Urban farming in Ethiopia has emerged as a transformative force in addressing the challenges of unemployment among youth while simultaneously playing a crucial role in market stabilization. As cities expand and the demand for fresh produce rises, urban agriculture provides young people with practical solutions to engage in meaningful work.
Initiatives that promote vertical farming, rooftop gardens, and community plots not only empower youth to cultivate their own food but also equip them with entrepreneurial skills, fostering innovation and creativity. By harnessing limited urban spaces, these young farmers contribute directly to local food production, enhancing food security and reducing reliance on imported goods.
Additionally, urban farming creates job opportunities in various sectors such as marketing, distribution, and agri-tech, stimulating the local economy. The increased availability of fresh produce at reasonable prices also helps stabilize market fluctuations, ensuring that consumers have consistent access to nutritious food. As urban farming continues to gain momentum, it fosters community engagement and resilience, bridging the gap between agricultural practices and urban life. This synergistic relationship between employment and food production is paving the way for a more sustainable and equitable future for Ethiopia’s youth and its urban populations.
Recently, the Office of the Prime Minister indicated that practicing urban farming is gaining momentum in Ethiopia. Transforming backyards and unused spaces into green areas that boost food security, sustainability and economic growth in cities like Addis Ababa.
Accordingly, the PMO also encouraged other urban areas throughout the country to engage in such activities by teaming up with neighbors. “Want to get started? Try using containers or raised beds, and team up with neighbors to share tools, knowledge, and seeds. Together, you can grow fresh food and build a stronger community,” Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) pointed out on his social media post.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed underscored that Ethiopia has been intensifying urban farming as part of its sustainable urban livelihood strategy.
The Prime Minister stated that: “When we intensified urban farming in Ethiopia as part of a sustainable urban livelihood strategy, we did so with a clear understanding of its transformative potential.”
Premier Abiy added that urban farming not only boosts the agricultural sector but also drives the urban economy and creates jobs.
“It enhances national food security, supports urban development, and connects consumers directly to local farms,” he stressed. Ethiopia is maximizing productivity while minimizing environmental impact by using space more efficiently through practices like vertical farming and utilizing recycled materials, Abiy elaborated.
“Across the country, these initiatives are already showing impressive results, proving the power of urban farming to reshape our cities and strengthen our economy,” the Premier lauded. He called on those already engaged to further intensify their efforts and encourage others to take part in this growing movement for a more sustainable urban future.
It is witnessed that urban farming is bearing fruits in Addis Ababa following the due attention given by the government to ensure food security and create numerous job opportunities to youths and women. In addition, urban farming is contributing significantly towards transforming the lives of communities through sustainable efforts.
Currently, agricultural experts are recommending replicating the experiences of Addis into other urban areas as the urban farming initiatives in the city is making a positive impact on communities and transforming the way people access fresh produce. Thus, exploring how urban farming is changing the landscape of food production in Ethiopia and the potential benefits it brings to local communities is important in the efforts to ensure food and nutritional security.
Farm Africa Urban Agriculture Project Coordinator Teshome Nega highlighted the importance of urban farming in excelling community-based farming practices and harnessing its significant contributions towards ensuring food security in the country.
Urban farming in Ethiopia is becoming an alternative way towards ensuring food security and economic empowerment in urban areas. Efforts to transform Ethiopia’s urban farming industry have been driven by a combination of government policies, grassroots initiatives, and community engagement.
According to him, urban low-income communities face challenges in accessing nutritious food. One of Africa’s biggest cities and Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, shares this struggle. High inflation and the rise in the cost of living rates make accessing healthy food a daily challenge in most urban areas in the country.
To this end, urban farming sought to ease these challenges if practiced effectively and given due attention by the government, pertinent stakeholders, and the community. Moreover, it has been rewarding to see the community come together, forge new relationships and transform unused land into green, valuable spaces in Addis Ababa.
So far, sustainable government support is vital in the efforts to transform Ethiopia’s urban farming. Realizing this is possible where the government has recognized the importance of urban farming in addressing food security challenges and reducing poverty. Encouraging urban residents to engage in small-scale farming activities within the city will immensely contribute to access fresh produces with a proportionate price. This will lead to an increase in the number of community gardens, rooftop farms, and backyard vegetable plots in urban areas across Ethiopia.
One of the key objectives of transforming Ethiopia’s urban farming sector is to promote sustainable agricultural practices that protect the environment and enhance food security. By implementing agro-ecological principles, such as crop diversification, water conservation, and integrated pest management, urban farmers will be able to produce a variety of crops in a small space while minimizing the use of synthetic inputs. This approach not only benefits the environment but also ensures a steady supply of fresh, nutritious food for local communities.
Other sector experts also applaud urban farming as it has the potential to improve the economic well-being of urban residents by providing access to affordable and nutritious food.
By growing their own produce, individuals can reduce their food expenses and supplement their income by selling excess harvests at local markets. In addition, urban farming creates employment opportunities for women, youth, and marginalized groups, contributing to poverty reduction and social inclusion.
As urban farming continues to evolve in Ethiopia, there are both opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Scaling up urban farming initiatives, improving access to markets, and enhancing infrastructural support are key factors that will determine the success of urban agriculture in the country. Efforts to transform Ethiopia’s urban farming industry are making significant strides towards building resilient and food-secure communities.
By leveraging government support, community engagement, and sustainable agricultural practices, urban farming has the potential to revolutionize the way food is produced and consumed in urban areas. As more people embrace urban farming as a viable solution to food insecurity, the future looks promising for Ethiopia’s urban agriculture sector.
BY TEWODROS KASSA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 19 OCTOBER 2024
