Colombia's Santander coffee farms face El Niño threat as Huila prepares for up to 3 °C warming

The Santander Department coffee growers' association warned that an intensified El Niño event projected for the second half of 2026 could sharply reduce rainfall, raise temperatures and increase water stress on coffee trees. The forecast threatens yields, bean quality and could boost infestations of the coffee‑berry borer pest. About 3,600 producers will receive early‑income protection subsidies to buy fertilizers, while officials stress the need for soil conservation, efficient water use and pest monitoring.

A separate climate study for the Huila Department predicts a temperature rise of 2 °C to 3 °C by 2050, accompanied by longer, drier dry seasons and more intense rains. Researchers say the changes will affect biodiversity, agriculture, health, infrastructure and water availability, increasing the risk of floods, landslides and habitat shifts for native species. The analysis was prepared by regional authorities, the state government and scientific partners.