Efficacy of coffee farmers’ cooperatives in Gimbo Woreda, Kafa Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the trend of cooperative unions towards quality coffee production and supply and identify the challenges of coffee farmers’ cooperative unions in Gimbo woreda (district). Ten cooperative unions located in the woreda were selected to conduct the study. To achieve the objective of the study descriptive research design was employed and to obtain relevant information, 333 union members were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Both primary and secondary data were collected through questionnaires, interviews and document analysis. Collected data were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. The study revealed that farmers are effectively applying agronomic, physiological, pre- and post-harvest activities and producing quality coffee. However, they are not getting economic benefits from their product. Due to this, they are not motivated to produce high amounts and quality of coffee on their farmland. Cooperatives are not effectively providing services for their members. The government is also playing a role in improving the performance of cooperatives. Thus, it is recommended that all concerned bodies need to give due attention to improving the performance of cooperatives and members’ economic benefit