Nigusse Nare is a smallholder coffee farmer based in Uraga, a highland district in Ethiopia’s Guji Zone. His farm covers about 6 hectares and sits at an elevation of around 2,100 meters above sea level. Like many growers in this part of Ethiopia, Nigusse cultivates coffee under the shade of native trees, using traditional, organic methods passed down through generations. Coffee has always been part of Nigusse’s life. His family has farmed in the Guji highlands for decades, relying on the land for both food and income. Today, Nigusse continues that legacy, managing the farm with support from his wife and children. He grows local heirloom coffee varieties and uses compost and mulch to maintain soil health. Depending on the season and market access, Nigusse either sells his cherries to a local cooperative washing station or processes them himself at home. In recent years, he has started separating small lots to improve quality and traceability, often with guidance from local agronomists and exporter partners. Life as a smallholder in Guji isn’t easy. Farmers like Nigusse deal with unpredictable weather, limited infrastructure, and rising costs. Still, he remains committed to improving his farm and producing better coffee each year. Nigusse Nare’s story reflects the strength and resilience of Ethiopia’s smallholder coffee producers — families who live and work in remote, high-altitude areas, and whose efforts form the backbone of the country’s coffee industry. IG: @nigussienare
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