Did you know that climate change is threatening global coffee production? Rising temperatures, droughts, and unpredictable weather patterns are making it harder for traditional coffee-growing regions to thrive. However, a rare species called excelsa coffee might offer a solution.
Excelsa coffee, discovered over a century ago in South Sudan, is gaining attention for its ability to withstand extreme conditions such as heat and drought. Unlike arabica and robusta, excelsa has deep roots, thick leaves, and a sturdy trunk that help it resist harsh climates and common coffee pests. Yet, it accounts for less than 1% of the global market.
South Sudan’s Coffee History and Potential
South Sudan, unlike Ethiopia or Uganda, has never been a major coffee producer. While British colonizers once grew robusta and arabica there, decades of conflict disrupted farming. Coffee requires regular care and takes at least three years to bear fruit.
In Nzara County, Western Equatoria—South Sudan’s agricultural hub—locals recall their ancestors growing coffee, though many younger farmers had not done so. Excelsa, often called “the big tree,” can reach 15 meters (49 feet) in height but is sometimes pruned for easier harvesting. It has a sweet flavor with hints of chocolate, dark fruits, and hazelnut, similar to arabica but less bitter.
Ian Paterson, managing director of Equatoria Teak, a sustainable agroforestry company operating in South Sudan, says there’s still much to learn about excelsa’s potential. His company has conducted trials showing that excelsa withstands heat better than other coffee species.
Three years ago, Equatoria Teak provided seedlings and training to about 1,500 farmers. These farmers can sell their harvest back to the company for processing and export. Many trees produced fruit for the first time this year, and Paterson hopes to export an initial batch of seven tons to specialty shops in Europe. By 2027, the industry could generate $2 million annually, with major buyers like Nespresso showing interest. However, production must triple to attract large-scale investment.
Challenges in Scaling South Sudan’s Coffee Industry
South Sudan’s lack of infrastructure and ongoing instability pose major hurdles. A single truck carrying 30 tons of coffee must travel 1,800 miles (3,000 km) to reach Kenya’s port, with transportation costs up to five times higher than in neighboring countries.
Despite a 2018 peace deal ending a five-year civil war, sporadic violence persists. In Western Equatoria, tensions flared after the president removed the governor in February, sparking unrest. AP reporters visiting Nzara found roads blocked by gunfire as villagers fled their homes.
The government insists businesses can operate safely but urges them to steer clear of politics.
“Once you mix business with politics, you will end up in chaos,” warned Alison Barnaba, South Sudan’s minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Environment.
Plans to revive old coffee plantations and build an agricultural school remain vague, given the government’s financial struggles—it has not paid civil servants in over a year. A damaged oil pipeline through Sudan has further drained revenue.
Farmers also face environmental challenges. Wildfires, often set by hunters or farmers clearing land, spread quickly during the dry season, destroying crops. There are few measures to hold people accountable, residents say.
Coffee as a Path to Climate Resilience and Economic Stability
Despite the obstacles, many locals see coffee as a path to financial stability. Some farmers turned to coffee after other crops failed, hoping it would provide a more reliable income. With excelsa’s climate resilience, experts believe it could help stabilize the coffee industry while offering economic opportunities for struggling communities.
Community leaders emphasize that excelsa could help South Sudan become more financially independent while contributing to global coffee sustainability. However, they stress the need for long-term stability to support the industry.
Elia Box, a local farmer, lost half his coffee crop to fire in February. While determined to replant, he is frustrated by the lack of accountability and the challenges of farming in an unstable environment.
“People aren’t thinking long-term like coffee crops during war,” Box told AP News. “Coffee needs peace.”
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