By: Goshu Melisew
The Ethiopian Sustainable Food Systems and Agroecology Consortium (ESFSAC) has called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of Ethiopia’s National Agroecology Strategy and accelerate the transition toward sustainable food systems.
ESFSAC, in collaboration with Land Life for Ethiopia, convened a national stakeholder workshop titled “Workshop for Familiarizing Stakeholders with the Ethiopian National Agroecology Strategy: A Pathway to Sustainable Food Systems.” The event brought together representatives from government institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, research and academic institutions, the private sector, and youth organizations.
The workshop focused on the implementation of the National Agroecology Strategy for Food Systems Transformation (2026–2040), which was officially launched in March 2026 as a long-term framework for promoting sustainable, resilient, and inclusive food systems across Ethiopia.
Opening the workshop, Bayush Tsegaye emphasized that agriculture remains the backbone of Ethiopia’s economy and the primary source of livelihood for millions of farmers, pastoralists, and agro-pastoralists.
She noted that the strategy envisions a food system that enhances agricultural productivity while restoring natural resources, strengthening climate resilience, promoting social inclusion, and ensuring healthy diets and sustainable livelihoods.
“The agroecological transformation of Ethiopia’s food systems cannot be achieved by one institution alone,” she said. “It requires strong partnerships, shared learning, and collective commitment.”
Bayush stressed that the strategy’s success depends on coordinated efforts among government agencies, farmers, pastoralists, civil society organizations, research institutions, development partners, private sector actors, and consumers.
She further explained that agroecology goes beyond farming practices, serving as a science, an ecosystem management approach, and a key pathway to sustainable food systems transformation.
For his part, Feleke Woldeyes (PhD), Senior Academic Staff and Researcher at Arba Minch University, said the National Agroecology Strategy offers a sustainable solution for Ethiopia’s smallholder farmers and can improve access to nutritious food.
“Implementing Ethiopia’s National Agroecology Strategy can significantly improve agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability, food security, and farmers’ livelihoods,” he said.
Feleke explained that the strategy promotes nature-based solutions and climate-smart agriculture, encouraging reduced dependence on inorganic fertilizers through increased use of compost and other organic inputs.
He recommended wider use of organic fertilizers such as compost and animal manure, while also highlighting the importance of crop diversification, crop rotation, and integrated farming systems.
According to the researcher, agroecology is particularly suitable for Ethiopia’s smallholder farmers. However, he stressed that productivity gains will require addressing challenges related to production, storage, transportation, and market access.
He added that the strategy builds on indigenous knowledge and existing nature-based farming practices, making it well suited to Ethiopia’s agricultural context.
Participants held panel discussions focusing on practical actions and collaboration opportunities for implementing the National Agroecology Strategy.
Ethiopia’s National Agroecology Strategy for Food Systems Transformation, led by the Ministry of Agriculture, was officially launched on March 14, 2026, as part of the country’s efforts to strengthen food sovereignty and build sustainable food systems.
