A Rare Coffee Resisting Climate Change Gains Attention
In a recent video report, the Associated Press highlighted Excelsa coffee, a rare and resilient coffee species with unique drought-resistant properties. Given the significance of this discovery, we at Qahwa World are sharing this report to explore the future potential of Excelsa in the specialty coffee industry.
A Coffee That Could Withstand the Future
As global warming increasingly threatens coffee crops worldwide, researchers and farmers are turning their attention to alternative species that can survive in extreme conditions. Excelsa, native to South Sudan and a few other African nations, has emerged as a promising solution. With deep roots, thick leaves, and natural resistance to pests, this variety has the potential to thrive where traditional Arabica and Robusta struggle.
In the lush fields of Nzara County, South Sudan, farmer Catherine Bashiama carefully inspects the branches of her Excelsa coffee trees, eagerly searching for the first signs of fruit. Three years after planting the seedlings, her efforts are finally paying off. “This coffee gives me hope,” she says, smiling as she examines the ripening cherries. “I want to provide a better future for my children.”
The Global Coffee Industry Eyes Excelsa
Discovered over a century ago, Excelsa remained largely overlooked due to the dominance of Arabica and Robusta. However, with climate change driving coffee prices to record highs and threatening traditional growing regions, Excelsa is now drawing international attention. Experts estimate that Brazil, the world’s top coffee producer, could see a 12% drop in its harvest this year due to droughts.
“Farmers worldwide are facing tough choices,” says Aaron Davis, head of coffee research at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. “Excelsa might be a key part of the solution.”
A New Chapter for South Sudan’s Coffee Industry
Unlike Ethiopia or Uganda, South Sudan has not been known as a coffee-producing nation. Historical coffee cultivation declined due to decades of conflict, forcing farmers to abandon their crops. Now, companies such as Equatoria Teak are working to revive the coffee industry, distributing Excelsa seedlings to local farmers and training them in sustainable cultivation practices.
“We have been testing Excelsa for years, and it is showing strong resilience to heat,” says Ian Paterson, managing director of Equatoria Teak. “We hope to scale up production and introduce this coffee to specialty markets.”
The first commercial batches are expected to be exported to Europe this year, with major buyers expressing interest. Industry experts predict that by 2027, Excelsa could contribute millions of dollars to the local economy. However, challenges remain, including poor infrastructure and high transportation costs.
Overcoming Challenges for a Sustainable Future
Despite its potential, South Sudan’s coffee industry faces logistical hurdles. Transporting coffee to international markets requires long and expensive journeys, with shipment costs significantly higher than in neighboring countries. Additionally, political instability and a lack of investor confidence pose barriers to large-scale growth.
Nonetheless, local farmers see Excelsa as an opportunity to break free from economic hardship. “With coffee, we can be independent,” says farmer Taban John. “I want to use my earnings to buy a bicycle and send my children to school.”
Excelsa represents more than just a coffee crop—it is a chance for South Sudanese farmers to rebuild their livelihoods and for the global coffee industry to adapt to a changing climate.
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