Ethiopia | Lalesa | Heirloom | Natural

by Proud Mary Coffee

Region: Gedeb, Gedeo, SERS Elevation: 2150-2200 masl About: Established in July 2023, the Lalesa drying station is led by an Ethiopian woman-owned exporter dedicated to empowering women farmers and driving change through coffee.   At 2,150–2,200 metres above sea level, smallholder farmers cultivate heirloom varieties beneath ensete (false banana) shade, using natural methods free from chemical fertilisers or pesticides.  Through the Ama Commitment scheme, women farmers receive significantly better prices than the local market, strengthening financial security and rewarding quality. At Lalesa, the scheme has also helped establish an on-site day care centre, giving children a head start and allowing mothers to focus on harvest work.  This woman-led approach ensures that every cup supports sustainability, gender equity and meaningful social impact in rural Ethiopia, proving coffee can be a catalyst for lasting change.