I Share Hope: Chris Williams

Andinet Meaza was born in southwestern Ethiopia, in a small town called Chencha. Today he works to provide food, jobs, market and distribution for Ethiopia's hope crop, apples. For five years he served as Committee Secretary for the Chencha Highland Fruit Cooperative. Cooperatives are the main channels for marketing and distribution for small-holder farmers in Ethiopia. Two years ago, Andinet founded another cooperative, known as “Rehobot”, so that he could more effectively work within the apple market. Andinet has become a major player in the Addis Ababa apple market. Since 2011, he has worked strategically to market premium fruits to major customers within Addis Ababa. He distributes apples to embassies, major hotel chains, as well as individual sales from his own small shop.