Nine oilseeds namely noug, gomenzer, linseed, soybean, sunflower, castor, sesame, ground nut and cotton are important in Ethiopia for edible oil consumption. During the last 60years, 156 varieties with their production practices were registered. Sesame contributes significantly to the foreign currency earnings next to coffee.
What kind of oil is used in Ethiopia?
All other oilseed crops (soybeans, linseed, groundnuts, cottonseed etc.) grown in Ethiopia are almost entirely used domestically. Edible oil for consumption in Ethiopia is mainly imported from different countries. In calendar year (CY) 15, Ethiopia imported 479,000 metric tons of cooking oil, valued at nearly $474 million dollars.
Where are edible oil processing factories located in Ethiopia?
In addition, several large edible oil processing factories are under construction or in a pilot phase (located in Bahir Dar, Debre Markos, Burie, Wolkitie, Sebeta, and Dire Dawa). These large-scale factories have a designed production capacity greater than the annual edible oil demand within Ethiopia.
Why is Ethiopia’s oilseed sector important?
Ethiopia’s oilseed sector plays an important role in generating foreign exchange earnings and supporting the livelihoods of market actors across the value chain.