Current status of coffee (Coffea arabica L.) technology dissemination in the Afalach watershed, Ethiopia

Coffee is one of the most important global agricultural commodities and plays a key economic role in Ethiopia. However, productivity remains low in many coffee-growing areas due to limited use of improved technologies. This study assessed the current status of coffee production technologies in the Afalach watershed. From 113 total population 73 farmers were randomly selected based on their willingness and involvement in coffee production. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires, field observations, transect walks, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. Both quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using SPSS software. The results showed that most farmers had only 1–10 years of experience in coffee production, indicating that coffee farming is relatively recent in the area. The majority of households allocated less than 0.125 ha of land to coffee and produced yields below the national average (1 quintal per hectare). Most farmers relied on local coffee varieties and did not apply organic or inorganic fertilizers. Selective handpicking was the dominant harvesting method. The study highlights limited adoption of improved coffee technologies in the watershed. Promoting improved coffee varieties, strengthening farmer training on production practices, and encouraging compost preparation are recommended to enhance productivity.