Worancha ወራንቻ

'' Fair Trade’s advantage comes from its interaction with coffee cooperatives representing multiple small hold farmers, thereby facilitating an economy of scale that makes business with roasters possible. In Ethiopia, which is considered coffee’s birthplace, farms average only two hectares. Cooperatives also have the collective power to improve farmers’ communities by investing in them, as well as assisting with organic certification, which provides further value add to coffees sold, she said. Although Third Coast sells fair trade certified coffee, such as Ethiopian Yirgacheffe and Sidama, it isn’t fair trade certified as an organization, she said. This is because it believes in paying above the fair trade minimum price in recognition of the coffee’s quality and establishing a relationship with the seller that goes a step further. '' Standing in front of the coffee selection in a grocery store or a cafe is often thrilling (so much choice

The Sidama Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union (SCFCU) was founded in 2001 to represent coffee producing cooperatives located throughout the Sidama zone of southern Ethiopia. As a result of the region's excellent soil, ideal climate, and high elevation (1,750-2,100m), they have become an origin recognized for their world-class specialty coffee production. Today, SCFCU represents 47 cooperatives and over 70,000 farmers (smallholders), making them the second largest coffee producing cooperative union in Ethiopia. Currently, 39 cooperatives are Fair Trade Certified and 35 are Certified Organic. SCFCU supports farmers by developing producer/buyer linkages, directly exporting members' coffee to the international market, facilitating access to finance for the harvest, and through capacity building, training, and education programs. They have successfully increased farmers' share of the price received for the coffee, all the while contributing to improvements in quality for Ethio

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FACTS about the TOWN:  ALETA WONDO Aleta Wondo is in the SNNP Region, Sidama Zone, Aleta Wondo Woreda. 300 miles south of Addis Ababa (6 hour drive by private 4 wheel drive car) Aleta Wondo is one of ten Woredas in Sidama Zone. The current population of the Woreda is estimated to be 436,672 of which the rural population comprises 418,135 and urban population of 18,537. Estimated population of Aleta Wondo town is 194,835 consisting of 95,469 men and 99,366 women. The total area of the Woreda is estimated to be 640 kms. Average population density of 682 persons per km 2. There are three distinct agro-ecological zones; 12 % of the Woreda is classified as Dega (highlands), 71 % as Woinadega (midlands), and 17 % dry Kolla (lowlands) Situated about 7000 feet above sea level Mixed type of farming is the main source of income. The major types of crops grown include maize, haricot bean, root crops (sweet potato, and enset) and cash crops such as coffee, chaat and fruit tree

Ethiopia's use of sweeping anti-terrorism law to imprison journalists and other legislative restrictions are hindering the development of free and independent media in Africa's second largest country, according to a report published today by the International Press Institute (IPI). Dozens of journalists and political activists have been arrested or sentenced under the Anti-Terrorism Proclamation of 2009, including five journalists who are serving prison sentences and who at times have been denied access to visitors and legal counsel. The report, "Press Freedom in Ethiopia", is based on a mission to the country carried out in November by IPI and the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA). "Despite a strong constitutional basis for press freedom and freedom of information, the Ethiopian government has systematically used the anti-terrorism law to prosecute and frighten journalists, which has put a straight-jacket on the media,"