The Contribution of Kaffa Forest Coffee Producer Farmers’ Cooperative Union to the Production of Forest Coffee in South West Ethiopia

Abstract

Kafa Forest Coffee Producer Farmers’ Cooperative Union participates directly to sell the products in international market as result members are benefited more from the many dimension of impact of the union and it improves the life of coffee farmers and also assures the survival of cooperative in the market. Draw backs or problems seen in Kaffa Forest Coffee Producer Farmers’ Cooperative Union (KFCPFCU) are lack of communication among the union and members, lack of infrastructure, lack of picking and drying machine, selective picking and drying accomplished through traditional method that are not require large machine, wide spread of illegal private coffee trader, lack of transportation facility, non – continues     supply  of strategies function in the union, absence of sustainable motivation, training regarding to the up to date marketing system, low marketing skill and knowledge of members as well as the employee, and also lack of well-trained manpower in the field of cooperatives. Cooperatives performance is measured by performance indicators such as membership participation and membership growth, profit and dividend payment, service provided to members, training and sale and purchase of product. The achievement of a cooperative in enhancing organizational strength is one of the governing factor to ensure cooperative performance although the respondent of the union suggested that the union must interest in continue program, improving infrastructure service integrate and improve coffee production and marketing system of the union. It is good for promoting coffee worldwide and increases the country’s foreign currency earning.