Ethiopian Coffee Types
Coffee Production Systems in Ethiopia
Ethiopian coffee production systems are broadly classified into the following categories
- Forest (8-10%)
- Semi –forest 30-35%
- Garden or cottage (50-55%),
- Plantation (5-6%)
- Forest (8-10%)
- Semi –forest 30-35%
- Garden or cottage (50-55%),
- Plantation (5-6%)
These are the basis of organic farming, agro-ecological sustainability, and biodiversity conservation of the coffee-based culture in Ethiopia.
Forest Coffee System
This system refers to wild types of coffee grown mainly in the southwestern montane rainforests of the country. Under this system:
- The forest is covered by heterogeneous species of overhead shade trees,
- The coffee types are genetically heterogeneous which offer a wide diversity for selection and breeding
- Productivity is low due to excessively high competition for resources ,especially light
- Natural regeneration is assisted mainly by wild animals, and
- Host-parasite relationship is maintained owing to minimal human interference
- The forest is covered by heterogeneous species of overhead shade trees,
- The coffee types are genetically heterogeneous which offer a wide diversity for selection and breeding
- Productivity is low due to excessively high competition for resources ,especially light
- Natural regeneration is assisted mainly by wild animals, and
- Host-parasite relationship is maintained owing to minimal human interference
Semi-forest Coffee System
This system is believed to be evolved from the forest coffee system .it is found in the southwestern parts of the country, often under relatively disturbed light forests located near main roads, and rural towns or near farmers' villages. Slashing for weeds, shade regulation, and infilling with self-sown seedlings are considered as normal cultural practices under this system.
About 40% of the national production and large portion of marketable products of coffee come from the forest and semi forest production system. This wild coffee are picked and marketed without the need of any other cultivation or alternatively some farmers weed the semi-forest coffee once a year to facilitate coffee picking in a semi-domesticated system.
Garden Coffee System
It is normally practiced around homesteads and monasteries. In this system, coffee is established by planting of raised seedlings of local landraces and inter-planting with other annual and perennial crops. It is a relatively well managed system with regard to weed control and application of organic fertilizers. Light to medium shade levels are often maintained and old and less productive trees are usually pruned /stumped. The productivity of this system is much higher the above two systems.
Plantation Coffee System
Under the plantation coffee system, highly intensified plantation owned by large state
and private farms are observed. Such farms practice pruning, organic mulching and
fertilizing ,integrated weed and pest management ,well –regulated shade and plant density management ,and planting of CBD resistant selections.
and private farms are observed. Such farms practice pruning, organic mulching and
fertilizing ,integrated weed and pest management ,well –regulated shade and plant density management ,and planting of CBD resistant selections.