Tesfaye Bekele & 350 small-scale producers

Tesfaye Bekele is a central figure in the development of the Guji specialty coffee region in Ethiopia. His journey began following devastating wildfires that razed large swaths of forest in the Odo Shakisso woreda. A former employee of the national forestry service, Bekele observed local farmers attempting to replant the scorched land with monoculture crops like corn and wheat, which he feared would lead to severe soil erosion. To prevent this, he initiated a conservation-focused project, planting indigenous shade trees alongside coffee seedlings to restore the natural ecosystem while providing a viable, long-term income source for the community.

Founded in 2000, Suke Quto has evolved from a personal conservation effort into a significant operation that serves as a model for sustainable agriculture. The project encompasses the primary Suke Quto farm and a central washing station that supports hundreds of small-scale outgrowers. While early estimates of the number of participating farmers have varied in industry reports, the network has grown to include several hundred local producers who benefit from Bekele’s distribution of seedlings and his commitment to environmentally friendly farming practices.

Bekele’s approach to coffee production is deeply rooted in his background in natural resource management. He emphasizes organic farming techniques, shade-grown cultivation, and the maintenance of soil health to ensure the longevity of the land. By cultivating coffee under the canopy of native trees, he promotes biodiversity and pest control, which also allows the coffee cherries to mature more slowly, contributing to the high quality and complex flavor profiles for which Guji coffee is now internationally recognized.

Processing at Suke Quto is characterized by meticulous attention to detail. The washing station utilizes traditional methods, such as pulping with Agared machines and fermenting beans in tanks for 35 to 48 hours, depending on environmental conditions. The farm also produces natural-processed coffees, which are dried on elevated beds for 9 to 15 days. These practices are supported by infrastructure designed to manage wastewater, reflecting Bekele’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship.

Beyond his technical contributions, Bekele is credited with helping to put Guji on the map as a premier specialty coffee origin. Before his intervention, the region was largely dominated by cattle farming. Through his persistence and the exceptional quality of his harvests, he successfully demonstrated the economic potential of specialty coffee to local farmers who were initially hesitant to wait the several years required for coffee trees to reach maturity. His work has since garnered international acclaim, including recognition in prestigious competitions like the Good Food Awards.

Today, Suke Quto stands as a flagship for Guji coffee, with its products often carrying Organic and Rainforest Alliance certifications. The relationship between Bekele and the international specialty coffee community has flourished over the last two decades, with importers and roasters highlighting his story as a benchmark for ethical sourcing. His legacy is defined by the intersection of ecological restoration and economic development, proving that high-quality coffee production can serve as a catalyst for both environmental health and community prosperity.