Photos: South Sudan farmers pin hopes on rare climate-resistant coffee

Reviving Hope Through Coffee in South Sudan

In a small village nestled in western South Sudan, Catherine Bashiama tenderly examines the branches of her coffee tree. After three years of nurturing it from a seedling, she spots the first fruit buds, and her face lights up with joy. Bashiama, a mother of twelve, had never imagined she would one day be a coffee farmer. However, life had other plans. When her husband was injured and could no longer work, she found herself tackling the challenges of supporting her large family alone. With her new coffee tree showing signs of fruitful promise, she sees a glimmer of hope for a better future for her children.

The Discovery of Excelsa Coffee

Amidst the global coffee crisis, exacerbated by climate change, a rare and resilient coffee variety called Excelsa is gaining attention. Native to South Sudan, the Central African Republic, Uganda, and a few other African countries, Excelsa is also cultivated in India, Indonesia, and Vietnam. This extraordinary coffee plant boasts deep roots, thick leathery leaves, and a robust trunk, enabling it to thrive in extreme conditions like drought and heat. Unlike most coffee varieties, Excelsa is also remarkably resistant to common pests and diseases, making it a promising candidate for regions struggling with unpredictable weather patterns. However, despite its potential, Excelsa accounts for less than 1 percent of the global coffee market.

The Global Coffee Crisis and Excelsa’s Role

The global coffee industry is facing unprecedented challenges as major coffee-producing countries like Brazil grapple with erratic weather conditions and severe droughts. Brazil, the world’s largest coffee producer, is expected to see a 12 percent drop in its coffee harvest this year due to these adverse conditions. This scarcity has led to coffee prices soaring to their highest levels in decades. Aaron Davis, head of coffee research at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in London, emphasizes that climate change is leaving coffee farmers with little choice but to adapt. Excelsa, with its unique resilience, could play a pivotal role in addressing this crisis by offering a sustainable coffee alternative.

Empowering Farmers and Families

For farmers like Catherine Bashiama and Taban John in South Sudan, Excelsa coffee represents more than just a crop—it’s a lifeline. Bashiama, who started planting coffee after her husband’s injury left her as the sole provider, sees coffee as a means to send her children to school. She hopes the income from her coffee will allow them to break free from the cycle of poverty and build a better future. Similarly, Taban John, a 37-year-old farmer, dreams of using his coffee earnings to buy a bicycle. This simple mode of transportation would enable him to sell his other crops like groundnuts and cassava in the town market. He also hopes to afford school uniforms for his children, a necessity that has been out of reach so far.

Challenges on the Path to Prosperity

Despite the potential of Excelsa coffee to transform lives, several challenges must be overcome for it to truly thrive in South Sudan. Community leaders highlight the importance of financial independence for the locals, who often rely heavily on government or foreign aid. However, without consistent support, many struggle to provide for their families. Additionally, long-term thinking and stability are crucial for the success of coffee farming. Farmers like Elia Box, who lost half of his coffee crop to a fire, face discouraging setbacks. He underscores that successful coffee cultivation requires a stable environment and the rule of law to protect farmers’ investments.

A Vision for the Future

Coffee has the potential to be a transformative force in South Sudan, but for this vision to become a reality, fostering a culture of peace and stability is essential. As Elia Box so aptly puts it, “Coffee needs peace.” Without a stable environment, the efforts of farmers like Bashiama and John may go in vain. However, with Excelsa coffee paving the way, the people of South Sudan can hope for a future where their hard work is rewarded, their children are educated, and their families are well-fed.