Asefa Amano Sidamo Natural Gr.1 - Lalisaa

This farm was Asefa Amano’s coffee legacy from his family and he’s carried the mantle for more than 20 years. Today, he is investing in the future of his farm by stumping and renovating old rootstock to improve yields.

The high altitude of his farm at 2,100 meters above sea level produces the ideal microclimate for high-quality coffee cultivation. Asefa is doing everything to ensure his high-quality cherry is processed to maintain that superior taste.

As part of the Lalisaa project, Asefa receives comprehensive agronomy support from Sucafina Ethiopia. Through farmer training sessions, he learns new techniques in cultivation, harvesting, and processing. His commitment to producing high-quality coffee and exporting it through the Lalisaa project helps him access better markets and increase his earnings. The Lalisaa project is designed to empower smallholder farmers by shortening the supply chain, improving quality, and increasing yields.

On his 2.8-hectare farm located in in Bona Zuria, Asefa cultivates JARC74112 variety coffee, a local landrace variety—historically referred to as Ethiopian heirloom. The high altitudes of 2,100 meters above sea level produce the ideal conditions of warm days and cool nights for sweet, dense cherry. Asefa plans to expand his coffee production by planting additional seedlings and by planting intercropped cash crops that can bolster his income.

Asefa and his family selectively handpick ripe, red cherry and process it on his farm. Once picked, they bring cherry to his raised beds and hand sort through everything again to remove any damaged or underripe cherry. They rake cherry frequently to ensure even drying. It takes about 10 to 20 days for cherry to dry.

The Sidama (sometimes referred to as Sidamo) region of Southern Ethiopia holds the distinction as one of the three trademarked coffee regions of Ethiopia. Alongside Harrar and Yirgacheffe, Sidama holds a Designation of Origin for coffee grown in the region. That's unsurprising when you consider the high altitudes of 1,550 to 2,200 meters above sea level, plentiful rainfall and fertile soil that makes the coffee grown in this region so remarkable. 

The Sidama region is named after the indigenous ethnic group, the Sidama, who call the region their home. On Sidama’s Eastern border lies the large regions of Arsi and Bale while to the West, Sidama is bordered by Gamogofa. 

Sidamo lies in the path of the Great Rift Valley and thanks to this, the countryside of Sidama is lush and green. There are several freshwater lakes that provide drinking and agricultural water and account for the densely populated nature of this region.

The Great Rift Valley spans from the northernmost tip of Ethiopia across Kenya and all the way to the southernmost region of Tanzania. It is home to some of the oldest-known fossils of humankind, which suggests its importance in the early development of humanity.