Tibebu Roba

About this coffee

Alongside coffee, Tibebu Roba grows false banana (Enset). False banana looks almost the same as a banana tree but is a different type of plant and is grown for its edible stems and roots. It is the staple crop of Ethiopia, and every part of the tree is used is used including the shade it casts which used to protect coffee trees from too much sun exposure. False banana is a highly resilient plant which can grow in different micro-climates and without a lot of farmer intervention. Tibebu also grows Bisana trees which he says are an important companion for coffee and are grown for their medicinal properties. Bees are highly attracted to Bisana and Tibebu has many beehives around the farm. Diversification on farms is important, it gives farmers additional sources of income, and some protection against fluctuations in crop productivity and value.