Page 178 - AJWEP-22-4

Deresse, et al.

Gelo, which collectively comprise the bulk of the ideal and Odo Derba kebeles. The existence of marginally and
coffee-growing area in Abaya. Similar to this, the Gelana moderately favorable zones, however, suggests that site
District has a significant number of locations that are conditions vary, most likely due to terrain, soil quality, and
ideal for coffee production, particularly in the Meteri microclimate. These findings are essential for directing
resource allocation, focused agricultural planning, and
A sustainable coffee growing methods, ensuring efficient
land use and raising output in both districts.
In the Abaya District, Gwanigwa Badiya (297.74 ha;
2.27%) is moderately suitable for coffee production,
while Bunata (20.52 ha; 3.81%) and Odo Mike (13.97
ha; 2.6%) are marginally suitable for coffee production
(Figure 12). In the Gelana District, Jirme (1310.08 ha;
7.11%) is marginally suitable for coffee production, and
B Giwe (9288.78 ha; 9.27%) is moderately suitable for
coffee production (Figure 12). Focus group discussions
(FGD) and key informant interviews (KII) recommend
these areas as optimal for coffee farming.
Survey and GIS analysis reveal significant differences
in coffee suitability between Abaya and Gelana Districts.
Abaya has larger, contiguous, highly suitable areas, such
as Dibichala Luniche, Gelo, and Dokicha, supporting
C extensive coffee farming. In contrast, Gelana’s smaller,
fragmented suitable areas, like Meteri, Odo Derba, and
Shamole, suggest smaller-scale operations. Abaya’s
favorable topography, soil, and climate enable scalability,
while Gelana’s varied conditions limit large-scale coffee
production, favoring localized farming.

3.3. Optimal land suitability map for coffee
production
Optimal land suitability for coffee production in Abaya
Figure 11. Analysis of socioeconomic factors: and Gelana Districts is determined by factors like soil,
monthly income distribution (A), income sources temperature, rainfall, slope, elevation, and land use. In
(B), and land size (C) Abaya, Dibichala Luniche (24935.56 ha; 43.3%), Gelo

Table 12. Cross‑tabulation of land suitability and determinant factors
Factor Response, n (% within CP) Total
Yes No
Soil fertility 79 (97.5) 2 (2.47) 81
Landscape and topography 61 (93.8) 4 (6.15) 65
Land use/cover 38 (92.68) 3 (7.3) 41
Climate condition 107 (99.07) 1 (0.9) 108
Development of a new coffee variety 13 (92.86) 1 (7.1) 14
Growing demand for coffee 12 (66.67) 6 (33.33) 18
Accessibility to roads, markets, and water bodies 70 (98.59) 1 (1.4) 71
Total 380 18 398
Note: Column percentage total (CPT); dichotomy group tabulated at value 1.
Abbreviation: CP: Column percentage.

Volume 22 Issue 4 (2025) 170 doi: 10.36922/AJWEP025190143