The Oromia Coffee Farmers’ Cooperative Union has generated €1,794,934 from carbon credit sales.
Union General Manager Dejene Dadi told the Ethiopia Press Agency (EPA) that the income was secured by encouraging member farmers to adopt renewable energy sources and fuel-efficient stoves, thereby reducing carbon emissions. Between 2022 and 2023, the union sold 97,222 tons of carbon credits in the Wollega area through the international “Gold Standard” trading system.
Dejene highlighted that 70% of the revenue is distributed as dividends to farmers, directly benefiting 7,250 households. Farmers also receive free fuel-efficient stoves, which reduce smoke inhalation risks while promoting healthy cooking practices.
The initiative has created job opportunities for unemployed youths, who were trained to produce high-quality fuel-efficient stoves supplied to farmers.
The Union has expanded its efforts to reduce deforestation and carbon emissions, with plans to double foreign exchange earnings from carbon credit sales. Despite global deforestation contributing to 40 billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, the project contributes to Ethiopia’s long-term goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
This innovative approach combines environmental preservation with economic empowerment for Ethiopia’s coffee farmers.
Source: The Ethiopian Herald
