A major difficulty for fully understanding the net effects and
dynamic implications of coffee certification refers to the fact that simultaneously different mechanisms are in force that
may influence several dimensions of farm-household welfare.
Certification not only provides incentives for adjusting coffee
production systems (plot level), but could also lead to changes
in land use (farm-level) and in labor allocation (household
level). In addition, most certification systems rely on social
enforcement through engagement with farmers cooperatives
(group level) and also involve external relationships with other
neighboring farmers (community level). Finally, supply chain
networks with traders and processors influence prices and
marketing of certification regime (value chain/market level).
This complex multi-layered framework of different interlinked
mechanisms trough which certification may influence farmhousehold welfare deserves further analysis