ADDIS ABABA –Ethiopia needs to integrate traditional rain-fed farming with irrigation-based agriculture to achieve food security, according to the Policy Studies Institute (PSI).
The Institute announced that it is extensively conducting research to help transform the agricultural sector and ensure food security.
In an exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald, PSI Director General Fikadu Tsega stated that the Institute has been focusing on research activities aimed at achieving food security and promoting economic development.
According to him, PSI has found that integrating rain-fed agriculture with irrigated farming is essential for achieving food self-sufficiency and boosting economic growth in Ethiopia.
The Institute has been carrying out various agricultural studies across the country to provide recommendations to relevant bodies in addressing sectoral challenges. As research is resource-intensive, the Institute receives funding from the government and development partners, despite facing budget constraints, he said.
Fikadu noted that the country allocates about 0.03% of its annual budget to research, and this allocation has been increasing year by year. Meanwhile, PSI is prioritizing socio-economic policy research to provide evidence-based policy advice.
He also mentioned that the Institute has identified 52 thematic areas for research to foster economic development. Based on PSI’s recommendations and support, several independent organizations have been established to help facilitate the country’s overall development.
According to the Director General, PSI is ranked as the 9th leading think tank in sub-Saharan Africa and employs 73 researchers of various ranks. The Institute’s research activities prioritize key sectors that significantly contribute to economic development and growth.
PSI is a policy think tank engaged in economic, social, and governance research and policy analysis. It works to bridge the gap between research and policy, build capacity, disseminate knowledge, promote exchange, and provide consultancy services.
BY TSEGAYE TILAHUN
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 7 JUNE 2025
