Ethiopia Odaco

Daye Bensa’s Gatta Farm is at the heart of Shantawene Village, in Sidama Bensa, Ethiopia. It sits at an altitude of 2120 – 2210m in the midst of a natural forest. The site is surrounded by indigenous trees, which are older than 100 years, waterfalls, and rivers. One of the rivers separates Shantawene from Bombe and runs from the hills above Keramo. Gatta Farm has been named after a waterfall which crosses the farm. 

Gatta Farm was a natural forest before being discovered by the cofounder Mulugeta Dukamo while managing the construction of Gafisse Station. They planted the first coffees in 2013, and established the drying station in 2017. The vegetation and forest surrounding the farm is useful as natural shade for the farm and the drying station. Plantation, harvesting and processing works are mainly done by the local residents. Also women are involved and are mainly assigned to quality control and processing, except for labour intensive tasks. By offering working opportunities and proper wage this is a real benefit for the local residents. 

Daye Bensa’s Gatta Farm isn’t only a farm, it consists of a drying station, a lodge and a training facility. During harvesting season, the drying station becomes active and also offers accommodations for employees or trainees until the training has ended. The training facility offers training in coffee processing for interested individuals.

The micro lot “ODAKO” is named to reflect the powerful culture of Shantawene, Sidama people. Odaco is a popular tree name in Shentawene, Bensa. The Odako tree is where the SHANTAWENE community meets under the tree to resolve the conflicts in the area . There is a similar tradition in other parts of Ethiopia as well for example (in the Oromo, known locally known as "oda". )  The coffee is sourced from 563 Daye Bensa member farmers from the SHANTAWENE area and our Gatta Daye Bensa Farm.