With coffee prices falling sharply in the past few months, Ethiopian coffee farmers are bracing for tough times ahead. In the meantime, "Chat"-"qat" has emerged as the nation's third largest export. Domestic consumers (photographed above) also encourage the wide cultivation of this plant. Vast tracts of land in areas such as Southern Shoa, Jimma, Wollega and Arsi once used to cultivate crops such as teff and wheat are fast becoming "Chat" farms. Where is this trend heading? Will "Chat" replace coffee as Ethiopia's most important produce? 

Professor Ermias, a natural products expert at the Addis Ababa University discusses the health effects of "Chat" on an article that appeared on Addis Tribune. Click here.

Nemo Semret, quoting Fela, discusses on "Seleda" why our farmers are getting as little as 1 cent from the sale of a $2.50/cup of a Harar or Yirgachefe coffee at Starbucks. Click here. [with permission from Seleda]

Other Stories: The recent crackdown lands General Tsadkan G/Kidan, a once powerful military figure in the recent war with Eritrea and Ato Siye Abraha, a former defense minister in prison. Professors Mesfin and Nega Berhanu are released on bail.