The Evolution of Khat Practices and its Expansion: Insights from Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Previous studies have limited evidence on Khat practice in terms of consumption, production, and expansion in northwest Ethiopia. The objectives of this study were to explore the historical perspectives of Khat practice and examine determinants of expansion in the study areas. A sample of 402 households were taken to collect primary data. The study employed a discourse analysis, and the finding revealed that the origin and diversification of Khat in Ethiopia precedes coffee domestication. In the study areas, the average land size was 1.0 ha per household. In particular, Khat producer households had, in average, 0.23 ha of land. The majority (98%) of producer households introduced Khat since 1991. About 5.0% of household members and 8.0% of household-heads in Khat producing areas chew Khat. Nearly 56.0% of households perceived an increasing trend of Khat practice over space and time. The linear model results revealed that as total land size, education, religion being Muslim, income from Khat selling and household perception increases, the probability of Khat expansion also increases significantly and positively. Hence, further researches on its impact and policy formulation are required about regulation of Khat practice and consumption behaviors.