Exploring optimal land suitability for coffee production in Abaya and Gelana Districts, West Guji Zone, Oromia, Southern Ethiopia

Coffee production in Abaya and Gelana needs précis land mapping amid and climate issues to increase sustainable yields. This study aimed to analyze optimal land suitability for coffee production in Abaya and Gelana Districts using Geographical Information System, Remote Sensing, and Analytical Hierarchy Process-based techniques. A mixed-methods approach was adopted using an explanatory sequential research design, combining quantitative analysis of questionnaires from 398 respondents with qualitative insights from interviews. The coffee suitability map areas were classified as highly (S1), moderately (S2), or marginally suitable (S3) based on weighted factors in accordance with Food and Agriculture Organization guidelines. In the Abaya District, 19.6% of the land is highly suitable, 43% moderately suitable, and 0.49% marginally suitable for coffee production. In the Gelana District, 5.1% of land is highly suitable, 15% moderately suitable, and 71.5% marginally suitable. Cross-tabulation results indicated that climate (99.07%), soil fertility (97.5%), and infrastructure (98.59%) are the main determinants of coffee land suitability, with economic factors being secondary. The results are supported by focus group discussions and key informant interviews, which suggest that the community is concerned about inadequate roads restricting access to markets and support services, fluctuating rainfall interfering with planting, and deteriorating soil fertility affecting production. The study identified optimal coffee-suitable land in the northern, central, and southern parts of the Abaya District and in the southwest and northwest parts of the Gelana District. The Abaya District has more highly suitable land for coffee, supporting larger-scale farming, while the Gelana District offers smaller but viable areas for localized production. To enhance productivity in these areas, the study recommends advancing infrastructure, adopting sustainable practices, and addressing economic and technological challenges.