ALTITUDE - 2050 MASL // REGION - YIRGACHEFFE // PROCESS - ANAEROBIC NATURAL // VARIETY - HEIRLOOM

Ethiopia Idido Anaerobic Natural 100% Arabica Speciality Grade Coffee

Idido, Yirgacheffe and the Ama Project

The producer group known as "Idido, Yirgacheffe" operates under the "Ama Project", an initiative established in 2023. The primary goal of this project is to support women farmers and promote women’s empowerment within their communities. Rooted in a commitment to gender equality and sustainable agriculture, this group serves as a crucial hub for consolidating its members' produce in Idido, Yirgacheffe.

The Ama Commitment: Supporting Women in Agriculture

Ama provides extensive support to its members through initiatives such as the "Ama Commitment Income Diversification Scheme." This programme is designed to enhance the financial well-being of women farmers by offering training, financial assistance, and essential equipment. By fostering economic stability, the initiative plays a key role in promoting gender equity in the agricultural sector.

Organic Farming Practices Without Certification

Although Ama and its associated farmers hold no official organic certifications, their dedication to organic farmingremains strong. The cooperative has consciously chosen to employ organic practices, despite the high costs of obtaining formal certification.

Amarech Ararso: A Leading Producer in the Ama Project

One of the key producers in this initiative is Amarech Ararso. Her name means "she became beautiful," symbolising her transformative journey. Her farm and processing station, located in Hada, play an essential role in the cooperative’s operations.

Sustainable Coffee Cultivation at High Altitudes

Amarech Ararso sources coffee cherries from local farmers and processes them in-house. Her farm spans 2 hectaresand is situated at an elevation of 2050 metres, creating the ideal conditions for cultivating high-quality coffee beans.

Seasonal and Permanent Employment

During the harvest season (November to January), Amarech employs 40 seasonal workers, in addition to 5 permanent employees. Her farm follows shade-grown coffee practices, using false banana trees to provide a natural canopy, reinforcing its organic farming methods.

Coffee Processing: From Harvest to Export

The coffee cherries undergo a meticulous processing method:

1. Harvesting: Handpicked by skilled seasonal workers.

2. Fermentation: Cherries are fermented in plastic barrels for seven days.

3. Drying: A drying period of 15-20 days follows.

4. Storage: The dried coffee is stored in an on-site warehouse.

5. Processing & Export: Coffee is transported to Addis Ababa, processed at Moplaco dry mill in Gerji, and then exported via Djibouti.

Social and Economic Impact of the Ama Project

The Ama Commitment Income Diversification Scheme extends beyond agriculture, addressing social and governance aspects within the cooperative. A recent example of this initiative is Ephtah Coffee’s contribution of 250,000 ETB towards building additional drying beds.

Fair Payment System for Farmers

Ama operates a transparent payment system for farmers:

* Farmers receive 60% of payment upfront upon delivering their produce.

* The remaining 40% is disbursed once the exporter settles with suppliers.

* Ephtah Coffee has also provided a prefunding of 8 million ETB to Amarech, ensuring financial stability.

Future Plans: Expanding the Ama Project’s Reach

Looking ahead, the Ama Commitment Income Diversification Scheme is set for further expansion. Plans include:

* Opening a retail shop in Addis Ababa where women can sell their handmade crafts.

* Encouraging farmers to cultivate false banana plants to produce Kocho, a traditional Ethiopian food product.