Ethiopian coffee is deeply connected to the traditions, culture, and farming practices that families have followed for generations. It is produced organically and offers unique flavours in each cup. Coffee beans are Ethiopia’s most important export commodity, bringing more than 30 per cent of export revenue to the country. Over 95 per cent of the coffee exports in Ethiopia come from the local farmers who cultivate coffee plants on small portions of land.
The Ethiopian coffee farmers know the perfect time to pick cherries from the plant. Timing is important as it affects the flavour of coffee. Then the beans are processed naturally using traditional coffee processing methods. This entire process, from planting to harvesting and processing, requires labour and hard work. Many local farmers depend on coffee for their livelihood. In this blog, let’s discuss how coffee exporters support smallholder farmers in Ethiopia.
Income generation
Coffee exports provide one of the major income streams for the small farmers in Ethiopia. Coffee is the main export commodity in Ethiopia. The earnings from selling coffee beans help the local farmers to meet the basic needs of their lives, such as food, education, and health care.
In some of the regions of Ethiopia, coffee generates more than 60% of household income, where other opportunities are not available. As there is an increase in demand for speciality coffee, the local farmers can benefit from it.
Seasonal income during harvesting
The coffee farming provides both seasonal and full-time employment opportunities to the farmers. During the harvest season, the entire community comes together to harvest and process coffee.
- Ethiopian coffee farmers carefully pick ripe coffee cherries to maintain the coffee quality.
- Local laborers assist in the coffee processing methods, such as drying and sorting.
- Families work together and provide mutual support during the harvest season.
The seasonal employment during the harvest and coffee processing period provides additional income to the farmers and the laborers. Many people are involved in the process of picking cherries from the plant to sorting them and processing the beans in traditional methods.
Sustains livelihood and rural economy
For more than 15 million people in Ethiopia, coffee cultivation provides a primary source of income. Many local farmers consider coffee cultivation as a way of life rather than considering it as an income source. They have traditional knowledge about the plant varieties, soil, and climate passed down through generations that makes the Ethiopian coffee bean special. The country maintains a strong coffee supply, and it helps in stabilising rural economies and reducing poverty.
As cultivation of the coffee plant provides them a source of income, it reduces urban migration and allows local farmers to maintain a sustainable method of coffee cultivation. Coffee exports have also strengthened the local economy of Ethiopia.
Opportunities in the global market
The coffee exports and high demand for speciality coffee have increased the value of Ethiopian coffee beans. This has opened opportunities to the niche market of coffee beans that gives a premium price for high-quality coffee beans. The demand for Ethiopian beans is surging due to their unique flavour profiles resulting from the organic traditional farming methods and thousands of indigenous plant varieties.
Preserves traditional farming knowledge
Ethiopian coffee is valued for its unique and flavourful coffee. The local farmers in the country grow coffee under the shade of native trees and avoid using chemicals and fertilisers. Moreover, they rely on traditional coffee processing methods such as drying and wet washing. These practices preserve the distinct flavours of Ethiopian coffee and protect the environment. The coffee exporters value Ethiopian coffee beans for their uniqueness. Thus, coffee exports help the farmers to preserve their traditional knowledge and culture.
Cooperative structure
The majority of the smallholder farmers are part of coffee cooperatives in the region. The cooperative structure in the coffee bean sourcing helps them to access the international market. They also provide training in sustainable and efficient farming methods. These cooperatives ensure that the farmers receive fair prices for the coffee beans. Furthermore, when the price of the coffee beans fluctuates, the cooperative systems give them collective bargaining power. The cooperative unions have transformed the lives of rural livelihoods as they have improved the transparency and income distribution.
Part of the coffee supply chain
An increase in coffee exports has resulted in the local farmers being an integral part of the coffee supply chain of Ethiopia. The exporters, cooperatives, and government agencies are working together to build a sustainable coffee supply chain.
- Build infrastructure such as roads and washing stations to process coffee beans.
- They train farmers on farming practices to produce more yield.
- Ensures traceability and quality control in the coffee supply chain.
- Promotes gender equality by incorporating women in the workforce.
Conclusion
Ethiopian coffee farmers play an important role in coffee exports from the country. Their traditional and sustainable farming methods and flavourful coffee are the main reasons for the high demand. The coffee exports have guaranteed them the money required for their daily lives. The local smallholder farmers are an integral part of the global coffee supply system.
Ethical sourcing and fair pricing in the global market have guaranteed sufficient returns for the beans. The coffee exporters ensure a consistent supply of coffee beans in the global market and contribute to the economic and social development of the small farmer community in Ethiopia.