As with most Ethiopian coffee producers, Shiferaw Dukale comes from a family that has been growing coffee for generations. He was born in Wegida, a highland coffee-growing village in the renowned Yirgacheffe region. Originally inheriting less than one hectare of land from his family for coffee production, he has steadily increased the size of his farm to 5.3 hectares. Shiferaw utilizes organic farming techniques such as planting under shade and intercropping with other food crops like enset (otherwise known as false banana). Enset’s fruit is inedible though it is still a hugely important food source in Ethiopia as its roots can be made into various food products. Shiferaw is known for identifying different varieties of enset and has a keen interest in experimenting with how enset and coffee interact on his farm. His passion and curiosity about cultivation techniques helps us to understand why his coffee consistently stands out amongst his peers. 

Shifjeraw joined the Jabanto farmers group in 2018, just one year after its formation borne out of policy changes by the Ethiopian government making it possible for smallholder farmers to directly market their coffees to buyers. Working with our partner GBroad Trading, who facilitates critical exporting tasks like arranging milling, logistics and documentation, the group has grown to more than 70 members in Yirgacheffe county. Members of Jabanto are receiving some of the highest prices for coffee in their area, and this particular supply stream is one of the most transparent and traceable models we work with in Ethiopia.