In the face of a global coffee crisis exacerbated by climate change, South Sudanese farmers are turning to a climate-resistant coffee species, excelsa, which has the potential to transform their lives and the local economy.
Excelsa coffee, known for its deep roots, thick leathery leaves, and resilience to extreme weather conditions, is drawing international attention as traditional coffee-producing countries struggle with declining yields due to drought and unreliable weather patterns.
Experts predict that Brazil, the world's largest coffee producer, may see a 12% drop in its coffee harvest this year due to severe drought. As coffee prices soar to their highest levels in decades, the industry is seeking alternative solutions.
"What history shows us is that sometimes the world doesn’t give you a choice, and right now there are many coffee farmers suffering from climate change that are facing this predicament,” Aaron Davis, head of coffee research at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in London said, emphasizing the importance of adaption.
Discovered over a century ago in South Sudan, excelsa coffee is not only a beacon of hope for local farmers but also a potential game-changer for the global market. Despite its promising attributes, excelsa still represents less than 1% of the global coffee market, trailing far behind the widely consumed arabica and robusta species. For excelsa to make a significant impact, it must prove practical on a larger scale.
Historically, South Sudan has not been known for its coffee production, unlike its neighbors Ethiopia and Uganda. Years of conflict have hindered agricultural development, but the unique properties of excelsa are now sparking renewed interest. The tree's ability to thrive in harsh conditions makes it a valuable asset for farmers who hope to lift their families out of poverty and send their children to school.
“I feel like if [excelsa] makes a lot of money for the families and has overall good production, it will be a great thing for those less-fortunate in South Sudan. On the other hand, if [the bean] does not take off or fails to reproduce, it can be a hindrance to all those who work hard to maintain/harvest the coffee,” NHS sophomore Kaitlyn Harrington said.
Local and international efforts are underway to revive and scale up the coffee industry in South Sudan. Companies like Equatoria Teak, a sustainable agro-forestry firm, have been conducting trials on excelsa with promising results. The company provided seedlings and training to about 1,500 farmers to help them grow the coffee.
However, challenges remain in scaling up production and attracting investment. South Sudan's lack of infrastructure and ongoing insecurity pose obstacles. Transporting coffee to international markets is costly, and political instability further complicates the situation. Despite a peace deal in 2018, pockets of violence persist, affecting regions like Western Equatoria.
“I think it's going to be hard for farmers to get off on the right foot because of all of these problems. They should definitely focus on fixing them before trying to mass produce,” Harrington said.
Agriculture Minister Alison Barnaba advocates for a clear separation between business and politics to ensure safe operations for companies. While the government plans to rehabilitate old coffee plantations and establish an agriculture school, financial constraints and a ruptured oil pipeline have hampered progress.
Local farmers face additional challenges, such as fires during the dry season, which can devastate crops. Despite these difficulties, the community remains hopeful that excelsa coffee will provide a path to financial independence and a better future. Farmers see the potential of excelsa to improve their livelihoods, but emphasize the need for long-term stability and peace to fully realize its benefits.
“The excelsa bean is a really cool breakthrough considering that farmers lose what they have due to climate change, and are finding new ways to work around these hardships,” NHS sophomore Clare Csaszar said.
The resilience of excelsa coffee offers a glimmer of hope for South Sudanese farmers and the global coffee industry as they navigate the challenges posed by climate change. With continued support and investment, excelsa could play a crucial role in securing a sustainable future for coffee production in South Sudan and beyond.
“It’s really interesting to see this kind of development in a place that does not have many resources. It shows us that if we put our minds together and have enough drive to overcome obstacles that life throws at us, then we have the ability to progress as a population,” NHS junior Nichole Tabor said.
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