Farmers in South Sudan Invest in Climate-Resistant Excelsa Coffee for a Better Future

Farmers in South Sudan are turning to excelsa coffee cultivation as a climate-resistant solution to improve their livelihoods amid a global coffee crisis. This rare coffee variety, which has strong resistance to drought and diseases, offers new economic opportunities. However, success depends on achieving peace and stability in the region to ensure long-term agricultural viability, as local farmers face challenges from instability and climate impacts.

In western South Sudan, Catherine Bashiama passionately tends to her coffee tree, which she has nurtured for three years, eagerly anticipating its first harvest. Although she had never cultivated coffee previously, this rare climate-resistant excelsa variety offers her hopes of improving her family’s economic stability. “I want to send my children to school so they can become the future generation,” expressed Bashiama, a mother of twelve.

Excelsa coffee, which originated in South Sudan over a century ago, has attracted attention locally and internationally due to the global coffee crisis exacerbated by climate change. Notable coffee producers face dwindling yields due to erratic weather patterns, leading to soaring prices. Experts predict that Brazil, the leading coffee producer, may experience a 12 percent decrease in its harvest this year due to drought conditions.

Aaron Davis, the head of coffee research at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in London, stated, “What history shows us is that sometimes the world doesn’t give you a choice, and right now, many coffee farmers are suffering from the effects of climate change.” Excelsa may play a crucial role in addressing these pressing challenges.

Native primarily to South Sudan and parts of Africa, excelsa is cultivated in other regions such as India, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Its robust attributes—including deep roots, thick leaves, and a sizable trunk—allow it to endure extreme heat and drought that typically hinder other coffee varieties. While excelsa accounts for less than 1 percent of the global coffee market, its potential to adapt to climate-related challenges remains significant.

Many local farmers, like Bashiama, have turned to growing coffee as a means to sustain their families amidst hardship, particularly after personal tragedies. Her husband’s injury limited their ability to cultivate staple crops, prompting her to seek alternative income through coffee. Other local farmers also envision using their coffee profits for transport, education, and basic necessities for their families.

Community leaders view the cultivation of excelsa coffee as a path towards financial independence, highlighting the unreliability of governmental aid. When such support falters, families face greater struggles, emphasizing the need for self-sufficiency. However, the successful growth of coffee in South Sudan is contingent upon the establishment of long-term stability and peace.

Elia Box faced significant losses when half of his coffee crop was lost to fire in early February, leading to discouragement about replanting amidst ongoing instability. He remarked, “People aren’t thinking long-term when it comes to crops like coffee, especially during war. Coffee needs peace.”

While excelsa coffee presents a promising opportunity for farmers in South Sudan to combat poverty, its success hinges on both crop viability and the country’s wider socio-political stability.

In conclusion, excelsa coffee offers a potential economic lifeline for South Sudanese farmers facing the dual challenges of climate change and instability. The cultivation of this climate-resistant variety may not only enhance financial independence for local families but also underscore the need for long-term peace and stability to ensure agricultural sustainability. As communities strive to adapt to changing conditions, the resilience of excelsa coffee stands as a beacon of hope amidst adversity.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com