How Sudan’s Civil War Devastated Its Coffee Production

Sudan was once part of coffee’s ancient story—but decades of internal conflict nearly erased its role entirely. For twenty years, intermittent civil war in southern Sudan took millions of lives and destroyed rural infrastructure, including the farms and trade routes vital to coffee growing. Today, the country’s coffee production remains a shadow of what it could have been.

In short: Sudan’s coffee production was decimated by over 20 years of civil war, mainly affecting the southern regions where Robusta was grown, while wild Arabica persisted in the north and east. Historical accounts also suggest coffee spread to Yemen via enslaved Sudanese who carried beans during their transport.

The State of Coffee in Sudan Today

Coffee in Sudan is grown in two distinct regions under very different conditions. Robusta is cultivated in the south, as it has been historically. In contrast, Arabica—originally wild—continues to grow in the northern and eastern parts of the country. These regional differences stem from both climate and the lasting impacts of war, which disrupted southern agriculture far more severely than the rest of the nation.

The Historical Role of Sudan in Coffee’s Journey

Historical accounts link Sudan to one of coffee’s most pivotal early journeys. Enslaved Sudanese people, forcibly taken from the south by Arab traders, carried coffee beans as food during their transport to the Arabian Peninsula. Many believe it was these very beans—and the people who carried them—that introduced coffee to Yemen. Though born of tragedy, this movement helped spark coffee’s global expansion.

Why Sudan’s Coffee Industry Collapsed

The near-total collapse of Sudan’s coffee production is primarily due to over twenty years of sporadic yet devastating civil war in the southern regions. This conflict led to massive loss of life and destroyed rural communities, farming systems, and trade networks essential for coffee cultivation and export. The prolonged instability made it nearly impossible for coffee farming to survive or thrive in affected areas.

The Two Faces of Sudanese Coffee

Sudan’s coffee cultivation today is split by both geography and species. In the war-torn south, Robusta coffee is still grown, continuing pre-war practices. Meanwhile, Arabica—originally wild in nature—persists in the less-affected northern and eastern highlands. These two species reflect not just climatic suitability but also the country’s complex agricultural history and the asymmetric impact of conflict.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did coffee originate in Sudan?

No, coffee did not originate in Sudan, but the country played a crucial role in its early spread. Enslaved people from Sudan carried coffee beans to Yemen during their forced transport, and it’s believed these beans helped introduce coffee cultivation to the Arabian Peninsula.

What types of coffee are grown in Sudan?

Sudan grows both Robusta and Arabica coffee. Robusta is cultivated in the southern regions, while wild Arabica is found in the northern and eastern highlands. The division reflects both climatic conditions and the differential impact of the country’s long civil conflict.

How did Sudan influence global coffee production?

Sudan indirectly influenced global coffee production by being part of the route through which coffee was transported to Yemen. Enslaved Sudanese individuals reportedly carried coffee beans during their forced migration, and these beans may have been planted in Yemen, helping to establish coffee cultivation there.

Why is Sudan’s coffee production so low today?

Sudan’s coffee production is minimal today mainly due to over 20 years of civil war in the south, which devastated rural areas, displaced populations, and destroyed the agricultural infrastructure needed to sustain coffee farming. The north and east were less affected, allowing some Arabica cultivation to continue.

Where in Sudan is Arabica coffee grown?

Arabica coffee in Sudan is grown in the northern and eastern regions of the country. These areas were less impacted by the civil war and have conditions suitable for cultivating what is believed to be wild Arabica.

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