Wild Coffee
Arabica coffee grows wild in south-west Ethiopia. As an understorey shrub it evolves in this high-altitude forest ecosystem, where it is confronted by deep shade and competition from mid-storey trees, climbing lianas and shrubs. The coffee self-seeds as well as being dispersed by birds, olive baboons and the African civet cat. Yields are extremely limited.
Forest Friendly Honey
Forest honeys from south-west Ethiopia are rich and varied, reflecting and protecting the area’s extraordinary biodiversity. Locally constructed log and bamboo hives are positioned high in the forest canopy, yielding white, opaque, monofloral honey from the nectar of the Getemé tree, darker, runnier, polyfloral and more translucent honeys, as well as honeydew varieties.
Biodiversity
Rich in biodiversity, the Afromontane Forest ecosystems of Anderacha and Bench-Sheko contribute to Ethiopia’s position as one of the world’s 25 most biodiverse countries. Motion-sensitive cameras have captured diverse, mysterious and colourful wildlife including Colobus, De Brazza, Blue and vervet monkeys, honey badgers, civet cats, genets, antelope, caracal, porcupine and bush pigs.
Commmunity Empowerment
Adopting a devolved form of community forest management, residents living in and around the Afromontane forests patrol and protect them in return for being able to sustainably harvest and use all manner of non-timber forest products, including honey, coffee, spices, enset (the false banana) and lianas. This approach helps conserve the forests and the rich biodiversity found within them.
Quality & Traceability
To maintain product quality, each beekeeper and wild coffee collector is registered in a traceability system. Honey and coffee condition is assessed and controlled at first harvest. Products falling below the necessary standards are rejected at that point, being sold instead to local markets. Products meeting the initial quality standard are collected, recorded and processed to the next stage.
Forest Conservation
To empower resident communities, forest management agreements and communal land certificates have been signed with government, granting forest access and usage rights. Participation in biodiversity surveys, data gathering, and canopy surveys all further engage forest residents. Coupled with premium prices for forest friendly coffee and honey, this approach aims to support community empowerment.
