South Sudan farmers pin hopes on rare climate-resistant coffee
Farmers in South Sudan are adopting excelsa coffee, a climate-resistant variety, to combat poverty and food insecurity, despite challenges like infrastructure and security issues affecting coffee production.
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Farmers in South Sudan are turning to excelsa coffee, a rare climate-resistant variety, as a potential solution to poverty and food insecurity exacerbated by climate change. Discovered over a century ago, excelsa coffee is gaining attention as traditional coffee-producing countries face challenges due to erratic weather patterns, leading to soaring prices. Farmers like Catherine Bashiama, who has planted coffee to support her family after her husband was injured, express hope that this crop can provide financial stability and educational opportunities for their children. Excelsa coffee, native to South Sudan and a few other African nations, is known for its resilience to drought and pests, but it currently represents less than 1% of the global coffee market. Community leaders see the cultivation of excelsa as a pathway to financial independence, although they acknowledge the need for long-term commitment and stability in the region. Challenges such as lack of infrastructure and ongoing insecurity hinder the growth of coffee production. Plans are underway to rehabilitate old coffee plantations and establish agricultural education, but farmers emphasize that peace is essential for the success of coffee cultivation in South Sudan.
- Farmers in South Sudan are adopting excelsa coffee to combat poverty and food insecurity.
- Excelsa coffee is climate-resistant and could help address challenges faced by traditional coffee producers.
- The crop represents a potential source of financial independence for local communities.
- Infrastructure and security issues pose significant challenges to coffee production in the region.
- Long-term commitment and stability are crucial for the success of coffee farming in South Sudan.
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