Strategies to improve the quantity and quality of export coffee in Ethiopia, a look at multiple opportunities

Abstract

Coffee is the most popular mild stimulant crop due to its refreshment properties and several health advantages. It's also an industrial crop, with its flavor and perfume making it a popular addition to processed foods. Ethiopia provides the highest quality coffee since it is the birthplace of Arabica coffee. It is Ethiopia's most important export item. In the country, smallholders produce 95% of the coffee, with little or no intensification of the production system. Furthermore, half of the coffee produced is consumed locally. Coffee is being commercialized not only in Ethiopia, but also in the world, with Brazil being the biggest coffee grower. Despite Ethiopia's good agroclimatic conditions, coffee is not grown “commercially” throughout the country. Harar, Sidama, Limu/Djimmah, Teppi/Bebeka, and Yirgachefe are the five main regions of coffee production. They are found in Oromia and Souther Nations and Nationalities People (SNNP) regions of Ethiopia. Even the coffee consumed locally is sourced from the five major coffee-producing regions mentioned. This domestic consumption can minimize the export potential of the country. Therefore, Ethiopia should consider a variety of options in order to improve its coffee export status. 1. Ethiopia should expand its commercial coffee production areas to include Amhara, Gambella, Benishangul Gumuz, and Tigrai, as these regions have suitable agroclimatic conditions for coffee production. 2. Ethiopia should adopt a system of intense coffee production. Commercial farms should be encouraged, and at least half of the coffee exported should come from commercial farms that can produce coffee in a high-volume manner. 3. The process of combining and diversifying the coffee producing system with other crops should be encouraged. Coffee can be combined with spices, bananas, and other similar crops. As a result, coffee will not be the primary source of income for growers, and they will be able to maximize their earnings from the same land they used to cultivate. This may entice both the commercial and public sectors to invest in high-quality coffee for export. As a result, the country will be able to produce more for domestic consumption as well as export market. • Coffee is the main mean of livelihood for many Ethiopians. • Ethiopia is the birthplace of best quality coffee. • The commercial production of coffee in Ethiopia is limited to its place of origin. • The country should boost its production together with maintaining quality. • All potential areas of the country should be explored at least to fill the domestic consumption. • Commercialization of the coffee farm (intensive farming system). • Intercropping coffee with other crops (Banana, Spice). • Coffee Honey bee Integration should be adopted.