A Khat Distribution Center
Historically, the use of khat was limited to the Horn of Africa and the nearby Arabian Peninsula (primarily Yemen). The reasons are not just cultural, but also practical, since the active substance in khat, cathinone, breaks down within 48 hours. The khat leaves must therefore be very fresh in order to get the desired stimulant effects. The advent of better transportation, however, with improved vehicles, roads and access to air transport has allowed khat to enter the world market.
Awaday is perhaps a good hour by road from Dire Dawa, a regional hub with an international airport. Along the road to Dire Dawa are small khat distribution centers such as the one pictured here. Once in the air, this perishable commodity makes its way to Yemen and England, where khat sales and use are legal. Khat is illegal, however, in the rest of Europe and in North America but manages to reach these markets via the UK.
On the road from Awaday to Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
A Khat Distribution Center
Historically, the use of khat was limited to the Horn of Africa and the nearby Arabian Peninsula (primarily Yemen). The reasons are not just cultural, but also practical, since the active substance in khat, cathinone, breaks down within 48 hours. The khat leaves must therefore be very fresh in order to get the desired stimulant effects. The advent of better transportation, however, with improved vehicles, roads and access to air transport has allowed khat to enter the world market.
Awaday is perhaps a good hour by road from Dire Dawa, a regional hub with an international airport. Along the road to Dire Dawa are small khat distribution centers such as the one pictured here. Once in the air, this perishable commodity makes its way to Yemen and England, where khat sales and use are legal. Khat is illegal, however, in the rest of Europe and in North America but manages to reach these markets via the UK.
On the road from Awaday to Dire Dawa, Ethiopia