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For Ethiopian coffee exporter, development begins with farmers

For Ethiopian coffee exporter, development begins with farmers

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An Ethiopian coffee exporter has been explaining why farmers are crucial to her country’s development.

Asnakech Thomas said coffee has fuelled change in her community of Amaro, about 500 km from the capital, Addis Ababa.

From her family farm Ms Thomas began with a team of five coffee growers which has expanded to a district network 17,000 strong.

Through training, they’ve produced quality coffee which is sold directly to consumers.

Priscilla Lecomte caught up with Ms Thomas over a cup of strong Ethiopian coffee at the Third International Conference on Financing for Development which concluded on Thursday.

Photo Credit
UN PHOTO/Priscilla Lecomte