Driving sustainable transitions in global coffee value chains: A multi-level perspective

Sustainability transitions are long-term, transformational changes in which current socio-technical regime systems shift to more sustainable modes of production and consumption. This thesis describes and discusses the role of regenerative agriculture in coffee farming systems to drive sustainable transitions in global coffee value chains. It uses a multi-level perspective to analyse how regenerative farming as a socio-technical niche is promoted and supported by different actors, as well as shedding light on current debates related to coffee and sustainability, such as the European Union Deforestation and Land Degradation regulation. Despite lacking a standard definition, the term "Regenerative Agriculture" has gained increasing prominence and traction, especially in the sustainable coffee discourse. It refers to a farming system which emphasize soil health, water conservation, promotion of biodiversity and social well-being. The thesis highlights key practices and principles related to regenerative farming, as well as discussing the potential benefits and challenges farmers might face in the transition.