Vol. 2012 No. 1 (2012)
Sustainable Coffee Farming Practices Among Smallholder Farmers in Central Ethiopian Highlands: A Socio-Environmental Sustainability Assessment
Abstract
Sustainable coffee farming practices are essential for maintaining ecological balance and economic viability in resource-constrained environments such as the Central Ethiopian Highlands. Qualitative research methods were employed, including semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 30 smallholder farmers in the study area. Data analysis involved thematic content analysis. Interviews revealed that around 85% of respondents utilised organic fertilizers and practiced shade-grown coffee cultivation to mitigate environmental degradation and enhance soil fertility, respectively. Challenges included limited access to certified seeds and credit facilities for sustainable practices. Sustainable coffee farming in the Central Ethiopian Highlands is feasible with appropriate support from local stakeholders but requires targeted interventions like improved seed supply and financial assistance. Local governments should promote certification programmes for organic coffee, while financial institutions should offer more accessible loans to smallholder farmers engaged in sustainable practices.
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