From Ashes to Excellence: The Inspiring Story of Suke Quto Farm
In the heart of Ethiopia’s Guji Zone, amidst the rolling highlands and volcanic soils of Odo Shakisso woreda, a remarkable story of resilience unfolds. It’s the story of Tesfaye Bekele and the creation of Suke Quto Farm—a name now synonymous with exceptional coffee, conservation, and community impact. But Suke Quto’s rise wasn’t born from ease; it emerged from ashes.
The Aftermath of the Bushfires
In the late 1990s, disaster struck Guji. A series of devastating bushfires swept across the region, consuming over 5,000 acres of lush forest. The damage wasn’t just environmental—it displaced families, destroyed ecosystems, and threatened local livelihoods. As a Natural Resource and Environmental Protection official, Tesfaye was tasked with leading the recovery efforts in Guji and the neighboring Borena zone.
Recognizing the need for more than short-term relief, Tesfaye proposed a bold, unconventional solution: reforest the area and introduce coffee trees as a sustainable crop to support the community’s future. This ambitious vision sought to heal the land while offering locals an alternative to traditional farming methods, like cultivating teff and maize, which offered little long-term economic security.
The Seeds of Scepticism
Tesfaye’s proposal was met with hesitation. Coffee trees can take up to four or five years to yield their first cherries—a daunting wait for farmers already facing hardship. When Tesfaye distributed seedlings, many farmers returned them, disillusioned by the long road ahead. Undeterred, Tesfaye took matters into his own hands.
He reserved a small plot of land and established a coffee seedling nursery with government funding. He planted and nurtured the seedlings himself, determined to prove that coffee could be the key to Guji’s recovery. Slowly but surely, Tesfaye’s vision began to take root. After the first harvest, curious locals returned—this time asking for seedlings rather than rejecting them.
A Farm Flourishes
By 2000, Suke Quto Farm was officially established. The farm, named after the surrounding forest, grew steadily, expanding across the fertile highlands and valleys of Guji. Tesfaye’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices became a cornerstone of the farm’s operations.
Using organic recycling methods—like incorporating litterfall and root residue from coffee and shade trees—Suke Quto nurtures its volcanic soil without the use of chemical fertilizers. This dedication to sustainability earned the farm both Organic and Rainforest Alliance certifications, setting it apart as a leader in eco-conscious coffee production.
From Skepticism to Success
What began as a solitary effort by Tesfaye Bekele is now a collaborative enterprise involving 171 outgrowers and over 200 seasonal workers. These outgrowers deliver their cherries to Suke Quto’s washing and drying station, which processes the beans with precision. The station’s Agared pulper, known for its minimal impact on the beans' mucilage, enhances the washed process, producing coffee with exceptional clarity and vibrancy.
Suke Quto’s washed Kurume and Welicho varieties showcase this craftsmanship in every cup. Notes of floral bouquets, bright lemon, and sweet peach define a coffee experience that is as complex as it is refreshing.
Community Impact: Beyond Coffee
Tesfaye’s vision didn’t stop with coffee cultivation. Through partnerships with dedicated buyers like Trabocca, he has spearheaded community projects that extend far beyond the farm. One of his most notable initiatives is the Suke Quto School Project, which led to the construction of a new school building in the nearby village of Kurume. This project reflects Tesfaye’s belief that coffee farming isn’t just about producing beans—it’s about nurturing people, education, and future generations.
A Legacy of Resilience
The story of Suke Quto Farm is a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and community. What once seemed an insurmountable challenge—the devastation of an entire forest—became an opportunity to rebuild, innovate, and thrive. Tesfaye Bekele’s journey from government official to pioneering coffee farmer reshaped the Guji region and inspired farmers to see coffee as more than a crop—it became a symbol of hope, sustainability, and excellence.
As you savor a cup of Suke Quto’s washed Kurume and Welicho, remember the story behind each sip: the ashes of the past, the resilience of the present, and the excellence that defines its future.