BACKGROUND
Gibuzale is part of an Arabica-focused area on the middle
and lower slopes of Mt. Elgon, an inactive volcano in Eastern
Uganda. Gibuzale is home to the Gibuzale Washing Station,
the most remote of all the Kyagalanyi stations. Even though
the landscape has difficulties due to heavy rains, the farmers
bring their cherries to sell in the washing station.
The climate has traditionally been predominantly rainy
during the harvesting months, however a changing climate is
bringing less rain and higher temperatures, making the
choice of drought-resistant varieties.
In areas with rainfall occurring throughout the drying
period, farmers often use raised African beds, which allow
air to circulate under the coffee and, water to drain away
easily. The raised beds are quite high off the ground and
made with a wooden frame and nylon mesh for drainage.
The coffee is raked, turned and dried in the same way as
patio drying but with the bonus of the raised beds, which
generally result in a better drying and an improved quality
finished product.
