Documentation of Traditional Knowledge on “Coffee” (<i>Coffea arabica</i>) in Jimma, Ilubabor and West Wollega Zone

Abstract

Coffee, of genus Coffea, is a member of Rubiaceae family that consists of more than 400 species and is mostly grown in the tropical and subtropical regions. The major coffee production systems include forest, semi-forest, garden and plantations. Coffee is intercropped with other companion crops or leguminous shade trees as low-cost production options to diversify food and cash security. Rainfall is the most important factor governing the distribution of coffee farming and wild coffee forests in Ethiopia. The distribution of rainfall varies greatly across Ethiopia, according to season, altitude and physical features of the landscape. Coffee is made from coffee bean and known to have the properties of keeping drinkers alert and awake. The use of coffee leaves to make tea has long been a tradition in West Sumatera, Ethiopia, Jamaica, India, Java and South Sudan. The main objective of this study is to document the traditional knowledge of people on “Coffee” (Coffea arabica) in Jimma, Ilubabor and West Wollega Zone. This study was conducted in Jimma, Elubabor and West Wollega Zone from January - November, 2019. Multistage sampling technique was employed to collect traditional knowledge of people on Coffea arabica. Primary data were collected from the respondents by distributing questionnaires and focus group discussion. The collected data were analyzed by using SPSS (statistical package for social sciences). The result of the study indicates that: the type of land preferred for the production of Coffeaarabica was semi forest whereas the most preferable soil was sand soil. The type of land preferred for the production of Coffeaarabica was semi forest whereas the most preferable soil was sand soil. Summer and spring were preferable seasons by the farmers of the study area for coffee production. Cordia Africana, Croton macrostachyus, Ziziumguaniense and Acacia abyssinica were very relevant for coffea arabica shade. The respondents manage the disease by removing the affected part of Coffea arabica tree and burning it. Coffea Arabica also has cultural and spiritual values.