Creating Sustainable Organic Cotton Production in Ethiopia

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11.10

2026

As it is known Partner Africa Ethiopia in collaboration with Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) and Ethiopian textile and Garment Manufacturing Association (ETGAMA) have been working on organic cotton production Arbaminch and Afar region. The project has been showing promising result since the implementation in terms of quantity as well as quality production. The project has played a major role in creating a value chain which was non-existence in the sector. The PAE team conducted a mission in September to follow up the status of this years production in Arbaminch and Afar region. During the mission in Arbaminch and wolalita, the team visited different cotton fields and held discussions with major stake holders in order to discuss on how to maintain a sustainable production which is beneficial to all parties across the value chain. The project is also supporting the construction of organic cotton storage units in both Arbaminch and Wolaita zone which is vital for the organic cotton certification process.

Fig 1. Organic cotton storage unit being constructed in Ugayo, Gamo zone

The team also visited cotton fields in different villages in Afar region. Since the region is mainly using irrigation system from the Awash river the production results are very good.

Fig 2. Organic cotton senbeleta big farm in Gerene Woreda, Afar region

The project has also played a role in market linkage with the local textile industry. In regards to this MNS textile industry has purchased organic cotton for Gamo and wolaita zone and is currently processing it to yarn which will be supplied to local market as well as export market.