Sustainability in Small-Scale Coffee Farming: Agricultural Practices, Women’s Role, and Climate Change Adaptation Along the Buffer Zone of Mt. Hamiguitan, Davao Oriental, Philippines

To promote a sustainable coffee industry, Davao Oriental has branded its coffee in association with Mt. Hamiguitan. This study profiles the production capacities and agricultural practices of smallholder coffee farmers along the Mt. Hamiguitan buffer zone, focusing on women’s roles and farmers’ climate change awareness and adaptation strategies. Fifty-seven purposively selected farmers (28 females, 29 males) were interviewed using a validated semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and descriptive statistics. Most farmers (70%) were old (≥51) with over 40 years of experience (51%). Non-participation in farmers’ associations (73.7%) surpassed active membership (26.3%), with only 14% attending training. Most farmers (65%) intercropped 500–600 Robusta coffee trees/ha, with many farms established in the 1980s (36%). The farmers performed clearing (82%) and pruning (94%) of their coffee. Women played a vital role, especially during drying and harvesting. All respondents acknowledged climate change and employed practices such as intercropping, pruning, using ipil-ipil for shade, and utilizing nets, which, though originally aimed at improving crop resilience, can also serve as adaptations to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Recommendations for fostering sustainable practices while improving livelihoods include joining cooperatives, providing training for enhanced climate change adaptation strategies, and increasing women’s participation in coffee production.