Sesame is the largest export oil seed in Ethiopia. About 75 % of sesame production occurs in the northwest part of the country mainly on small-scale family farms. Although Ethiopian sesame has a reputation for high quality in international markets, the sesame value chain is characterized by low productivity, fragmentation, high transaction costs, and limited market information.
Addressing key researchable constraints through bundles of innovations is what the rethinking food market initiative is doing in Ethiopia.
- We are testing digital information services (DIS) and collective action (CA) in northwestern Ethiopia.
- We are implementing a clustered randomized trial of two treatment arms [DIS and DIS + CA] in 78 villages.
- We are working with 1560 [1040 treated and 520 control] households in these villages.
Our evaluation aims to quantify the impact of DIS and CA on the productivity, market performance, and farm income of sesame growers.
We welcome your questions and feedback on this study.