Mustefa Abakeno

The story

Mustefa Abakeno is a coffee producer based in Beshasha, Agaro, who manages an 18-hectare farm. He is a prominent figure in the region, having served on the board of the KMU Union and as the former chairman of the Hunda Oli cooperative. He is recognized as an early adopter of Ethiopia's direct export model, transitioning from traditional farming to managing his own washing station that serves both his farm and neighboring smallholders.

Challenges

Coffee production in the region faces inherent difficulties related to traditional management systems, which have historically relied on limited inputs and manual labor. Producers must also navigate the complexities of maintaining quality while managing the logistics of smallholder supply chains in the Jimma region.

Innovations

Mustefa is noted for his meticulous processing techniques, specifically the use of slow, shaded drying to enhance aromatic complexity and clarity. He has also implemented farm renovation and composting methods, and he actively shares these agricultural practices with other farmers in western Ethiopia.