Farmers in South Sudan are embracing excelsa coffee, a rare climate-resistant variety, as a means to combat poverty. With rising global coffee prices due to climate change challenges in major production areas, excelsa offers potential resilience. Despite its benefits, it constitutes less than 1 percent of the market, needing practical proof to gain traction. Long-term stability is crucial for locals to maximize the potential of this crop.
Farmers in South Sudan are turning to a rare climate-resistant coffee variety called excelsa, hoping it can help alleviate poverty in their communities. Catherine Bashiama, a farmer from western South Sudan, nurtured her excelsa coffee tree for three years before finally spotting its first cherries. With aspirations to educate her twelve children, she believes that this coffee could lift her family out of their financial struggles.
Excelsa coffee, native to South Sudan and a few other African nations, has gained international interest due to a global coffee crisis exacerbated by climate change. As major producers like Brazil face significant yield reductions due to severe weather conditions, prices for coffee have soared. Aaron Davis, a coffee researcher at Kew Gardens, notes that many farmers are adversely affected by climate shifts, and excelsa may offer potential solutions.
This coffee variety has proven to thrive in extreme conditions, such as drought and high temperatures, due to its deep roots and tough leaves, making it resistant to pests and diseases. Despite its advantages, excelsa constitutes less than 1 percent of the global coffee market, overshadowed by the more popular arabica and robusta varieties. Experts stress the need for excelsa to demonstrate its viability on a larger scale amid climate-related market changes.
Bashiama started cultivating coffee after her husband was injured and could no longer help with their maize and groundnut crops. Financial difficulties have made it hard for her to pay school fees or provide adequate food for her family. Taban John, another farmer, hopes to leverage his coffee profits to enhance his ability to sell other crops and support educational needs for his children.
Community leaders recognize the potential of excelsa for fostering economic independence, as many locals often rely on intermittent government aid. However, to fully realize coffee’s potential in South Sudan, a long-term strategy and stability are crucial. Elia Box experienced hardships when half of his coffee crop was lost to fire, which highlighted the need for accountability and peace in securing crop investments. He remarked, “Coffee needs peace.”
In conclusion, excelsa coffee presents a promising opportunity for farmers in South Sudan to combat poverty, especially in the face of rising climate challenges. While this variety offers resilience against extreme environmental conditions, its market share remains minimal compared to traditional coffee species. Long-term investment strategies and stabilization of local governance are essential for maximizing the benefits of excelsa cultivation and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices in the region.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
