Kaffa

Kaffa, also spelled Keffa, is a historic region in southwestern Ethiopia. It was the heartland of the former Kingdom of Kaffa and is today represented by the Kaffa Zone within the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region. The administrative center of the zone is the town of Bonga.

Geography and environment: The area lies in the Ethiopian highlands, with rugged terrain and elevations ranging roughly from 1,000 to 2,400 meters. It contains moist montane forests and is part of a biodiversity hotspot that is linked to coffee's historical spread from this region.

History and culture: The Kingdom of Kaffa flourished from the 15th to the 19th centuries and was annexed into the Ethiopian Empire in the 1890s under Menelik II. Kaffa is traditionally associated with the origin of coffee, and local lore often describes a farmer's discovery of its effects.

Economy and demographics: Agriculture is the main economic activity, with coffee a major cash crop alongside other staples and spices. The region is inhabited by Keffa-speaking communities and neighboring groups, with languages that belong to the Omotic family. Development and conservation challenges, including habitat protection, are addressed in part by protected areas such as the Kaffa Biosphere Reserve.

See also: Kaffa Biosphere Reserve; Keffa language; coffee origin.