Ethiopia, considered the birthplace of coffee, has the potential to earn up to an additional 5.8 billion USD per year from its coffee resources, according to coffee biodiversity researcher Tadesse Woldemariam. Despite having a suitable ecosystem for the coffee sector, the country has yet to fully benefit from this industry as expected.
Tadesse explained that Ethiopia's vast coffee biodiversity enables the country to improve the quality and productivity of its coffee. The presence of many genetic resources of forest coffee in coffee-growing areas is crucial for preserving coffee species. Modernizing genetic laboratory machinery is essential to enhance coffee quality, prevent diseases, and combat climate change.
"If Ethiopia's coffee biodiversity can be protected and made to provide sustainable benefits, it can generate an additional income of up to 5.8 billion USD per year," Tadesse elaborated.
The researcher emphasized the importance of establishing proper mechanisms for protecting coffee biodiversity. Through collaborative efforts with UNESCO, the Yayu, Kefa, Sheko, and Messenger coffee biodiversity forests have been safeguarded.
Tadesse noted that coffee farmers need access to technology and expertise to preserve the natural taste and quality of coffee. As the country generates significant foreign currency from coffee exports, research-driven activities must be strengthened to protect coffee biodiversity and ensure sustainable use of the ecosystem.
For the current Ethiopian fiscal year, the nation has planned to earn 1.75 billion USD by exporting 350,000 tons of coffee.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency (ENA)