South Sudan Explores Excelsa Coffee to Combat Climate Change Challenges

South Sudan is testing excelsa coffee, a drought-tolerant species, amid severe climatic challenges affecting traditional coffee crops. As global coffee prices rise due to drought and inconsistent weather, this native variety offers hope to local farmers. Excelsa coffee’s growth potential may revitalize South Sudan’s agricultural landscape, contingent upon stability and robust infrastructure.

South Sudan is exploring the cultivation of excelsa coffee, a species native to the region, to counter the negative impact of climate change on traditional coffee crops. With global coffee prices increasing due to drought and inconsistent weather, excelsa’s resilience offers hope to cash-strapped farmers. This climate-resistant species boasts thick leaves and deep roots, enabling it to thrive in extreme conditions where conventional coffee varieties struggle.

Despite its low global market share, comprising less than 1% of coffee sales, excelsa coffee’s unique qualities could position it as a viable alternative amid a coffee crisis exacerbated by climate change. The Royal Botanic Gardens’ Aaron Davis noted that many farmers face challenges due to adverse climate effects on crop yields, with Brazil, the leading coffee producer, expecting reduced harvests.

Though historically overlooked, South Sudan has the potential to revive its coffee industry, recalling traditions from past generations of coffee cultivation. The excelsa coffee plant grows taller than conventional varieties and produces cherries with a sweet taste profile that resembles arabica but with less bitterness. The community’s awareness of excelsa is growing, as efforts intensify to cultivate this resilient variety.

Equatoria Teak is leading initiatives to establish excelsa as a cash crop. Having distributed seedlings to local farmers and providing training for cultivation, the company anticipates exporting its first batch to European specialty shops. With production potentially generating $2 million by 2027, major buyers are showing interest, provided that output can significantly increase.

However, the growth of the coffee industry in South Sudan faces numerous hurdles, including inadequate infrastructure and ongoing insecurity. Transporting coffee to port entails extremely high costs, exacerbating the challenges local farmers encounter. Despite a peace deal, regions continue to experience unrest, affecting commerce and overall growth prospects for the coffee sector.

Local farmers like Catherine Bashiama view coffee cultivation as a pathway to improve their economic conditions. Bashiama’s efforts stemmed from the need to support her family in the absence of her husband’s assistance. Similarly, other farmers express aspirations for their coffee profits to enhance their livelihoods and provide for their children’s education.

The local leaders emphasize the necessity for stability to cultivate coffee sustainably. Farmers currently depend heavily on government support and international aid, which can be erratic and unreliable. Community members believe a long-term commitment to coffee farming can boost financial independence, but this requires a secure environment conducive to agricultural growth.

The introduction of excelsa coffee in South Sudan represents a promising approach to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on local agriculture. With its inherent resilience, excelsa could revitalize a once-thriving coffee industry and improve the economic prospects of farmers. However, successful cultivation depends on stability and long-term commitment to developing the necessary infrastructure and systems to support sustainable growth. Efforts by organizations like Equatoria Teak are crucial, but progress is hindered by ongoing insecurity and infrastructural challenges. If local farmers can successfully cultivate and market excelsa coffee, it may provide a significant economic boost for South Sudan, transitioning many families away from poverty. Consequently, the future of coffee farming in South Sudan ultimately rests on securing peace, enhancing agricultural practices, and optimizing market access.

Original Source: apnews.com