Jimma Workshop on Gender and Climate Action in Coffee Sector Highlights Strategic Path Forward

A significant workshop organized by the Organization for Social Science Research in Eastern and Southern Africa (OSSREA) took place at Jimma University, focused on developing a comprehensive Gender and Climate Action Plan for Ethiopia’s coffee sector. This initiative is part of the broader Women, Coffee, and Climate project, supported by Spanish Cooperation Ethiopia and the European Union. The workshop brought together key stakeholders from cooperatives, academia, government bodies, and research institutions.

Workshop Goals and Insights The primary objectives were to conduct a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis of gender and climate intersections in the coffee sector and gather expert input for actionable strategies. This collaborative event aimed to strengthen policy recommendations and practices to enhance gender-responsive climate action.

Key Presentations and Discussions Alemu Tesfaye, Regional Programs Manager at OSSREA and project coordinator, outlined the significance of embedding gender equity into climate strategies. He emphasized that addressing both climate impacts and gender dynamics is crucial for fostering resilience and sustainability in Ethiopia’s coffee sector.

Lemlem Abebe from the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EAIR) provided an overview of the coffee industry’s landscape, the role of women in the value chain, and the impact of climate change on production. She also reviewed existing policies and initiatives related to gender and climate resilience.

Interactive SWOT Analysis A participatory SWOT analysis session, led by Abdi Ettefa, encouraged attendees to discuss and document strengths such as deep-rooted community networks and traditional practices, as well as weaknesses like restricted access to agricultural resources for women. Identified opportunities included policy innovations and enhanced training programs, while challenges like climate volatility and socio-economic disparities were highlighted as threats.

Outcomes and Future Prospects The workshop was successful in collecting essential feedback that will guide the development of an enhanced Gender and Climate Action Plan. Participants praised the event for fostering a collaborative environment where shared insights could inform strategies aimed at promoting gender equality and climate resilience.

By engaging diverse stakeholders, OSSREA underscored the importance of inclusive policymaking to bolster the sustainability and productivity of Ethiopia’s coffee sector. This workshop set the stage for future initiatives aimed at equipping the coffee industry to meet climate challenges with gender-inclusive solutions.