubMed, SciELO, and Google Scholar for original articles on the impacts of different CCS on human health and its ecosocial determinants. After screening 1,354 records, 23 studies from 10 Latin American countries were included in the review. Twelve studies were quantitative, and half reported the impacts of CCS on livelihoods (n = 9) and food security (n = 4). The results suggest that Intensive Monoculture Coffee Systems (IMCS) provide higher yields and income from coffee, but pose significant health risks due to pesticide exposure. Additionally, specialization in IMCS may compromise producers’ adaptive capacity. In contrast, the cultivation practices associated with Multifunctional Agroforestry Cultivation Systems (MACS) contribute to food security, livelihoods, and the resilience of coffee-growing communities and landscapes, but they may also increase exposure to hazardous fauna and leishmaniasis incidence in endemic areas. Evidence is concentrated in a few countries and topics. Research on key health impacts, such as mental health, pesticide exposure and vector-borne diseases is limited, and no studies were found addressing impacts on ecosocial determinants such as water security, education, or gender equity. Addressing these gaps is essential to improve our understanding of the interactions between human health and the environment in coffee-growing landscapes and to identify best practices that maximize both environmental and social benefits in coffee cultivation.