Nafkot Admasu, a dedicated and inspiring female coffee producer, owns and manages her farm and processing station, contributing significantly to the dynamic coffee landscape of Idido, Yirgacheffe. Her journey is marked by a profound connection to her land, a commitment to quality, and a vision for empowerment.
Situated in Idido, her farm and processing station cover 0.5 hectares and are positioned at an elevation of 2150 meters, framed by the majestic Rocko Mountain. This unique environment serves as the backdrop for cultivating exceptional Heirloom cultivar coffee beans, renowned for their distinct and nuanced flavors.
Throughout the harvest season, Nafkot employs 35 seasonal workers, along with a core team of 6 permanent employees, all sharing her dedication to producing high-quality coffee. Rooted in tradition, her farming practices involve cultivating coffee under the shade of false banana trees. The meticulous handpicking of cherries reflects her unwavering commitment to quality, despite the pragmatic choice of not seeking formal organic certification due to the high costs involved in verification.
After the harvest, her farm adopts a natural dry processing approach, allowing the coffee cherries to sun-dry over 12 to 15 days on raised beds. The dried cherries are then temporarily stored in a local warehouse on-site before their journey to Addis Ababa for further processing and eventual export. Nafkot's choice of processing method aligns with the scale of her farm, as she does not operate a washing station.
Nafkot's impact extends beyond her farm, as she actively participates in the "Ama Commitment" scheme, emphasizing her commitment to economic and social progress within her community.
The Ama Commitment project is focused on providing support to female farmers in Ethiopia. The word "Ama" means mothers in the Gedio language, as many of the women living in rural areas are mothers at an early age. The project aims to promote gender equality in farming communities and improve the social status of women within their families and communities. Currently, over 15 female farm owners are working with Ama Commitment, with more expected to join in the coming years.
Financially, Nafkot benefited from prefunding of 5 million ETB from Ephtah Coffee, another female owned company, established in order to build sustainable collaborative supply chains for the benefit of farmers, and their wider communities.
Nafkot's personal narrative reflects strength and resilience. Born in 1978 in Gerbota, her journey spans higher education, marriage in 2006, and the birth of three children. With degrees in Public Health and a master's degree in the same field, she continues to make a meaningful impact, balancing her role in the local health office of Yirgacheffe with her coffee production. Her partnership with Ephtah Coffee not only enhances her income but also amplifies her influence within the coffee industry.
Looking ahead, the expansion of the "Ama Commitment" scheme reflects Nafkot's enduring commitment to community development. Her dedication to cultivating false banana, used for producing Kocho, a local food product, further underscores her commitment to sustainability and food security. Her farming practices, commitment to quality, and collaborative efforts reflect the essence of progress and sustainability in the world of coffee.
In the cup: Blueberry, strawberry, light caramel and some floral notes. Sweet, creamy and fruity aftertaste.
Minimum resting period: 10 days from roast date for espresso roast.
