Gawite and Sheda Communities Advance Coffee Agroforestry Carbon Project in Kaffa Zone

Communities in Gawite and Sheda Kebeles are making significant progress in the implementation of a climate finance and carbon credit initiative aimed at transforming coffee production systems and strengthening the livelihoods of women farmers. The activities form part of the project titled “Empowering Ethiopian Coffee: A South-South Approach to Climate Finance and Carbon Credits,” implemented by the Organisation for Social Science Research in Eastern and Southern Africa (OSSREA) with the support of the Spanish Cooperation.

During a recent field mission conducted from 12 to 16 March 2026, the project team, in collaboration with local authorities and technical partners, reviewed progress on key interventions, including nursery establishment, agroforestry expansion, and community engagement.

A major milestone was achieved in Gawite Kebele with the successful construction of a central nursery shade structure, which will serve as a critical hub for the production and distribution of coffee and shade tree seedlings. The nursery, managed by a women’s cooperative, is expected to play a pivotal role in scaling agroforestry practices across both Gawite and neighboring Sheda Kebele. Preparatory activities, including soil pit excavation and the filling of polythene bags, are already underway, demonstrating strong community ownership and commitment. In parallel, discussions were initiated with Bonga University regarding the procurement of 15,000 banana suckers to support the next planting season. Banana is a key component of the agroforestry model promoted by the project, providing temporary shade, improving soil conditions, and contributing to household food security and income diversification.

Community engagement remained a central focus of the mission. In Sheda Kebele, a large community meeting brought together more than 130 participants, including women farmers, local leaders, and development agents. The meeting provided an opportunity to assess the performance of previously planted coffee and shade tree seedlings, review vermicompost activities, and discuss challenges related to the ongoing dry season. Participants reported that most seedlings are performing well, although water stress remains a concern. The meeting also highlighted growing interest from new community members who are eager to join the project after witnessing its benefits. In response, the project team emphasized plans to expand participation and scale activities to additional kebeles. Central to this expansion is the strengthening of cooperative structures, which are essential for effective carbon project management, benefit-sharing, and long-term sustainability. Both existing and new members are expected to formalize their participation through revised consent agreements that promote transparency and inclusivity at the household level.

In Gawite Kebele, a community consultation led by the Woreda Agricultural Office and the project team underscored the transformative potential of the initiative. Women cooperative members expressed strong appreciation for the continuous technical support and close follow-up provided by OSSREA. “This project is different from others we have seen. It gives us confidence that our livelihoods will improve,” noted one cooperative leader. Despite the positive progress, the mission also identified operational challenges that require immediate attention. These include the need to strengthen nursery security and mobilize additional labor to support ongoing activities such as soil preparation. Local authorities and community members have committed to addressing these challenges through coordinated efforts, reinforcing the project’s participatory approach.

Field observations in Sheda further emphasized the importance of climate-resilient practices, particularly mulching and compost application, to mitigate the effects of the dry season and improve seedling survival rates. Plans are underway to conduct survival assessments, register new participants, and initiate land mapping to support monitoring and future carbon certification processes.

Overall, the field mission confirmed that the project is gaining strong traction at the community level, with high levels of engagement, ownership, and motivation among women farmers. By integrating coffee production with agroforestry, soil management, and climate finance mechanisms, the initiative is laying the foundation for a more sustainable and resilient coffee sector in Ethiopia.

As implementation continues, OSSREA and its partners will build on this momentum to expand the pilot, strengthen cooperative systems, and advance Ethiopia’s participation in global carbon markets through community-driven, gender-responsive approaches.