The Rift Valley Institute published in September 2026 a report titled "Beyond the Bean: The Political Economy of Coffee in Ethiopia" by Shiferaw Muleta Eyana.
This report covers three case studies conducted in three major coffee belts: Sidama-Gedeo-Guji, Kaffa-Bench-Sheko-Sheka, and Jimma-Buno-Bedele-Ilu Aba Bora. It covers four Ethiopian regions: Sidama, South Ethiopia, Southwest, and Oromia.
After 2018, a major change allowed coffee farmers with a hectare or more to obtain an export license. In practice, however, many face challenges such as limited access to finance and markets. Coffee supplier's role as intermediaries has shrunk since the 2017 reform, as exporters can now buy directly from farmers.
Coffee cooperatives and unions now face stiff competition from traders and exporters who offer farmers immediate cash payments. Their role has declined since the 2027 reform. Patronage and clientelism heavily influence licensing, land grants, and coffee marketing. Corruption is widespread in the coffee sector, involving cooperative leaders, local officials, and state institutions such as law enforcement and customs.
