Ethiopia

Kebede Wako Farm

About

Kebede Wako Farm

Highlights

Kebede holds his own export license since 2018 and is determined to further grow his coffee business
He runs a 16.45 ha farm in the heart of the Chelbesa kebele in Yirgacheffe
Onboarded as part of the OCR Smallholder Series during the 2024-25 harvest.

Kebede Wako runs his coffee farm with the help of his two wives and elder son, Birhanu. His family has been cultivating coffee in Chelbesa, Gedeb, since 2000, making him only the second generation to farm this land. Coffee is the sole source of livelihood for Kebede and his family. In 2018, they obtained their export license to sell directly to international buyers and secure better margins. However, after initially exporting their coffee abroad, they struggled to maintain these relationships, leading them to sell exclusively in the domestic Ethiopian market for the last two years. Now, eager to reconnect with the international market, Kebede is committed to delivering exceptional coffee and building lasting partnerships.

To support their ambitions, the family hires seasonal workers during harvest, ensuring that only ripe cherries are picked. Beyond coffee, Kebede dreams of building a family house in Dilla, a nearby city, to give his children access to better education opportunities. Additionally, they are working towards acquiring a transportation truck to gain greater control and flexibility in moving their coffee to Hawassa for pre-milling.

The Chelbesa kebele

Kebede's farm sits at 2010 – 2056 meters above sea level in one of Yirgacheffe’s most renowned coffee-growing areas. Chelbesa is home to some of the best coffees in the region, including past OCR auction winner Alemayehu Daniel, and its reputation continues to grow. Kebede cultivates a mix of heirloom Ethiopian varieties such as Kurume and Wolisho, alongside JARC selections (74110, 74112). His 16.45-hectare farm is among the largest in the 2025 OCR Smallholder Series, located opposite the Danche Hill, a place famed for producing high-quality coffee.

The processing

On 130 drying beds, Kebede and his team produce 22.7 tons of specialty coffee. After being selectively handpicked, cherries are dried for 15–21 days, being turned six times daily to ensure even drying. He also uses rain covers to protect the drying coffee from humidity and cold nighttime temperatures.

Technical

Information

Region

yirgacheffe

Processes

Natural

Varieties

Kurume, Wolisho, JARC

Altitude

2010 - 2060 masl.

Producer

Kebede Wako Jara

Soil Type

Loam soil

Cupping notes

The future for Kebede Wako and his farm

With the 2025 OCR: Smallholder Series we want to link roasters and producers who are interested in direct long-term relationships. Due to transparent payment structures, we can assure all premium payments are reaching the hands of the farmer, making the impact of the relation measurable. Kebede and the other participating producers are eager to further improve quality and develop their coffee business.

As daytime temperatures in Gedeb reach 30°C, Kebede wants to invest in shade nets to maintain stable drying conditions, improving quality and consistency. Having sourced coffee from the Chelbesa kebele with Alemayehu Daniel since the 2017/18 OCR auction, we have witnessed the consistent quality that this region and its farmers can produce. With his renewed focus on international exports, Kebede is determined to showcase the outstanding potential of his coffee.

Operation Cherry Red

Operation Cherry Red: Smallholder Series 2025 exposes unique Ethiopian smallholder coffees. By working directly with these producers, we ensure premium payments reach the right hands and trace lots back to individual families. For roasters, this is a unique chance to source coffee right at its roots—challenging the norm of sourcing from regional washing stations. By partnering with exceptional smallholders, roasters can support truly impactful, transparent, and traceable coffee supply chains.

Operation Cherry Red

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