South Sudan Cultivates Climate-Resistant Excelsa Coffee Amid Economic Challenges

In South Sudan, farmers like Catherine Bashiama are cultivating excelsa coffee, a climate-resistant species, to improve their livelihoods amidst a global coffee crisis exacerbated by climate change. Excelsa coffee, though recognized for its resilience, remains underrepresented in the market. Community efforts and increased international interest offer promising prospects for the region’s economic development, but persistent logistical and political challenges remain unresolved.

In Nzara County, South Sudan, Catherine Bashiama anxiously examines the branches of her coffee tree, which she planted three years ago, and with joy, she discovers its first fruits. Although coffee was not traditionally grown in her village, Bashiama hopes that a rare and climate-resistant coffee species will improve her family’s financial situation. Her goal is to provide education for her twelve children, envisioning a better future through coffee cultivation.

Excelsa coffee, a species native to South Sudan, is attracting attention due to its resilience amidst the global coffee crisis exacerbated by climate change. With leading coffee producers struggling against unpredictable weather patterns, prices for coffee have surged to historic levels. Estimates show that Brazil, the top coffee producer, could see an approximate 12% decrease in its harvest this year due to drought conditions.

According to Aaron Davis, head of coffee research at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, the challenges facing coffee farmers due to climate change may necessitate adaptation. Excelsa coffee could play a significant role in this adaptation process. The tree thrives in severe conditions, including drought, due to its deep roots and hardy leaves, making it a viable option for farmers facing climate challenges.

Historically, South Sudan has not been recognized as a coffee-producing nation, unlike its neighbors Ethiopia and Uganda. Previous efforts to cultivate robusta and arabica species were disrupted by decades of strife, which impeded regular farming practices. Coffee cultivation requires diligent care, and many younger residents of Nzara County are unfamiliar with traditional coffee farming, despite a rich heritage among past generations.

The excelsa species is distinguished by its size, sometimes reaching over 15 meters in height. Coffee made from excelsa is known for its sweet flavors, reminiscent of chocolate and dark fruits. Ian Paterson, managing director of Equatoria Teak, states that ongoing trials with excelsa have shown promising results, especially in heat resistance, thus encouraging local community participation in reviving the coffee industry.

Over the past three years, Equatoria Teak has distributed seedlings and offered training to around 1,500 farmers, including Bashiama. Initial harvests from these trees have begun to emerge, and plans are underway to export the first batches of excelsa to specialty markets in Europe, which could significantly boost the South Sudanese economy by 2027, as acknowledged by notable buyers like Nespresso.

However, logistical challenges remain due to South Sudan’s unstable infrastructure and security issues, which complicate the transportation of goods. Transporting one truckload of coffee involves an arduous journey of approximately 1,800 miles to Kenya’s ports, incurring exorbitant costs that deter potential investors. The ongoing political tensions further complicate the situation, despite assurances from the government regarding business safety.

Yet, for many local farmers, the cultivation of coffee represents a pathway out of poverty. Bashiama began planting coffee when her husband was incapacitated, affecting their previous livelihood based solely on maize and ground nuts. Other farmers, like Taban John, express the desire to utilize their coffee profits to improve their families’ living conditions and secure education for their children.

Coffee cultivation could encourage economic independence among communities, reducing reliance on government assistance and foreign aid. Nevertheless, local stakeholders emphasize the need for long-term commitment to coffee farming requiring stability and peace within the region to succeed. As Elia Box reflects on the loss of his crop due to fire, he expresses a sense of defeat in the face of ongoing instability, illustrating the urgent need for peace in facilitating sustainable coffee production.

Excelsa coffee offers South Sudan an opportunity to revitalize its agriculture and enhance its economy through resilient farming practices amid climate challenges. The cultivation of excelsa, supported by community engagement and international interest, could signify a turning point for local farmers striving for a sustainable future. However, achieving this potential is contingent upon overcoming significant logistical and political challenges, which necessitate a focus on stability and long-term planning within the region.

Original Source: www.wvnews.com