environment 27 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Rare Excelsa Coffee Renamed 'Zoka Coffee' to Bolster Forest Conservation
A rare wild coffee species found in Uganda's Zoka Forest has been officially named 'Zoka Coffee' following advocacy by conservation groups. This renaming aims to strengthen efforts to protect the forest from deforestation and highlight its ecological and economic potential. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/excelsa-coffee-rare-wild-specie-saved-in-zoka-forest-5475054
The unique Excelsa coffee, long thriving in the lush Zoka Central Forest Reserve in northern Uganda, has now been officially christened ‘Zoka Coffee’. This significant move by the Adjumani District Council follows years of campaigning by local conservation organization, Friends of Zoka, to protect the forest from threats like illegal logging and encroachment.
The renaming serves a dual purpose: to acknowledge the indigenous Madi community’s heritage tied to the forest and to elevate the global scientific importance of this threatened ecological reserve. Environmentalists believe this recognition will galvanize scientific attention, create a rallying point for conservation, and empower local communities with a vested interest in protecting the forest and its unique biodiversity.
The Zoka Central Forest Reserve is one of the last remaining tropical forests in the West Nile sub-region, harboring diverse plant and animal species. Its continuous degradation has spurred conservation efforts, with Friends of Zoka emerging as a key advocate since 2016.
Globally, wild coffee species are gaining attention as climate change impacts commercial coffee production. Varieties like Zoka Coffee may possess crucial genetic traits, such as drought and disease resistance, vital for the future of coffee cultivation worldwide. Researchers anticipate that ‘Zoka Coffee’ could attract international botanical interest and formal scientific classification.
Beyond its scientific value, local leaders foresee economic benefits, including eco-tourism, branding opportunities, and conservation-linked livelihoods. The Adjumani District Council has directed technical departments to engage national authorities and research bodies to formalize the coffee’s naming and promote its potential for both conservation and commercial production.