At present, coffee is one of the most important cash crops in the Sidama region of Southern Ethiopia. Over half of the total population of Sidama depend on coffee growing for their livelihood and about 40 percent of coffee destined to the export market comes directly from this region.

Currently some dispute centres around whether it is proper to use the term "Sidamo", rather than Sidama. Dr Wolassa Kumo argues that ceasing to use "Sidamo" is a needed change along with integration of the coffee industry into the fair trade system. To access the article, please click here.