Riding high on its recent success in achieving wheat self-sufficiency, the Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture has announced a push to replicate this model across other key agricultural sectors, including rice and legumes. The initiative aims to bolster the country's food security, strengthen its economic resilience, and reduce dependence on imports, officials said.
Advisor to the Minister of Agriculture, Zena Habtewold, emphasized the critical role of a robust agricultural sector in driving Ethiopia's economic growth and building a sustainable food system. He highlighted the government's commitment to implementing various initiatives designed to achieve these goals. according to FBC.
“The agricultural sector is the cornerstone of Ethiopia’s economy,” Zena stated. “We have seen remarkable progress in wheat production, and we are now determined to leverage the lessons learned and apply them to other vital crops. We aim to ensure food security and sovereignty for all Ethiopians.”
The success in wheat production, which has allowed Ethiopia to eliminate imports and meet its national consumption demands through domestic production, serves as a powerful example of what can be achieved with focused investment and strategic planning. The ministry plans to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to analyze the factors that contributed to this success and tailor them to the specific needs of other sectors. This includes examining advancements in seed development, agricultural techniques, and supply chain management.
Specifically, the ministry will prioritize efforts to increase rice production and enhance the yields of various legume crops. The focus on rice addresses the growing consumer demand for this staple food, while improved legume production is crucial for enhancing soil health and providing vital protein sources.
Addressing the broader context of agricultural development, Zena also noted Ethiopia's commitment to the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Program (CAADP). He stressed the importance of ensuring the international acceptance of Ethiopia’s performance data and reports in the agricultural sector. To this end, the ministry is working closely with the Ministry of Planning and Development, the Ministry of Finance, and other relevant institutions to verify the accuracy and reliability of its data.
“Our progress must be accurately documented and recognized by our international partners,” Zena explained. “Transparent and verifiable data allows us to attract further investment and support for our agricultural development initiatives.”
The World Bank, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and other partner organizations are already providing significant support for Ethiopia’s efforts to achieve the goals of CAADP. This includes technical assistance, financial resources, and capacity-building programs aimed at strengthening the agricultural sector.
Beyond boosting crop production, the ministry is also focused on building resilience to natural and man-made disasters. Zena emphasized the importance of developing the country's capacity to respond effectively to challenges such as droughts, floods, and other emergencies that can disrupt agricultural production and threaten food security. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to promote climate change prevention and mitigation strategies within the agricultural sector. This includes promoting sustainable farming practices, investing in irrigation infrastructure, and developing drought-resistant crop varieties.
Ultimately, the ministry’s ambitious plan is driven by a vision of a prosperous Ethiopia with guaranteed food security and sovereignty. By replicating the successes achieved in wheat production and strengthening efforts across various sectors, the government aims to create a resilient and sustainable agricultural system that benefits all Ethiopians. The initiative represents a significant step towards achieving the country’s long-term development goals and solidifying its position as a leader in agricultural innovation within the African continent, according to him.
The initiatives also include strengthening existing programs like green footprint programs to enhance environmental sustainability. The ministry believes that a comprehensive approach combining increased production, climate resilience, and environmental sustainability is essential for achieving long-term food security and economic prosperity. The success of this multifaceted strategy relies heavily on collaboration between government agencies, international partners, local farmers, and private sector stakeholders.