The history of coffee cultivation in Nekemte, reflects Ethiopia's deep connection to coffee. It began with the discovery of wild coffee forests in Waba Eba, a locality in Anfillo, which started the spread of coffee farming to neighboring highlands such as Yeti, Shebel, Ashi, Ubur, and Suddi. The region's high altitudes, fertile volcanic soils, and temperate climates provided ideal conditions for coffee cultivation, shaping the landscape and culture over time.
Coffee farming in this area is more than an agricultural activity; it holds significant cultural and traditional importance.
The coffee trade from Nekemte and surrounding areas evolved significantly in the 1920s.