Lalisaa Project
Lalisaa is a term used to describe something that is flourishing and growing. Our Lalisaa program began with the recognition that many smallholder farmers in Ethiopia were struggling to find opportunities for growth and quality improvement. Lalisaa supports farmers to produce high quality coffee and gain access to market knowledge.
The program encourages strong growing practices, rewards the production of quality coffee and helps farmers take control of their part of the supply chain by partnering directly with smallholders.
Farmers are selected based on:
- Farm size (bigger than 2.5 hectares)
- Location & altitude (higher than 1,700 meters above sea level)
- Work experience of producers
The program helps farmers strengthen growing practices and secure direct trade to take greater control of their role in the supply chain. This year, most of the Sucafina Team working on the Lalisaa initiative stay year-round in the same region as the farmers they are working with, mainly in Yirgacheffe and Sidamo, to be more readily available with guidance and training.
New farmers are onboarded each year for a training program that is intended to help farmers improve yields and quality while also accessing new markets and financial services. Farmers in the program participate in a wide range of activities including designing, and later revising, a farm management plan, accessing financing for larger farm projects and more.
Key activities include support from our team of Agronomists, who ensure training in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). Farmers receive advice on yield improvements, sustainability support, cost reduction, record keeping and Quality Control Training. Particular emphasis is put on improving every step of Natural Processing and guiding farmers to understand the importance of quality control at each stage, from harvest to drying. Routine follow-up and immediate response to farmers based on his/her questions regarding coffee quality is also given. Goals are also to continue widening our network and opening dialogue with others in the region who may be interested in becoming a Lalisaa participant in the future.
In addition to working with farmers to improve quality and yield, Sucafina Ethiopia is, through Lalisaa, making introductions between roasters and farmers. By bringing roasters to visit farmers and begin discussions, Lalisaa coffees are helping make connections and developing relationships between farmers and their potential clients. This will enable direct trade relationships that can benefit both farmers and roasters.