abcnews.go.com
Climate-Resistant Coffee Offers Hope to South Sudan Amid Global Crisis
In South Sudan's Nzara County, farmer Catherine Bashiama cultivates the climate-resistant excelsa coffee, offering hope amid a global coffee crisis and the country's instability; initial exports are planned for 2024, with potential for $2 million in economic impact by 2027.
- How does the cultivation of the climate-resistant excelsa coffee in South Sudan impact global coffee production and the economic prospects of local communities?
- In South Sudan, Catherine Bashiama cultivates a climate-resistant coffee species, excelsa, offering hope for economic improvement and children's education. This rare coffee, resilient to drought and pests, is gaining international interest amid a global coffee crisis driven by climate change. Its potential to alleviate poverty and improve livelihoods is significant.
- What are the major obstacles hindering the growth and export of excelsa coffee in South Sudan, and how do these challenges affect the livelihoods of local farmers?
- Excelsa coffee's drought resistance is crucial as leading coffee producers face climate change-induced harvest reductions, such as Brazil's projected 12% decrease this year. South Sudan, historically not a coffee producer, now sees excelsa as a potential economic lifeline, aiming to export 7 tons in 2024, potentially generating $2 million by 2027. However, challenges remain, including high transportation costs and ongoing insecurity.
- What are the long-term implications of excelsa coffee cultivation for South Sudan's economy and social stability, considering the ongoing political and security challenges?
- South Sudan's excelsa coffee production faces significant hurdles, including insecurity and a lack of infrastructure impacting export capabilities; transport costs are five times higher than in neighboring countries. The success of excelsa cultivation hinges on long-term peace and stability to attract investment and support sustainable growth. Further development requires addressing political instability and establishing reliable support systems for farmers.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the story primarily around the potential for economic revitalization through excelsa coffee production. While it acknowledges challenges like insecurity and infrastructure limitations, the emphasis is on the positive potential of excelsa as a solution to poverty and economic hardship. This framing might overshadow the significant obstacles to large-scale production and the need for substantial investment and infrastructure development.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective. The article employs descriptive language to illustrate the challenges faced by coffee farmers, but generally avoids overtly emotional or charged terms. There is a focus on facts and figures with few subjective opinions.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the potential economic benefits of excelsa coffee and the challenges of its production in South Sudan, but it omits discussion of potential environmental impacts of large-scale excelsa cultivation. There is also limited discussion of potential negative impacts on other crops or livelihoods. The article mentions the use of fire in land clearing and hunting, but does not delve into the environmental consequences or suggest alternative, sustainable farming practices.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplified view of the relationship between peace and coffee production in South Sudan. While peace is certainly necessary for long-term stability and investment, the article doesn't explore the complexities of the situation, such as the possibility of economic development initiatives creating conflict or exacerbating existing tensions. The peace vs. conflict dichotomy is oversimplified.
Gender Bias
The article features Catherine Bashiama prominently, highlighting her efforts in coffee cultivation and her aspirations for her children's education. However, the article does not specifically address gender imbalances within the coffee farming community in South Sudan, and it does not explore whether men and women have equal access to resources or opportunities in this sector. While it shows a woman's perspective, it doesn't explicitly analyze gender bias.
Sustainable Development Goals
The initiative to cultivate the climate-resistant Excelsa coffee offers a pathway for farmers in South Sudan to increase their income and improve their livelihoods. Improved income can directly alleviate poverty by enabling farmers to afford necessities like food, education, and healthcare for their children. Quotes such as "I want to send my children to school so they can be the future generation," and "Since his accident she hasn't been able to send her children to school or buy enough food" demonstrate the direct link between coffee cultivation and poverty reduction.