The Botanist Hoping to Save Coffee's Future from Extinction Through Stenophylla and Liberica – CoffeeTalk

On a hot January afternoon in Sierra Leone, botanist Aaron Davis explored a village seeking a wild coffee plant known as stenophylla, which could withstand climate change. Davis had rediscovered stenophylla in 2018 after searching for months, and he continued to collaborate with local farmers to cultivate this potentially heat-resistant coffee species in challenging conditions. The current coffee industry heavily relies on arabica and robusta, both vulnerable to rising temperatures, with a lack of innovation posing a crisis for future coffee production.

Davis, a wild coffee prospector from the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, has dedicated his career to cataloging wild coffee species and developing strains resilient to climate impacts. His work is motivated by a belief that finding species capable of surviving in harsh conditions could prevent the coffee supply from collapsing as global demand increases. Throughout his extensive fieldwork, Davis has faced competitive pressures from corporate scouts, as well as challenges in securing support from large coffee companies focused on short-term profits rather than long-term sustainability.

With the ongoing climate crisis, alternative crops are becoming more appealing to farmers traditionally engaged in coffee production. The increase in demand for resilient coffee varieties signifies an urgent need for research and development. Despite encountering numerous obstacles, including limited funding and adverse growing conditions, Davis’ efforts have led to successful trials of stenophylla, generating excitement about its potential. The rich taste of stenophylla was confirmed during tastings, showing promise similar to high-quality arabica.

Currently, Davis is also exploring the potential of liberica, another wild coffee species capable of thriving in warmer climates, which he recently identified in Sierra Leone for further investigation. While Davis’s dedication remains unwavering, he recognizes the complexity of introducing new coffee species to the market, particularly in convincing farmers and consumers to adapt to unfamiliar varieties. As he aims to promote stenophylla as a premium product, the challenges of cultivation continue to present risks to the livelihoods of farmers involved in these pioneering endeavors. Davis envisions reaching a wider audience through various promotional strategies and collaborations, and he maintains optimism about safeguarding the future of coffee against the backdrop of climate change.

Read More @ The Economist