Why a shift from Coffee to Chat? A Study of the Kersa Woreda in Jimma Zone of South Western Ethiopia

Abstract

Ethiopia is known as the birth place of the coffee and it is deep-rooted to the life and culture of Ethiopians. Since ages Jimma zone is considered as the synonyms of ‘Bunna’or coffee. These brown beans remain the mainstay of their economic as well as socio-cultural life.  But in last two decades the situation had changed rapidly by a new cash crop-“Chat”.  Chat, an evergreen bushy crop is presently fetching a big demand from domestic and international markets for its stimulant leaves. Farmers are shifting from coffee to chat cultivation, posing a big threat to the coffee industry of country.  Present study is a descriptive research based on the , empirical information gathered through the field survey using questionnaire (open and close ended questions); focus group discussion and interview of the concerned resource persons. Study brings a clear description and comparison of both crops and their impacts on the rural economy and society of the area. The socio-economic situation of the farmers is  not good and high population pressure and lower educational status of the families  worsen the situation. They are opting Chat and replacing Coffee without considering  its  negative impacts on the society.  There is a lack of marketing skill that could bring good economic returns from coffee giving an opportunity for stimulant leaf. Study recommends a strong intervention of government for the coffee trade through opening an extensive network of storage and purchasing centers, declaring purchasing price in advance, and providing insurance to the crop and farmers as well. Education, especially adult education, and health awareness programs are very much needed in the study area that may improve the livelihood of farmers and encourage them to produce the food crop in place of stimulant leaves.

Keywords: Cash crop, Coffee, Chat, Ethiopia, Jimma, Rural management strategies.