ETHIOPIA
The Italian government and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) are working together to improve the quality and brand identity of Ethiopian coffee. If successful, the effort could increase both Ethiopian exports and incomes for small farmers.
The project, called “Improving the Sustainability and Inclusiveness of the Ethiopian Coffee Value Chain through Private and Public Partnership,” is funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation at $2.72 million and managed by UNIDO with help from Illycaffè, the Ernesto Illy Foundation, and Ethiopian organizations.
“Italy is investing important resources in the economic development of Ethiopia through the support for agricultural value chains and agro-industry,” said Giuseppe Mistretta, Italy’s ambassador to Ethiopia. “We see agricultural and industrial development as strongly related. I appreciate the collaboration with Illycaffè and their effort to promote Ethiopian coffee,” he said.
This initiative will strategically support smallholder farmers and cooperatives with a focus on introducing best agronomical practices to increase yields, improve skill sets and enhance post-harvest processed and capabilities.