POLITICS AND COFFEE IN ETHIOPIA

The word "Politics" (ancient Greek: πολιτικός politikós) means: "for or related to citizens". In very simple terms, it is the process of making decisions that apply to all members of a certain group.

​In producing countries (which are almost all very poor), coffee is a fundamental part of the life of its inhabitants and the country's Gross Domestic Product. Therefore, the future and decisions of the coffee industry will always be influenced by a more general vision of a group of politicians, who without having the expertise or without seeking proper advice, decide what "they believe best" for a group of people or coffee farmers, which are ultimately the "heart" that pumps the money into the economy of a coffee producing country.

This is the case of Ethiopia, where the country's majority ethnic group the Oromos (who are mostly coffee producers and farmers), have been at the center of chaos for the past three years, staging violent protests against the central government (led by the minority Tigray ethnic group) accusing them of marginalize Oromos from the rapid economic growth of the country and constant violation of human rights.

​Last month, Hailemariam Desalegn unexpectedly resigned to his post as prime minister, saying that his resignation "was vital to carry out the reforms that Ethiopia needs to have a sustainable and peaceful democracy". A few days ago, Abiy Ahmed was appointed as new Prime Minister. This 42 year old Oromo, born in the coffee town of Agaro, very close to Limmu, has great support from the younger generations of Oromos and also from other ethnic groups.

​We are following very closely the development of the conflict, the lifting of the state of emergency and the general political situation in Ethiopia; If everything goes well, we hope to receive our first shipment of the last crop 2017/18 in Barcelona next June.

To understand the coffee industry of a country, it is essential to understand its political situation and history. Enjoy your coffee!