Tripling Coffee yields in Ethiopia
A 550-hectare open-field coffee plantation in Ethiopia, completed in 2022, combined advanced engineered irrigation design and full automation to overcome topographic and infrastructure challenges—resulting in a threefold increase in crop yield over traditional methods.
Location:
Ethiopia
Project Size:
550 ha
Crop:
Coffee
Irrigation Type:
Drip Irrigation
Challenge
The project faced multiple challenges, including complex topography, remote location, and demanding civil engineering tasks such as reservoir construction, well drilling, and building water channels. Managing consistent water pressure across uneven terrain required splitting the system into pressure zones and incorporating booster pumps.
Resolution
To address these issues, a fully automated irrigation system was installed using an irrigation controller, sensors, and a weather station. The solution included Vardit driplines laid under plastic cover, powered by pumps across four stations. A robust filtration system, fertigation tables, and two large reservoirs were also integrated. All planning and “dry installation” testing were done pre shipping to ensure accuracy and efficiency—leading to a 3x yield improvement.
