In the heart of South Sudan, a glimmer of hope emerges amidst the challenges faced by coffee farmers worldwide. Catherine Bashiama, a local farmer, delicately inspects the coffee tree she has nurtured, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the first cherries. These cherries represent more than just fruit; they symbolize a potential escape from poverty for Bashiama and her 12 children.

The spotlight falls on excelsa coffee, a rare variety known for its resilience to harsh climates. Discovered over a century ago in South Sudan, excelsa has captured the interest of the local community and garnered global attention. At a time when traditional coffee crops are threatened by the adverse effects of climate change, excelsa offers a ray of hope.

The global coffee industry is reeling from the impacts of erratic weather patterns, with prices soaring to unprecedented levels. In Brazil, the world’s largest coffee producer, a looming 12 percent drop in harvest is anticipated due to drought conditions. Aaron Davis, a leading expert in coffee research, emphasizes the harsh reality faced by many coffee farmers who are bearing the brunt of climate change.

Excelsa, native to South Sudan and a few other African nations, possesses unique characteristics that enable it to thrive where other varieties falter. Its ability to withstand drought, heat, and diseases sets it apart in the coffee world. Despite its promising attributes, excelsa remains a niche player, comprising less than 1 percent of the global coffee market. Experts suggest that for excelsa to make a significant impact, it must demonstrate its viability on a larger scale to address the challenges posed by climate change.

For farmers like Bashiama and Taban John, excelsa presents an opportunity for a brighter future. Bashiama turned to coffee cultivation after her husband’s injury left them struggling to make ends meet. John, on the other hand, dreams of using his coffee earnings to improve his family’s livelihood and provide for his children’s education.

Community leaders view excelsa as a pathway to financial independence, reducing dependence on external aid. However, they stress the importance of a sustainable, long-term approach, underscoring the need for stability in a region marred by conflict and insecurity. Elia Box, a farmer who recently lost half of his coffee crop to a fire, highlights the challenges faced in maintaining crops like coffee amidst ongoing turmoil.

In South Sudan, a nation not traditionally associated with coffee production, excelsa represents more than just a cash crop. It embodies resilience, opportunity, and the potential for economic empowerment. As local farmers navigate the complexities of cultivating excelsa, they also grapple with infrastructural limitations and security concerns that hinder the industry’s growth.

Despite the hurdles, optimism prevails among South Sudan’s coffee farmers. With plans underway to revitalize old plantations and enhance agricultural education, stakeholders are committed to nurturing the growth of excelsa coffee as a beacon of hope in a world grappling with a coffee crisis exacerbated by climate change.