Smallholder farms in Chelbesa

The story

The Chelbesa washing station was established in 2019 by SNAP Specialty Coffee, a local company founded in 2008 by Negusse. The station was built in the Danche hamlet of Chelbesa village to source red cherries directly from hundreds of local smallholder farmers. These farmers cultivate coffee alongside food crops and cash crops in a traditional agro-ecological system.

Challenges

The region's coffee production is heavily dependent on Ethiopia's seasonal climate, particularly the Bega dry season, which is essential for harvesting and processing. Additionally, the station's capacity for specialized processing, such as sealed anaerobic fermentation, is limited by the number of available tanks.

Innovations

The station utilizes eco-pulpers and implements precise fermentation techniques, including both traditional water-submerged and dry fermentation methods. They have also experimented with sealed anaerobic fermentation to create unique flavor profiles like strawberry cordial.