Ethiopia: Unrest in Oromia Region leads to worker shortage

A conflict between the Oromia Region and Southern Nations, Nationalities and People’s Region (SNNPR) in Ethiopia on Sunday resulted in unrest in the Oromia Region over the last days. Fortunately, the situation is improving, but it is affecting rose farms in this area as they are dealing with worker shortages. After the weekend, the rose farms in the region expect to be up and running with enough manpower again.

Shortage workers
"Many of our workers come from the SNNPR and live in the Oromia Region to work at our farm. Due to a conflict last Sunday, between these regions, many of these workers from the SNNPR decided to go back to their 'home region' as they did not feel safe in the Oromia Region", says one of the rose growers in Ziway we talked to.

Decreased production
It resulted in a decrease in production, but thankfully it is not high season for roses. "The demand during this time of the year is not that high and the production is, due to the cold days, quite low too. So, we can still fulfill our orders", another rose grower from this region says.

Situation improving
Fortunately, the situation is improving and this is reflected in the number of workers that return to work at the farm again. "Since Monday, we see the number of workers increasing day by day." After the weekend, the rose farms in the region expect to be up and running with enough manpower again.