Catherine Bashiama, a farmer in South Sudan, is nurturing a new coffee crop that could change her family's future. She grows excelsa coffee, a climate-resistant variety, aiming to lift her family from poverty and send her children to school. This coffee type, native to South Sudan, is gaining attention as the global coffee industry faces challenges due to climate change. With the world's top coffee producers struggling, excelsa offers a potential solution.
• Excelsa coffee trees are drought-resistant and thrive in harsh conditions.
• Farmers are being trained and supported to grow excelsa, with initial successes reported.
• The coffee has a unique sweet flavor, appealing to specialty markets.
• Despite potential, challenges like infrastructure and security issues hinder growth.
The rise of excelsa coffee in South Sudan could empower local farmers and provide economic stability. As communities seek independence from foreign aid, coffee farming may become a sustainable income source, enhancing their quality of life. However, lasting peace and investment are crucial for this industry to flourish.
Enjoying the read? Subscribe for free to one of the fastest-growing newsletters and get weekly coffee news (TL;DR updates) delivered right to your inbox.