In recent years, coffee cultivation has come under threat due to the climate crisis and unprecedented temperature rises. Scientists predict that by 2050, climate change will drastically reduce the suitability of many regions around the world for growing coffee, according to a report by the Uganda Coffee Development Authority. But is there a viable alternative to traditional coffee farming?
Researchers warn that projected shifts in temperature, rainfall patterns, and soil health will have a negative impact on coffee growth, productivity, and quality. Moreover, rising global temperatures have fueled the spread of pests and diseases, placing additional strain on coffee crops and leading to increased reliance on pesticides.
"The Emergence of the Rare Stenophylla Coffee Plant"
As a result of the mounting challenges facing coffee cultivation, Coffea stenophylla—commonly known as Stenophylla coffee or Sierra Leone coffee—has emerged as a potential savior. Though rare in the wild, it is currently under experimental cultivation in Sierra Leone. This rediscovered species could play a critical role in supporting global coffee supplies and safeguarding farmers' livelihoods in the face of climate change, drought, and crop diseases.
A study published in Smithsonian Magazine last March, which focuses on science and natural history, revealed that Stenophylla is also the first coffee species reported to contain theobromine—a caffeine-like compound believed to offer similar stimulation without some of caffeine’s side effects.
How Was Stenophylla Rediscovered?
The rediscovery of Stenophylla began in 2018, when British botanist Dr. Aaron Davis, together with other researchers, specialty coffee companies, and local communities, located wild specimens and began cultivating them on experimental farms in Sierra Leone. Their aim was to revive this forgotten crop—and the first harvest is expected this year.
Notably, Stenophylla was able to withstand last year’s extreme heat wave. Researchers documented its growing conditions—including temperature, humidity, and soil moisture—with great precision. This data will help scientists identify climate-resilient coffee plants that also deliver high yield, strong flavor profiles, and disease resistance, according to The Financial Times.
Historically, Stenophylla was cultivated in parts of West Africa and exported to Europe until the early 20th century, when it fell out of favor following the rise of Robusta coffee—a more resilient but highly bitter, low-acidity variety.
Reducing Dependence on the Popular Arabica Coffee
Native to Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, and Sierra Leone, Coffea stenophylla has the potential to become a high-value coffee in its own right—offering a promising alternative that could reduce global reliance on the popular yet climate-sensitive Arabica variety.
Coffee typically grows in cool, humid environments. Arabica beans account for around 60% of global coffee consumption, while most of the remaining share comes from Robusta—a hardier, less flavorful variety that is more resistant to leaf diseases and commonly used in instant coffee production.
However, climate change has driven coffee prices to record highs in recent months, as extreme heat, prolonged droughts, and erratic rainfall have disrupted harvests in major coffee-producing countries such as Brazil, Vietnam, and Colombia. These conditions have weakened crop yields and diminished incomes for smallholder farmers, who are responsible for the majority of the world's coffee supply.
