Ethiopian Oil Seeds

Ethiopia has an attractive portfolio of high value specialty oilseeds for export markets. It is in the top 5 producing countries for sesame seed, linseed and Niger seed. In addition, specialty seeds like safflower seed and castor beans are grown in Ethiopia. Most other oilseeds produced in Ethiopia (soybeans, cotton seed, rapeseed etc.) are commodities. The oilseed sector in Ethiopia is one of the fastest growing sectors in the country, both in terms of its foreign exchange earnings and as source of income for millions of Ethiopians. Oilseeds are the second export earner of Ethiopia. Oilseeds are considered as high value export products by the Ethiopian government. Oilseeds are produced in all regions of Ethiopia, mainly in Gojam, Gonder, Shewa, Arsi, Bale and Wellega . Growing ecology and cropping system of oilseeds in Ethiopia is very diverse. Based on adaptation, oilseeds can be classified into three major categories highland oilseeds (noug, linseed, gomen/er). midland oilseeds (castor, linseed, noug) and lowland oilseeds (sesame, groundnut, safflower)