Ethiopia - Guji Basha Bekele – Natural Anaerobic

Basha Bekele is a prominent coffee farmer from Bensa woreda, Sidama region, southern Ethiopia. At 30 years old and a father of four, he has made significant strides in the coffee industry, notably winning the Cup of Excellence Ethiopia 2024 with a remarkable score of 90.5.
Basha grows coffee on 12 hectares of semi-forest land, where it produces mainly the traditional (heirloom) variety 74158, known locally as “Walega”. Its farms are located between 1,800 and 2,300 meters above sea level, which contributes to the distinctive flavor profiles of its coffees. In addition to its own production, Basha operates collection points in Bombe, Shantawane and Kokose, where it buys cherries from neighboring producers.

Beyond his farming work, Basha maintains a strong commitment to his community. He is recognized for making a second payment to the 126 producers he buys cherries from once the coffee has been sold, a practice not common in the region. This approach reflects his dedication to fair trade and the well-being of those who produce it.

His processing methods are predominantly natural (cherry-drying), including experiments with anaerobic fermentation. Basha performs flotation selection to remove defects before slowly drying the coffee in raised beds, sometimes in the shade, to ensure quality.