Excelsa and Liberica coffee development

The global supply of coffee relies on two species, Arabica (Coffea arabica) and robusta (C. canephora). In the face of myriad challenges, most notably climate change, many farmers are struggling with low yields, pests and disease, and reduced profitability.

To successfully adapt to a changing world, coffee producers require new, suitably resilient coffee crop types. The coffee crop portfolio requires substantial diversification to ensure the long-term sustainability of coffee production. In the short-term, coffee farmers already impacted by climate change require workable coffee crop alternatives as soon as possible.

The aim of our project is to undertake the fundamental science and value chain activities required to understand the climate resilience and crop opportunities offered by excelsa (C. dewevrei), Liberica coffee (C. liberica), and related species. This will be achieved using a multidisciplinary approach, including field and farm trials, genomic and metabolomic (chemical compound) research, alongside value chain support, farmer training and research.

The project is focused on excelsa coffee in Uganda, but includes research across Africa and Asia for both excelsa and Liberica coffee. Data and experiences are shared between partners in a pre-competitive manner.