In recent years, Ethiopia has experienced a rapid expansion of Khat
production, marketing and consumption that has put her in a double bind.
Her economy is becoming increasingly dependent on the production and
export of Khat, the same way a significant section of her population is
getting progressively enticed into its unbridled consumption. Khat
abuse/addiction has led to serious and manifold socioeconomic problems
including those relating to health. In spite of the fact that several
millions of her citizens are preoccupied with Khat in the capacities of
growers, traders, and chewers, the country has no clear policy to guide
its production, distribution or use. The study, the findings of which
are reported in this volume, focused on the unravelling the intertwined
socioeconomic impacts of Khat consumption and addiction, and culminates
with the identification of feasible national-level strategies and policy
responses to the Khat conundrum.