The region
Guji
The Guji region was considered part of the Sidama and eventually recognised as its region in 2022. It has been the home of the Oromo people for centuries, and over the years many eastern Ethiopian people migrated to the region as part of government relocation programs. Like other parts of Ethiopia, the locals grow coffee and other cash crops as their main source of income. On average, the locals own four hectares of land to farm.
The Mormora river and its tributaries water the land and transform it into a fertile, lush land with deep, rich red soil. The high altitude as well as high-level trees that provide shade set up a perfect environment for coffee cultivation.
Although Guji was considered to be part of Sidama, coffee from this region has developed its distinct fruits, deep chocolate and light floral flavours that are different from Sidama and Yirgacheffee's coffee. A later study found it is due to Landrace varieties native to the land, for example, the Badessa, Khudumi, Miqe, Sawa, and Wolichu varieties.