Jabanto

The Jabanto farmers group represents a significant shift in the Ethiopian coffee landscape, emerging in 2017 following regulatory reforms that granted smallholder farmers the autonomy to export their coffee directly. Prior to these policy changes, the path to international markets for small-scale producers was often mediated by complex layers of cooperatives and the Ethiopia Commodity Exchange. By forming a direct-export group, Jabanto members gained the ability to retain more value from their harvests and establish long-term, transparent relationships with international roasters.

Located in the Gedeo region, specifically within the Yirgacheffe and Kochere districts, the group benefits from high-altitude growing conditions ranging from 1,700 to 2,300 meters above sea level. This geography is synonymous with the production of high-quality Arabica, characterized by complex acidity and floral aromatics. The group has grown to include over 90 members who collaborate to manage the logistical and administrative burdens of coffee production, such as maintaining organic certification and navigating export requirements.

Operational success for Jabanto is supported by G Broad Trading, an export partner founded by Getu Bekele. This partnership provides the necessary infrastructure for the group to manage logistics and export documentation, which are critical hurdles for smallholder collectives. This collaborative model allows the farmers to focus on cultivation and processing while ensuring their coffee reaches global markets with full traceability.

Jabanto is recognized for producing high-quality natural processed coffees, which are often noted for distinct sensory profiles including blueberry, floral, and pastry-like notes. The varieties cultivated by the group typically include indigenous Ethiopian heirlooms such as Kurume, Dega, and Wolisho. These varieties, combined with the natural sundried processing method, contribute to the high quality scores—often ranging between 88 and 90—that the group has achieved in recent years.

For roasters and consumers, Jabanto serves as a model for ethical and transparent sourcing. Data from long-term partners, such as Counter Culture Coffee, highlights a consistent commitment to the group since 2018, with significant volumes of coffee purchased at premium prices. This stability allows the farmers to invest in their operations and maintain the high standards required for the specialty coffee market.

The story of Jabanto is one of empowerment through structural change. By moving from a decentralized model to a cohesive, export-oriented group, the farmers have successfully navigated the complexities of the global supply chain. Today, the group stands as a testament to the potential of smallholder collectives in Ethiopia to achieve economic sustainability and consistent quality through direct market access and strategic partnerships.