AGRA

A History of Commitment and Leadership

Ethiopia’s steadfast alignment with the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) underscores its unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable agricultural growth and ensuring food security for its population. This alignment is seamlessly integrated into national development strategies such as the Growth and Transformation Plans (GTP I & II) and the 10-Year National Development Plan, positioning Ethiopia as a pioneer in agricultural innovation and transformation (Ministry of Agriculture, 2024).

“These frameworks are more than policies; they represent Ethiopia’s steadfast commitment to creating a sustainable agricultural future,” remarks Mr. Zena Habtewold, Senior Adviser to the Ministry of Agriculture and CAADP Focal Person. Furthermore, Ethiopia’s alignment with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 solidifies its reputation as a leader in Africa’s agricultural renaissance, setting an exemplary model for other nations.

Progress, Lessons Learned, and Future Opportunities

Ethiopia, a land of rich agricultural traditions, has emerged as a pioneer in Africa’s agricultural transformation. Through the framework of CAADP—an ambitious initiative by the African Union—Ethiopia has achieved remarkable milestones while addressing complex challenges.

This article reflects on Ethiopia’s progress, lessons learned, and future opportunities, using insights from the 2024 Biennial Review Report to highlight how the nation aligns with CAADP’s six strategic goals.

 Achievements Aligned with CAADP’s Six Strategic Goals

1. Increased Agricultural Productivity

Ethiopia’s Irrigated Wheat Program has transformed its agricultural landscape. In Adama, for instance, 35-year-old farmer Getahun Tadesse recounts how adopting large-scale irrigation doubled his wheat yield in just two seasons. Programs like this have reduced Ethiopia’s wheat import dependency by 35%, proving the nation’s capacity for innovation.
Yet, challenges remain. Smallholder farmers like Getahun still face barriers to accessing irrigation technology. According to the 4th Biennial Review Report, Ethiopia scored 5.89/10 in productivity signaling progress but also underscoring the need for inclusivity.

“The success of our wheat program shows Ethiopia’s ability to innovate and collaborate across sectors,” says Zena Habtewold, “Equitable growth demands integrating smallholder farmers into these initiatives.”

2. Halving Poverty Through Agriculture

Ethiopia’s Coffee Sector Expansion Initiative planted 40 billion seedlings, transforming the livelihoods of over 15 million smallholder farmers. Among them is Alemnesh Bekele, a mother of three from Sidama, who used proceeds from her coffee harvest to build a permanent home.

Despite such success stories, rural poverty persists, especially in areas with limited market access. Targeted strategies are essential to empower farmers like Alemnesh to thrive in global markets. Indicators in the Biennial Review reflect mixed progress, emphasizing the need for stronger market linkages and financial inclusion.

3. Tackling Hunger and Malnutrition

Initiatives like Lemat Trufat (Bounty of the Basket) have brought diverse foods to rural households, improving food security. For instance, in Borena, community leader Ahmed Abdella notes how introducing drought-resistant crops like sorghum has stabilized food supplies during lean seasons.

Despite a 6.1/10 score in hunger reduction, Ethiopia still struggles with malnutrition, especially in drought-prone regions. To address this, Ahmed suggests tailored interventions, including region-specific nutrition programs and social safety nets.

“Fighting malnutrition isn’t just about ensuring food availability. It’s about delivering the right resources to the right communities,” reflects Zena Habtewold.

4. Building Resilient Food Systems

Through the Green Legacy Initiative, Ethiopia has planted over 25 billion trees, reclaiming degraded lands and promoting biodiversity. In Amhara, Mulugeta Tesfaye, a forestry technician, describes how tree planting has turned barren hills into lush forests, boosting the region’s climate resilience.

To sustain these achievements, Ethiopia must develop monitoring frameworks that measure long-term socio-economic and ecological impacts.

5. Boosting Intra-African Trade

Ethiopia’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) demonstrates its commitment to regional trade. However, logistical challenges persist. For example, Hirut Gebremariam, a farmer from Bale, struggles to transport her surplus produce due to poor road infrastructure.

In a success story from AfCFTA, Ethiopia recently exported coffee and livestock to Kenya and Djibouti, generating record revenues. These efforts underscore how regional trade can unlock opportunities for smallholder farmers.

“AfCFTA has the potential to revolutionize agriculture in Africa, and Ethiopia is at the forefront of this movement,” says Alemayehu Geda, a trade economist at Addis Ababa University.

6. Strengthened Governance

Ethiopia has made strides in governance and accountability under CAADP. Initiatives to improve data systems and transparency are taking root, but challenges remain. Strengthening participatory policymaking and building robust data frameworks are critical for sustaining momentum.

“Strong governance is the backbone of agricultural transformation,” emphasizes Zena Habtewold. “Our next steps must prioritize building robust systems to track progress effectively.”

Lessons Learned

• Inclusivity Drives Sustainability: Engaging women and youth, like Alemnesh and Ahmed, has proven transformative. Scaling these efforts requires tailored policies and sustained investment.
• Innovation is Key: While digital tools have improved productivity, they remain inaccessible to many smallholders. Bridging this gap is crucial.
• Policy Alignment Works: Ethiopia’s alignment with CAADP’s objectives demonstrates the power of collaboration and strategic planning.

Opportunities for Future Progress

• Expand Digital Agriculture: Leverage affordable digital technologies to bridge productivity gaps in underserved areas. Programs like Digital Farming Solutions, piloted in Tigray, offer promising models for expanding smallholder access to precision agriculture tools.
• Address Regional Disparities: Implement targeted interventions in marginalized regions to reduce poverty and malnutrition.
• Strengthen Climate Resilience: Scale up climate-smart practices and expand reforestation initiatives to ensure sustainable agriculture.

Call to Action

As Ethiopia prepares for the 2025 CAADP Summit, the following priorities must take center stage:

• Reaffirming Commitments: Deepen alignment with CAADP’s six strategic goals.
• Investing in Innovation: Ensure smallholders access digital tools and climate-smart technologies.
• Fostering Partnerships: Strengthen collaborations to accelerate progress and share knowledge.

Ethiopia’s journey under CAADP reflects the transformative power of inclusive and innovative agricultural practices. By addressing critical gaps—such as integrating smallholder farmers, improving infrastructure, and enhancing market access—Ethiopia can cement its role as a leader in Africa’s agricultural transformation. This is more than a story of progress; it is a vision for a food-secure and prosperous Africa, driven by resilience, innovation, and inclusivity.