Ethiopian Coffee, Tea and Spices Sector Gender Equality Strategy – Public Short Version

The coffee, tea, and spice sector is a vital component of our country’s agricultural industry, playing a significant role in economic growth. It contributes substantially to foreign exchange earnings, job creation, and food security. This sector supports the livelihoods of approximately 5 million farmers and directly or indirectly sustains 25 percent of our population. To enhance the modernization, production efficiency, equitable usage, and sustainability of the coffee market value chain—from farm to buyer—the Ethiopian government established the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority (ECTA) under Proclamation No. 364/2016.

Despite systemic gender equality and fair usage being enforced through various international and national policies, laws, strategies, and plans, studies, including a context analysis by ECTA, reveal low levels of tangible compliance and utilization. Factors contributing to the low participation and inclusion of women include inadequate extension services, limited access to credit, insufficient gender mainstreaming in resource and technology provision, and a lack of supportive investment laws. Additionally, societal attitudes towards gender equality and low levels of skills and awareness further hinder women’s involvement.

Given these challenges, ECTA has formulated this strategy document for the coffee, tea, and spices sector. This document includes sections on objectives, relevance and need, context analysis, strategic issues, goals, main functions, implementation strategies, and summaries, providing a comprehensive roadmap for enhancing gender equality and promoting sustainable practices within the sector.