Project Overview

This project aims to establish a network of permanent nurseries for native tree species in Ethiopia’s coffee-growing regions. The project supports biodiversity conservation and shade-grown coffee production in Ethiopia. The cultivation of native tree species is essential to the coffee ecosystem and to sustainable agriculture

Context

Ethiopia is the birthplace of Arabica coffee. In the Jimma, Kaffa, and Sidama regions, coffee traditionally grows under a dense canopy of native trees. These ecosystems are now under threat: agricultural expansion, deforestation, and the gradual replacement of native species with fast-growing exotic tree species are depleting biodiversity and weakening coffee farms. Less fertile soils, degraded microclimates, and reduced climate resilience—the consequences have a direct impact on the sustainability of production.

Objective: to strengthen biodiversity, improve soil fertility, and make coffee farming systems more resilient.

Why fund a shade tree nursery?

Funding nurseries for native shade trees in coffee-growing areas in Ethiopia offers key benefits for the sustainability of local crops and ecosystems:

• Improved growing conditions: Shade regulates temperature, reduces water stress, and protects coffee trees from extreme weather conditions.
• Biodiversity and ecosystem services: Native trees support local wildlife (birds, pollinators) and improve soil fertility through organic litter composed of leaves and branches.
• Water and soil management: Trees reduce erosion, promote water retention, and limit the leaching of nutrients essential to coffee.
• Resilience of coffee producers: Trees can provide supplemental income through the sale of fruit or timber

Carbon sequestration and combating climate change: By storing CO₂, these trees help mitigate the impacts of climate change on the coffee sector.

Jimma — Expansion of the Badeyi Nursery

The Badeyi nursery is continuing and expanding its activities. Ten species of native, versatile trees have been selected based on feedback from the field and the preferences of producers. The goal is to produce 11,000 tree seedlings and 6,500 wild coffee seedlings, which will be distributed to 6 partner suppliers and 120 outgrowers in the Jimma and Kaffa regions.

At the same time, the survival of seedlings distributed during Phase 1 is being monitored. Field visits are conducted to assess survival rates and management practices on the farms. Dead seedlings are replaced at the start of each new planting season to maintain target densities.

Sidama — New Site in Shantawine

A second permanent site is currently being established at the Shantawine processing station, operated by DWD Coffee, in the Daye Bensa Woreda. Six species of native trees will be grown there and distributed to local coffee producers. The entire infrastructure is built to last: fencing, shade structures, guardhouses, and restrooms. The goal is to increase tree biodiversity by 20% in the targeted areas.

Crops grown in 2026

• Cordia africana
• Albizia gummifera
• Acacia abyssinica
• Podocarpus falcatus
• Pouteria altissima
• Olea capensis
• Millettia ferruginea
• Schefflera abyssinica
• Polyscias fulva
• Prunus africana

Phase 2 Budget

9,437 USD / 8,257 €: covers both sites

2026 Goals

• Produce and distribute seedlings of 10 species in Badeyi
• Establish the Sidama site and produce seedlings of 6 species
• Build producers’ capacity in agroforestry management
• Ensure ongoing field monitoring, with a review in September 2026