Ethiopian Coffee Remains Strategic Asset and Living Heritage - Agriculture Ministry

Addis Ababa — The remarks were made during a high-level policy forum held on Tuesday as part of the 3rd African Coffee Week in Addis Ababa. Speaking at the forum, State Minister of Agriculture Meles Mekonnen said coffee sustains the livelihoods of more than four million smallholder farmers in Ethiopia and plays a critical role in connecting African communities to global markets. "Coffee is far more than a tradable commodity. It is and will remain one of Africa's most powerful symbols and strategic assets," Meles said. Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn Despite its immense economic and cultural significance, he warned that the sector is facing growing challenges, particularly due to climate change. Shifting rainfall patterns, rising temperatures and increasing pest pressures are already threatening the fragile ecosystems that support coffee production, he noted. Meles stressed that smallholder farmers are on the frontline of these impacts, underscoring the ...