What's happened
Farmers in South Sudan are turning to excelsa coffee, a climate-resistant species, to combat poverty and adapt to climate change. With global coffee prices soaring due to adverse weather, this rare variety could provide a sustainable solution for local communities and the international coffee market.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights
- Climate Resilience: Excelsa coffee thrives in extreme conditions, making it a viable option for farmers facing climate challenges.
- Market Potential: Despite comprising less than 1% of the global coffee market, excelsa's unique flavor profile could attract consumers seeking alternatives.
- Community Impact: Farmers like Bashiama are hopeful that growing excelsa will improve their livelihoods and provide educational opportunities for their children.
- Challenges Ahead: Scaling up production and demonstrating excelsa's viability on a larger scale will be crucial for its success in the market.
Future Outlook
The revival of coffee farming in South Sudan could not only enhance local economies but also contribute to global coffee diversity. As climate change continues to threaten traditional coffee crops, excelsa may play a pivotal role in ensuring sustainability in the industry.
What the papers say
According to the South China Morning Post, Bashiama, a farmer in South Sudan, expresses hope that excelsa coffee will help lift her family out of poverty. The article highlights the global coffee crisis, with Brazil's harvest expected to decline by 12% due to drought. The Independent echoes this sentiment, noting that excelsa's deep roots and resistance to pests make it a promising alternative for farmers. Ian Paterson from Equatoria Teak emphasizes the need for practical scaling of excelsa production to meet market demands. The Guardian adds context by discussing the importance of preserving crop diversity, which aligns with the potential of excelsa coffee to adapt to changing climates.
How we got here
Excelsa coffee, native to South Sudan, has gained attention as a potential solution to the global coffee crisis exacerbated by climate change. As traditional coffee-producing regions face declining yields, South Sudan seeks to revive its coffee industry after years of conflict.
Go deeper
- What makes excelsa coffee unique?
- How is climate change affecting coffee production?
- What are the benefits of growing excelsa in South Sudan?
Common question
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What is Excelsa Coffee and How is it Helping South Sudan Combat Climate Change?
Excelsa coffee is emerging as a beacon of hope for South Sudanese farmers facing the dual challenges of climate change and poverty. As traditional coffee crops struggle due to adverse weather conditions, excelsa coffee offers a resilient alternative. This page explores the significance of excelsa coffee, its role in the global market, and how it can uplift local communities.
More on these topics
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South Sudan, officially known as the Republic of South Sudan, is a landlocked country in East-Central Africa. It is bordered to the east by Ethiopia, to the north by Sudan, to the west by the Central African Republic, to the south-west by Democratic Repub
