Heavy Rains Impact Coffee Harvest in Southwest Ethiopia

Ashabir Haile, a coffee farmer in Gimbo Wereda, Southwest Ethiopia, reports significant damage to his coffee crop due to heavy rainfall during the flowering season in April and May. Last year, Ashabir harvested 60 quintals from his four-hectare farm, but he expects only a third of that yield this season due to the adverse weather conditions. While red cherry prices have reached up to 190 Birr per kilogram in his area, the loss of harvest volume poses a major financial challenge. Ashabir stated that his primary concern is the significant loss of income, rather than the upcoming EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which is set to take effect for large operators on December 30.