Sesame

Ethiopia’s economy is mostly based on agriculture, comprising of half of the gross domestic product (GDP), 83.9% of exports and 80% of employment. The country has great agricultural potential because of its vast areas of arable land, diverse climate, mostly sufficient rainfall, and large labor pool.

Ethiopia is one of the hearts of several oilseeds as they are indigenous and on high demand in the international food market, which therefore increases their value. Sesame is Ethiopia’s most vital oilseed in both local and export markets. The country mostly trades the crop in whole, raw form.

The Ethiopian sesame seed is ranked as one of the best in the world and is one of the countries that harvests the seed the in the world. Sesame is only the second most exported commodity from the country, coffee being the first. The origin of the seed is unknown but rumour has it that it originates from the Horn of Africa. It is studied that Ethiopians have grown and cultivated the seed for many centuries since the climate diversity is ideal for the crop.

Sesame is mostly produced in Gambella and other southern regions. Farmers in Humera, and Welkayit also cultivate sesame since it is their main livelihood. Other regions include Benishangul-Gumuz and Tigray. The Amhara region produces the most sesame in the north of the country. Other producing regions are Metema and Wollo.