Gimbo

The Gimbo area is located a few kilometres from the town of Bonga, in the Kaffa appellation. Farmers in this area work their land with the utmost care, particularly when it comes to preserving the forest in which the coffee trees grow. The Gimbo forest contains more than 10 species of shade tree, some of which are renowned for their contribution to the coffee trees.

For example, the leaves of the Wanza tree (cordia africana) make excellent natural compost as they decompose. This tree is also used to make furniture, which can provide additional income for farmers if the agroforestry model is properly managed. The leaves of the Bisana (Croton macrostachyus) also support soil fertility, while the crown of the Sasa (Albizia schimperiana) - which spreads out like a parasol - provides beneficial shade for the coffee trees.

Well-known for its natural biodiversity and Arabica coffee, Kaffa has been designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. Tropical forests cover most of Kaffa. It is said that the Kaffa people of south-west Ethiopia were the first to cultivate coffee. The administrative town is known as Bonga. 

The best-known varieties, originally from Kaffa, are Geisha and Wush wush. A little anecdote: the village of Buni (Decha district of Kaffa) is said to have given rise to the Amharic word Buna or Arabic Bun, meaning coffee. This region is famous for its spices (pepper, maniguette, etc.) and honey. A product which, like coffee, is closely associated with high-altitude tropical forests.