The Conceptualization of Khat, Its Production and Its Socio-Economic Implications in Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

This research tries to analyze the conceptualization, production and socioeconomic implication of Khat in eastern parts of Ethiopia. Different reasons have triggered the researcher to do this research. The growing number of khat consumers, the lack of scientifically studies research on this specific issue and the emotional attachment that the researcher has with both the study area and the herbal are some of the triggering factors for writing this manuscript. The researcher has stayed in the major khat producing areas of eastern Ethiopia from December 23, 2018 to January 28, 2019. In this time, the researcher did both formal and informal conversation with khat producing farmers, consumers and traders, observed plots where khat is produced and did interview with elders who are believed to know the history and the influence of khat in the region. Moreover, as an anthropologist, the researcher has participated in social gathering where khat is consumed and did participant observation with the researched communities in the region. All informants were selected purposely based on their affiliation to the topic and their presumable knowledge of the topic as well. After intensive data collection, the researcher came up with findings that illustrate the conceptualization of khat, its production and ad its socioeconomic impact in the eastern part of the country. Ethiopia.