Yirgachefe Agricultural Research Center
A specialized research center leveraging the region’s global reputation for premium coffee while addressing broader agricultural challenges through innovative research and sustainable practices.
Vision & Mission
Vision
To be a world-class center of excellence in coffee research while promoting sustainable agricultural development in the Gedeo zone.
Mission
To conduct innovative coffee research, develop sustainable agricultural technologies, and enhance the livelihoods of coffee farmers and rural communities.
Key Research Areas
- Coffee variety development and improvement
- Sustainable coffee production systems
- Coffee quality enhancement and processing
- Climate change adaptation strategies for coffee
- Integrated crop-livestock systems in coffee areas
Achievements & Impact
- Established state-of-the-art coffee research facilities
- Initiated coffee genetic diversity conservation programs
- Developed partnerships with international coffee research institutes
- Launched coffee quality improvement initiatives
- Established demonstration plots for sustainable coffee practices
Research Facilities
- • Coffee research laboratory and cupping facility
- • Coffee genetic resource conservation center
- • Field research stations in different agro-ecological zones
- • Coffee processing and quality testing facility
- • Nursery for coffee seedling production
- • Training center for coffee farmers
- • Climate monitoring stations
Research Focus Areas
Coffee Research Excellence
Leading research on Yirgachefe’s renowned Arabica coffee, focusing on disease resistance,
climate adaptation, and post-harvest processing to maintain global quality standards.
- Coffee berry disease management
- Climate-smart coffee production
- Post-harvest processing innovation
- Quality enhancement research
- Market competitiveness studies
Crop Research & Development
Comprehensive research on staple crops including maize, teff, and root crops, as well as
high-value horticultural crops suited to highland and midland agro-ecologies.
- Staple crop improvement
- Horticultural crop development
- Climate-resilient varieties
- Nutritional enhancement
Livestock Systems
Development of improved livestock breeds and management practices, focusing on small ruminants,
poultry, and apiculture for smallholder farmers and agro-pastoralists.
- Small ruminant improvement
- Poultry production systems
- Apiculture development
- Integrated farming systems
Natural Resources Management
Research on soil conservation, water management, and agroforestry systems to address
environmental challenges and promote sustainable land use practices.
- Soil erosion control
- Water scarcity solutions
- Agroforestry systems
- Sustainable land management
Strategic Importance
Global Coffee Leadership
Supporting Ethiopia’s position in the global coffee market while maintaining Yirgachefe’s
premium quality reputation through scientific research and innovation.
Climate Resilience
Addressing local challenges such as climate variability, soil degradation, and market access
through targeted research and sustainable solutions.
Community Engagement
Enhancing agricultural resilience and driving economic growth through participatory research
with local farmers, cooperatives, and women’s groups.