Assessments on Pre and Post Coffee Harvesting Technologies in Southwestern Oromia

Based on the survey data results, Coffee is a vital cash crop in Southwestern Oromia, playing a significant role in the region's economy and the livelihoods of household farmers. Despite a long history of coffee production in southwestern Oromia, its production declined due to improper pre- and post-harvest handling practices. Assessing pre- and post-harvesting technologies is a significant issue. The purpose of this study was aimed at assessing pre- and post-coffee harvesting technology status and its main challenges in southwestern Oromia. The study was conducted in Jimma, Bunno Bedelle, and Ilu Abba Bora zones of six selected districts. During the assessments, focus group discussions and key informant interviews with farmers and experts used both purposive and simple random techniques. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the collected data. The cultivable land size for coffee growers varies, with most having between 0.12 and 5.5 hectares. This study assessed various technologies used in the area. Pre-harvest technologies such as improved coffee varieties, hole digging and weeding, pruning technology as well as post-harvest technologies, wet and dry processing technologies, drying and storage technologies, to enhance coffee quality. To improve the quality, efficiency, and sustainability of coffee production, the introduction of appropriate pre- and post-harvest technologies can significantly benefit coffee producer farmers in southwestern Oromia.