Idido specialty coffee

Hada Bekele, Idido, Yirgacheffe, ETHIOPIA

Cupping score 88.75

Processing: Anaerobic Natural

Variety: Heirloom

Altitude: 2050

Farm: Idido

A group of producers known as "Idido, Yirgacheffe" operates within the "Ama" project, which was founded in 2023 with the main goal of supporting women farmers and empowering women within their communities. The group's history is rooted in its commitment to elevating the roles and contributions of women in agricultural endeavors. Located in Idido, Yirgacheffe province, this group serves as a key consolidation point for its members' products.

Ama provides extensive support to its members, including the implementation of the "Ama Commitment Income Diversification Program". The goal of this initiative is to increase the financial prosperity of members by offering training, financial assistance and necessary equipment. Together, these efforts aim to improve the living conditions of female farmers and to support gender equality in agriculture.

Although Ama and its associated farmers do not hold any certificates, the commitment to organic farming is clear. The cooperative opted for organic practices, although official certification was not pursued due to the significant costs associated with verification.

Amarech Ararso is the producer of this dose, her name means "she became beautiful". Its farm and processing station is located in Hada and plays an important role in the cooperative's activities.

Amarech Ararso obtains cherries from local farmers and processes them in-house. The farm covers an area of ​​2 hectares and stands at an altitude of 2050 meters, which promotes favorable conditions for growing quality coffee beans.

During the harvest season (from November to January), Amarech employs 40 seasonal workers in addition to 5 permanent employees. The farm's cultivation practices include growing coffee in the shade of fake banana trees, using organic methods. Despite the absence of formal certification, the coffee is carefully handpicked by skilled seasonal workers during harvest.

After harvesting, coffee cherries undergo a special processing regime. Coffee cherries are fermented in plastic barrels for seven days and then dried for 15 to 20 days. After drying, the coffee is stored in an on-site warehouse before being transported to a processing plant in Addis Ababa.

On its way to export, the coffee is processed and dried before it reaches the Moplaco mill located in Gerji, Addis Ababa. From there, the coffee is transported by train to Djibouti, which facilitates its export to international markets.

The cooperative's efforts go beyond coffee production and include economic, social and management aspects. The "Ama Commitment Income Diversification Scheme" serves as the best example of their social initiatives. In addition, this year, Ephtah Coffee contributed 250,000ETB for the construction of new roasters to complement the existing ones.

In terms of economic transactions, farmers receive an immediate payment of 60% upon delivery of their produce. The remaining portion is paid when the exporter settles with the suppliers after the batches are placed on the market.

In particular, Amarech, the main supplier, received a pre-financing of ETB 8 million from Ephtah Coffee.

Challenges facing the cooperative include overcoming high rates of inflation, government bureaucracy and interference. The recent surge in cherry prices has been the result of an influx of exporters fighting for foreign currency.

Looking to the future, the Ama Cooperative's "Limit Income Diversification Scheme" is set to expand and plans are underway to open a shop in Addis Ababa where the women could sell their handicrafts. In addition, farmers associated in the cooperative grow fake bananas for the production of Kocho, a local food product.

Amarech's personal journey reflects the resilience and strength of women in rural Ethiopia. Married at the age of 14, she overcame challenges and became a successful businesswoman who has a family with ten children and six grandchildren so far.

In summary, Ama and her associated farmers in Idido, Yirgacheffe have established a cooperative committed to gender equality, sustainable practices and community development. Through their efforts, they contribute to both the local economy and the international coffee market and embody the spirit of empowerment and progress.

What is the difference between roasting you can read here.