Quality Status Evaluation of Gurage Coffee (Coffea arabica L.), Southern Ethiopia

Coffee (Coffea arabica L.) is originated from Ethiopia and used as export earnings in the national economy, contributing decisively to the country’s foreign exchange. It is the major cash crop for small holding farmers who live in south, central and southwest parts of the country. The experiment was conducted in Gurage Zone found in Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples Regional State, of Ethiopia located between 7.80 - 8.50 latitude and 37.50 -38.70 longitude. This research was designed to evaluate the status of Gurage coffee local land race in relation to growing altitude and shade effect on quality. Coffee type by altitude was highly significant for shape and make, raw quality, acidity, cup quality and total quality and also significant difference were achieved for screen size, body, flavor and overall quality. Coffee type by shade type was highly and significantly affects acidity, overall quality and cup quality and significant difference was exempted for body. Coffees grown in Gurage zone can be inter into specialty market if it is processed in recommended dry method. The effects of some soil properties were also evident on coffee quality, demonstrating the importance to consider soils for the sustainable production of high quality coffees. Keywords: altitude , local land race, quality and shade