AGRA

In the heart of Ethiopia’s verdant highlands lies Jimma — a region celebrated not only for the savour of its coffee but as a living symbol of ecological richness and cultural heritage. For centuries, Jimma and Bunno Bedele Zones in Oromia Regional State have sustained communities, nourished livelihoods, and fostered a harmonious relationship between people, food, and nature. Today, these fertile landscapes are witnessing a new agricultural awakening — one driven not by the aroma of coffee, but by the resolve of young farmers determined to redefine the future of Ethiopian agriculture.

Across rural Ethiopia, young people are reclaiming their rightful place in agriculture. In the rolling valleys of Jimma and Bunno Bedele, amid the mounting pressures of climate change, economic uncertainty, and rural inequality, a new generation of farmers is rising — not merely to till the soil, but to rebuild the crucial connection between the environment, livelihoods, and national development. Yet, the ecological balance that has sustained these communities for generations is under threat. Erratic rainfall, soil degradation, and limited access to modern agricultural technologies continue to erode productivity and resilience.

Recognising these challenges, the Government of Ethiopia, in collaboration with the AGRA, has launched a youth and women-centered agricultural transformation agenda to tackle systemic barriers and unlock the potential of young and women small holders farmers (Government of Ethiopia, 2020–2030; Ministry of Agriculture Ethiopia, 2023; AGRA, 2023).

Subtle yet meaningful changes are unfolding in these rural towns, driven by young people who are actively embracing their role in shaping the future. Rehima Gena, Project Coordinator at Lersha, is working to bridge the gap between youth unemployment and digital agriculture. “Many young people in these communities complete their education only to return home with no clear job prospects,” Rehima explains.

Through Lersha’s program, young graduates are being trained and equipped as Lersha Agents — essential connectors between smallholder farmers and digital agricultural services. “These young people are no longer waiting,” she stresses. “They are becoming part of the solution.”

The initiative does not stop at employment. It opens pathways to financial services, agribusiness opportunities, and technology-enabled advisory services. To date, 20 young people have completed the training, with an additional 50 preparing to follow — building on the success of 60 others who completed the program last year. Full-scale service delivery is expected to begin in April, marking an important step towards transforming the rural economy and empowering youth and farmers alike.

At the heart of this agricultural shift are young farmers like Saliya Aba Jihad, a 21-year-old from Nedi Gibe Woreda. “Agriculture changed my life,” she says. “But without proper training, access to inputs, or reliable markets, it is an uphill battle.” Miftahi Aba Maccaa, a

27-year-old from Dacha Nadhii wereda, echoes this sentiment. Farming has enabled him to build a livelihood, but he stresses the pressing need for greater recognition, resources, and skills. These young farmers are not passive recipients of aid; they are custodians of Ethiopia’s agricultural heritage and catalysts for rural economic development.

 However, their ambition is constrained by systemic challenges. Young farmers continue to face limited access to credit, quality seeds, fertilizers, machinery, and market information. Environmental shocks — droughts, floods, and pest outbreaks — further erode their progress. Development practitioners and agricultural economists alike observe that societal perceptions still frame farming as a career of last resort, deterring many young people from pursuing agriculture. In Ethiopia, over 28% of the youth population is unemployed, and only 13% of young people are engaged in agriculture as a primary occupation (FAO, 2022; Mastercard Foundation, 2024).

As agricultural experts and development specialists, we have witnessed first-hand that while young farmers demonstrate extraordinary resilience and ingenuity, their success cannot depend on individual effort alone. Meaningful progress requires coordinated, systemic change — a collective commitment by government institutions, the private sector, financial actors, and development partners to create an enabling environment. This sentiment is echoed by Ewunetu Hirko, agricultural expert in Oromia Regional State, who works with over 23,000 farmers in Jimma Zone. “Young farmers are adapting,” he says. “But without targeted training, tailored financial services, and strong support systems, their progress will remain limited.”

Unlocking the full potential of Ethiopia’s young farmers demands deliberate and strategic action. Youth-friendly financial services must be established. Access to affordable agricultural credit and quality inputs must be scaled up. Capacity development programs should equip young farmers with practical skills in climate-smart, market-oriented agriculture. Strengthening rural infrastructure and value chains is essential to enhance market access and competitiveness. Equally important, digital platforms and advisory services must connect young farmers to timely information, technology, and innovation. Above all, a concerted effort is needed to shift societal perceptions — positioning agriculture as a dignified, modern, and profitable career for Ethiopia’s youth.

The improvement unfolding in Jimma and Bunno Bedele Zones is not merely an agricultural project; it is an ecological, economic, and social awakening. These young farmers are reimagining their communities, blending ancestral knowledge with modern technologies, and laying the foundations for sustainable food systems. The Ethiopian Government’s Ten-Year Agricultural Development Plan (2020–2030), AGRA’s Ethiopia Strategic Plan (2023–2027), and a growing network of development partnerships provide a strong platform for this transformation. However, sustaining this momentum requires long-term investment, collaboration, and shared responsibility.

In places like Jimma and Bunno Bedele, something inspiring is taking root. A new generation of young farmers is stepping forward — bringing fresh ideas to the land while staying deeply connected to their communities. Youth-led innovations and cooperatives are gaining strength, and young women and men are beginning to speak up about their hopes for the future. Bit by bit, they are helping to reshape how farming is seen — not just as a tradition but as a pathway filled with promise and purpose.

Their ambition is not small. It is to build a future where farming is not a fallback option, but a respected, sustainable, and rewarding profession. It is to prove that agriculture can deliver prosperity without compromising the environment, and that rural communities can thrive when young people are empowered with the tools, resources, and recognition they deserve. From the highlands to the farmlands, a new agricultural future is taking root in Ethiopia — powered not only by policy but by the energy, ingenuity, and vision of young farmers like Saliya Aab Jihad and Miftahi Aba Maccaa. With determination and purpose, they cultivate more than crops; they nurture dignity, prosperity, and the seeds of lasting change. It calls for concerted action — to recognize, support, and invest in the young minds shaping Ethiopia’s tomorrow.