Dambi Uddo Wadessa, Guji, Ethiopia

About

Wadessa coffee is harvested in the Dambi Uddo forest, characterised by an exceptional ecological diversity with many different tree species. The wadessa, after which this coffee is named, is a slow-growing tree that can reach up to 25 metres in height and offers a shade well-suited to coffee trees. The natural coffee produced here offers notes of peach, mango and sweet orange. By promoting this forest coffee, our teams hope to preserve the unique Dambi Uddo agroforestry model, in which coffee trees play an essential role.

Dambi Uddo Wadessa

The Dambi Uddo forest is located a few tens of kilometres from the town of Shakisso, in the woreda (district) of Odo Shakisso, known for producing coffees with spicy notes. The forest is in the heart of the Guji appellation, but may also be linked to the type A Sidamo appellation. It is characterised by a rich biodiversity comprising about fifteen tree species, some of which are becoming rare in Ethiopia.
The Guji Highland Coffee Plantation, which has fallen in love with the environment, began producing coffee there about ten years ago. In order to maintain the ecological diversity, the new plants were introduced beneath the dense tree canopy. Some come directly from the wild coffee trees in the Sadhe forest. A total of 150 hectares have been cultivated. The forest offers particularly fertile clay soils, a fertility that is further increased by Dambi Uddo’s agroforestry model. The vegetation ensures the presence of a constantly decomposing litter, which produces organic matter that nourishes the soil. The tree roots help contain the effects of erosion and prevent the soil from becoming dry by retaining water deep down. The trees also help to preserve the biodiversity. Coffee production plays a major role in this system and ensures its long-term future. For farmers, there are economic benefits, since they are able to diversify their sources of income. In addition to coffee, they can sell honey, ginger and even firewood collected from fallen trees. The Dambi Uddo farm is divided into 4 plots. The coffee produced by this farm is sourced from a 15-hectare plot named Wadessa, located at an altitude of about 2,150 metres. The wadessa is a leafy endemic tree that grows to about 20 meters in height. Its wood is much sought-after, particularly for furniture production, which means it is rarely found in Ethiopian forests. Its inclusion in a system like that at Dambi Uddo ensures its preservation.

STRENGTH

Forest coffee | Traceability | Socially-committed producer | Respect the environment

THE STORY OF THE PRODUCER

The Guji Highland Coffee Plantation is a family business managed by Wadessa Yachisa. Originally from Shakisso, Wadessa has been involved in coffee production for many years. In 1995, at the age of 17, Wadessa was forced to leave secondary school to join the army and complete his military service. On his return in the late 1990s, the political situation was such that he could not resume his studies. The young man found himself unable to continue his education, despite wanting to do so. Driven by a strong ambition, he managed to bounce back and quickly turned his hand to other projects. He began by working in one of the gold mines in the Guji area. He then decided to invest his savings in coffee, considered a promising regional industry. In 1999 he created a first company with friends, which he headed for several years. Then, in 2010, he journeyed to the Guji appellation in Dambi Uddo. He went there for a religious ceremony, but on meeting and talking with local farmers decided to invest in its beautiful coffee forest. In 2012, Wadessa Yachisa created a new company, Guji Highland Coffee Plantation PLC, with other members of his family. They now have 150 hectares of land devoted to coffee production. They also work with local farmerswho supply them with cherries. They have several drying stations and
have recently set up a washing station in Dambi Uddo, allowing them to offer a fully-washed coffee.
Today it has become a large company with offices in Addis Ababa and Shakisso. As manager, Wadessa Yachisa is driven by a passion to produce high-quality coffee using production methods capable of protecting the environment. He is also a politically committed man, actively involved in helping his country to progress.