ROLES AND BENEFITS OF WOMEN FARMERS IN THE COFFEE BUSINESS: THE CASE OF YIRGACHEFFE COFFEE FARMERS COOPERATIVE UNION (YCFCU).

Abstract

The purpose of this research is identifying roles of women have been playing to in coffee business of YCFCU and consider benefits women have in the YCFCU. The approach used is qualitative research in order to understand the problems. Primary and secondary data are used in the study. Primary data has been collected through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), in‐depth interviews with the informants and key informants of the study. Secondary data came from document reviews employed to collect data. Findings of the study show there are various challenges in the YCFCU that hinder women’s benefit in coffee business of YCFCU. The study found that lack of land ownership has played a dominant role with multidimensional manifestations impeding the benefits of women in coffee business of YCFCU. Cultural socialization favored men’s to have dominant positions in the coffee business and in society in general. The following areas are identified as a result of patriarchal ideologies: men’s perspective, women’s perspective, poor policy implementation. Despite these challenges the study revealed some opportunities to be maximized for women to be benefited which were: the land ownership, policies of international trade organizations. (Fair-trade), Engagement of YCFCU’s in women empowerment program. Finally, this research recommends each working activities of coffee business of YCFCU to engage in empowering women coffee farmers. My recommendations particularly request government bodies’ and the YCFCU to play significant roles in empowering women and maximizing their benefit. Working with both women and men, brings transformation to coffee production and growth.