- Excelsa coffee thrives in extreme drought/heat where arabica/robusta fail
- 1500+ South Sudanese farmers now cultivating climate-resilient crops
- Global coffee prices spike 12% as traditional regions face losses
As rising temperatures decimate coffee harvests worldwide, a forgotten African species is making an extraordinary comeback. In South Sudan’s Nzara County, farmers like Catherine Bashiama are nurturing excelsa coffee trees that withstand conditions killing crops elsewhere. With leathery leaves and deep roots, these plants survive temperatures that shrivel mainstream varieties—a critical adaptation as 60% of global coffee lands face climate threats by 2050.
The timing couldn’t be more urgent. Major producers like Brazil report harvest declines nearing 12% this year, sending commodity prices to 45-year highs. Unlike delicate arabica (70% of premium coffees) or disease-prone robusta, excelsa requires minimal pesticides and yields fruit even during erratic rains. “This isn’t just a crop—it’s a lifeline,” says Ian Paterson of Equatoria Teak, which trains farmers to cultivate the species. His company projects $2 million in exports by 2027 if production scales successfully.
Three unique factors position excelsa as a game-changer:
- Economic diversification: South Sudan currently relies on oil for 90% of revenue, leaving farmers vulnerable to price crashes
- Flavor potential: Early tastings reveal chocolate-hazelnut notes appealing to specialty markets
- Agroforestry synergy: Mature excelsa trees provide shade for intercropped staples like cassava
Yet formidable challenges remain. Transporting 30-ton loads to Kenyan ports costs $7,500—five times neighboring Uganda’s rates—due to ruined roads and security checkpoints. Political instability compounds risks: When AP journalists visited, villages near Nzara emptied due to gunfire. “Coffee needs peace,” summarizes farmer Elia Box, who lost half his crop to wildfires set by hunters.
International buyers like Nespresso monitor South Sudan’s progress closely. While current exports total just 7 tons, the company’s interest signals excelsa’s premium potential. For now, farmers focus on survival. Bashiama, a mother of 12, sees her first coffee cherries as tickets to education and healthcare. “These trees,” she says, brushing a hand over glossy leaves, “carry all our dreams.”
