Ethiopia is ramping up efforts to achieve food sovereignty by significantly increasing domestic productivity, a move deemed crucial for national security and sustained development. This was emphasized by Ambassador Dr. Shiferaw Teklemariam, Commissioner of the Disaster Risk Management Commission, during a recent interview with EBC FM Addis 97.1.
Dr. Shiferaw clarified that food sovereignty encompasses a nation's inherent capacity and right to shape its own food system. He explained that while often discussed separately, food security is intrinsically linked to food sovereignty. Attaining this, he argued, empowers a country to meet its humanitarian aid needs independently, thereby safeguarding its citizens without external dependence.
The Commissioner strongly cautioned against reliance on foreign aid for humanitarian assistance. "Humanitarian assistance reliant on foreign support not only exposes a nation to external interference but also often fails to deliver necessary provisions in a timely manner," Dr. Shiferaw stated. He elaborated on the complex pitfalls, noting that such dependence can lead to a "state of begging" and may not always yield successful outcomes.
Dr. Shiferaw delivered a stark warning: "When national institutions fall under external influence due to aid, national security is jeopardized."
Recognizing the multifaceted importance of food sovereignty for national security, economic growth, and robust political capacity, the Ethiopian government is now intensively focusing on boosting agricultural productivity, he affirmed. This strategic shift aims to build a resilient food system that serves Ethiopia's long-term interests.