Khat ( Catha edulis), a flowering evergreen shrub, holds a unique position within Ethiopia, where it is native to the Horn of Africa. The plant’s leaves and tender shoots are chewed for their psychostimulant properties, a practice deeply woven into the social fabric and economy for centuries. Ethiopia is currently the world’s leading producer of this commodity, known locally as chat or jima. Khat use influences traditional ceremonies, agricultural policy, and international trade relations.
The Plant and Its Physiological Effects
The stimulating effect of khat comes primarily from the alkaloid cathinone, a compound structurally similar to amphetamines. Cathinone is highly unstable and degrades rapidly after harvesting, necessitating that the leaves be chewed while fresh to maximize the stimulant effect. This chemical acts on the central nervous system by increasing the concentration of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine.
The immediate physiological response to chewing fresh khat includes mild euphoria, increased alertness, and excitement. Users often report an elevated mood, increased energy, and an ability to concentrate for extended periods. This stimulant effect is accompanied by significant appetite suppression and temporary insomnia, making it popular among students and workers on long shifts.
Prolonged and heavy use is associated with health concerns beyond the immediate “khat hangover.” The cardiovascular system is notably affected, with chronic use linked to increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and risk of myocardial infarction. The chewing process itself can cause significant oral health issues, including dental caries, gum recession, and oral mucosal lesions.
The gastrointestinal system is often impacted, leading to chronic constipation and gastritis. While the World Health Organization classifies khat as a “drug of abuse” that can cause mild to moderate psychological dependence, the plant’s constituents can also induce psychiatric symptoms, including anxiety, irritability, and psychotic reactions. The short half-life of cathinone, which metabolizes into the less potent cathine, necessitates continuous chewing to sustain the desired effect.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Khat use in Ethiopia is rooted in ancient tradition, with historical records dating back to the 14th century in the eastern regions. The plant is believed to have originated in the Harar area, where its consumption first became entrenched. For centuries, the practice was associated with religious scholars, particularly within Sufism, who chewed the leaves to stay awake during nightly prayers.
Khat chewing has evolved into a ritualized social institution, notably in the Harar and Oromia regions. These gatherings, known as berchas, are structured sessions involving sitting together to chew the leaves over several hours, often accompanied by sweet tea or soft drinks. These sessions serve as venues for political discussion, social bonding, and the exchange of news.
In the historic walled city of Harar, khat is considered an integral part of the daily rhythm and social life. Traditional use involves a defined timeframe, often starting in the morning before participants return to work or studies. Rejecting khat was historically viewed as a social or religious statement in some communities.
Khat’s Role in the Ethiopian Economy
Khat is an important agricultural commodity for Ethiopia, serving as one of the country’s largest export cash crops, second only to coffee in foreign exchange earnings. Its cultivation provides a secure, high-value source of income for millions of smallholder farmers across the Ethiopian highlands. The plant’s hardiness, drought resistance, and low labor demands make it a reliable source of revenue compared to cereal crops.
The income generated from khat production often surpasses that of major food and cash crops, driving a transformation from subsistence farming toward a khat-based monoculture in some areas. This economic strength relies on both domestic consumption and a robust international market. A substantial portion of cultivated khat is consumed internally, fueling a domestic trade network spanning from growing regions like Hararghe and Oromia to major urban centers.
As an export, khat is a major contributor to the national economy, bringing in hundreds of millions of US dollars annually. The fresh leaves are rapidly transported to neighboring countries, particularly across the Red Sea to the Arabian Peninsula, where demand is high. This lucrative market has led to a dramatic expansion of land dedicated to khat cultivation, increasing by over 150% in the last two decades.
Regulatory Status and Global Movement
Domestically, Ethiopia maintains a permissive stance toward khat; its cultivation, sale, and consumption are generally legal and regulated, often without an explicit legal framework of prohibition. The government acknowledges the substantial economic benefits of the trade, particularly its contribution to foreign currency reserves and rural livelihoods. This internal acceptance contrasts sharply with the international regulatory environment.
Globally, the legal status of khat is fragmented and contested. The psychoactive component, cathinone, is classified as a controlled substance (Schedule I in the US) under international conventions. While the khat plant itself is not listed on all international drug control schedules, many countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and nations in the European Union, have criminalized the possession and distribution of the leaves.
International criminalization creates significant challenges for Ethiopia’s export industry, forcing cross-border trade into informal or illicit channels. Because cathinone degrades into the less potent cathine within days of harvest, rapid transport is necessary, often facilitating smuggling operations to bypass international restrictions. Ethiopia’s position as the world’s largest producer is complicated because many key export destinations view the commodity as an illegal narcotic.