Farmers in South Sudan are embracing a climate-resilient coffee variety, Excelsa, in a bid to rejuvenate the nation’s agricultural sector. As global coffee production faces increasing threats from climate change, Excelsa is emerging as a sustainable alternative, promising economic stability and environmental resilience.
In Nzara County, where coffee cultivation was once a significant industry, farmers are now reviving the sector by adopting this lesser-known coffee species. At a local processing plant, workers meticulously sort and prepare freshly harvested cherries, marking a pivotal moment in South Sudan’s agricultural recovery.
Excelsa, indigenous to South Sudan and a few other African nations, is uniquely adapted to withstand extreme weather conditions. Its deep roots and robust leaves make it highly resistant to drought, soaring temperatures, and common agricultural pests — factors that have devastated traditional coffee farms worldwide.
Catherine Bashiama, a local coffee farmer, inspects her thriving crops with a renewed sense of hope. Having struggled financially after her husband’s accident, she now sees a brighter future for her family.
“This coffee means everything to us. It’s a chance to rebuild and secure our children’s education.”
Catherine Bashiama
Despite its rich coffee-growing history, South Sudan faces challenges that neighboring countries like Ethiopia and Uganda have long overcome. Years of conflict disrupted farming traditions, and while coffee was once a staple crop, it has since dwindled to near extinction.
Currently, Excelsa accounts for less than 1% of the global coffee market. However, its potential is gaining recognition, with farmers hand-harvesting the beans and preparing them for local and international trade.
Seme Alfred, another farmer, shared his optimism: “I’m thrilled to see my coffee maturing … I’m finally starting to reap the financial rewards, and I can sense real profits ahead.”
Although Excelsa has been grown in South Sudan for over a century, its commercial value has only recently been acknowledged. Ian Paterson, managing director of Equatoria Teak, is working to connect local coffee farmers with international markets.
“During our trials with different coffee varieties, a farmer pointed out that we have our own unique coffee here—Excelsa. That led us to conduct further research.”
Ian Paterson
He believes this variety could play a crucial role in the future of coffee farming, offering resilience as climate patterns shift.
Coffee Farming as a Path to Economic Stability
Beyond its environmental benefits, Excelsa coffee is revitalizing local markets. Traders now sell the beans alongside other goods, stimulating economic activity in rural communities.
Traditional leaders like Atoroba Peni, King of Azande, support this shift, emphasizing the importance of self-sufficiency. “When people depend on government salaries or foreign aid, they become vulnerable. When salaries are delayed or aid doesn’t arrive, families suffer,” he noted.
He encourages his people to embrace coffee farming and other cash crops as a means of achieving economic independence. “Investing in agriculture ensures stability and prosperity,” he added.
Despite the promise Excelsa coffee brings, farmers still face significant obstacles. High transportation costs, ongoing security concerns, and the ever-present threat of wildfires hinder large-scale production. However, the resilience of Excelsa offers hope for a sustainable and profitable future.
By 2027, the introduction of climate-resistant coffee varieties could inject around $20 million into the economy, with major buyers like Nespresso expressing interest. Nespresso has invested $2.6 million signaling long-term confidence in South Sudan’s coffee sector.
While current earnings are modest, the sector’s growth could significantly diversify South Sudan’s oil-dependent economy and provide vital foreign currency inflows in the future
With the right support, South Sudan’s coffee sector could become a key player in the global market, offering a lifeline to thousands of farmers seeking stability in uncertain times.
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