Constraints and Opportunities of Coffee Production in Arsi Zone: The Case of Chole and Gololcha Districts

Abstract

The study has been conducted in two coffee producing districts (i.e., Gololcha and Chole) of Arsi zone with objectives of assessing constraints and opportunities of coffee production. A multistage sampling technique was applied for this study. Total sample size of 119 households was interviewed and generated both qualitative and quantitative data on constraints and opportunities of coffee production. Descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, frequency distribution and percentage, and an index score were used to analyze data. The study indicated that lack of improved coffee varieties recommended for the study area, diseases, pest, drought and low price were among major constraints of coffee production in the study area. However, construction of rural road, proximate to Mechara Agricultural Research Center and availability of coffee plantation enterprise in the area were among major opportunities for coffee production. The study indicated that developing of improved coffee varieties, enhancing extension services to improve farmers' skill and knowledge on coffee production system, improving coffee marketing condition, and enhancing infrastructural and institutional facilities were among important factors to improve coffee production and productivity, and thereby improving  livelihoods of coffee producers in the study area.

Keywords: Coffee landrace, coffee shade, coffee diseases and insect-pest, low price, market access