Ethiopia, renowned for its rich agricultural heritage and diverse agro-ecological zones, recognizes the crucial role of enhancing productivity and output in achieving sustainable development. With a growing population and increasing demand for food, Ethiopia has undertaken significant efforts to improve productivity across various sectors, particularly in agriculture. These initiatives aim to improve yields, streamline production processes, and empower farmers to ensure food security, economic growth, and poverty reduction.
Investing in Agricultural Research and Technology:
Ethiopia acknowledges the importance of research and technology in boosting productivity. The country has made substantial investments in agricultural research institutions, such as the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), to develop innovative farming techniques, crop varieties, and technologies. Through research and development, Ethiopia aims to address challenges related to pests, diseases, drought, and soil fertility, ultimately enhancing productivity and resilience in the agricultural sector.
Sustainable Farming Practices:
Ethiopia has embraced sustainable farming practices as a means to enhance productivity while preserving the environment. The government has implemented programs to promote agroforestry, conservation agriculture, and organic farming methods. These practices help improve soil health, water management, and ecosystem resilience, leading to higher yields and long-term sustainability. By providing training, resources, and incentives, Ethiopia encourages farmers to adopt these practices, leading to improved productivity and reduced environmental impact.
Water Management:
Ethiopia recognizes the critical role of water in agricultural productivity. The country has invested in irrigation infrastructure, including dams and reservoirs, to expand access to water for irrigation purposes through the construction of large-scale irrigation schemes. Ethiopia aims to effectively and efficiently harness its water resources. Improved water management practices, including drip irrigation and water-saving technologies, are also being promoted to optimize water usage and increase crop yields.
Access to Finance and Agricultural Inputs:
To enhance productivity, Ethiopia has focused on improving farmers’ access to finance and agricultural inputs. The government has implemented programs to provide credit facilities, subsidies, and agricultural insurance to smallholder farmers. This support enables farmers to invest in high-quality seeds, fertilizers, machinery, and modern farming techniques, thereby increasing productivity and reducing post-harvest losses. Additionally, efforts are underway to strengthen agricultural cooperatives and farmer organizations to facilitate access to inputs and markets.
Extension Services and Farmer Training:
Ethiopia places great emphasis on extension services and farmer training to disseminate knowledge and best practices. Agricultural extension workers play a vital role in providing technical assistance, training, and advisory services to farmers. These services cover various aspects, including improved crop management, pest and disease control, post-harvest handling, and marketing strategies. By equipping farmers with up-to-date information and skills, Ethiopia aims to enhance productivity, improve product quality, and foster innovation in the agricultural sector.
Public-Private Partnerships and Value Chain Development:
Ethiopia recognizes the importance of public-private partnerships and value chain development in boosting productivity and market access. The government collaborates with private sector actors, including agribusinesses, processors, and exporters, to strengthen value chains, improve market linkages, and promote agro-industrial development. These partnerships create opportunities for smallholder farmers to access better markets, receive fair prices for their product, and benefit from value addition activities, ultimately contributing to increased productivity and income generation.
Food Security and Industrialization Efforts in Jimma Zone:
Food security is a critical concern for nations worldwide, and Ethiopia recognizes the importance of agriculture in achieving this goal, as well as providing industrial inputs and generating employment opportunities. The Ethiopian government has made significant efforts to modernize the agricultural sector, particularly in regions like Jimma Zone in the Oromia region, which have been actively involved in cultivating various crops such as rice and coffee.
During a recent visit by a group of journalists from the Ethiopian Press Agency, the activities of the agricultural sector in Jimma Zone were surveyed, and discussions were held with Mr. Mohammad Taha Abafita, the head of the agricultural office in the zone. In the interview, Mr. Mohammad highlighted the core activities being carried out in the agricultural sector of the zone.
Mr. Mohammad emphasized that the primary objective is to ensure food security by increasing production and productivity. This begins with supporting farmers at the household level and extends to the district, zone, and national levels. The zone is dedicated to achieving self-sufficiency in food production and reducing dependence on imports. Additionally, efforts are being made to promote agricultural exports and create employment opportunities across all agricultural sectors.
Jimma Zone is renowned as the birthplace of coffee, with coffee Arabica discovered there in the 10th century. The zone covers a vast land area of approximately 1.8 million hectares, demonstrating its potential for producing various agricultural products. In recent years, the zone has witnessed remarkable progress in implementing agricultural initiatives aimed at achieving the set goals.
To overcome the challenges and modernize agriculture, a study was conducted, which identified nine critical areas requiring special attention. These areas include marketing development, which involves ten specific initiatives that focus on strengthening market linkages, improving value chain integration, and enhancing market information systems. Efforts are being made to establish market centers, organize agricultural fairs, and promote contract farming to facilitate direct market access for farmers.
Furthermore, the study identified the need to improve irrigation infrastructure and water management practices. The expansion of irrigation schemes, rehabilitation of existing systems, and the adoption of water-saving technologies are prioritized to ensure reliable access to water for agricultural purposes.
In terms of mechanization, the zone aims to increase the availability and accessibility of farm machinery and equipment. This includes the establishment of machinery rental services, training programs on machinery operation and maintenance, and the promotion of small-scale mechanization suitable for smallholder farmers.
Mr. Mohammad also highlighted the importance of research and technology in driving agricultural development. Collaborations with research institutions and universities are being fostered to develop and disseminate improved varieties, innovative farming techniques, and pest and disease management strategies. Information and communication technologies are also being leveraged to provide farmers with updated information on weather patterns, market prices, and best agronomic practices.
To address the issue of post-harvest losses, the zone is focusing on improving storage and processing facilities. Infrastructure development, such as warehouses and cold storage, is being prioritized to reduce losses and maintain product quality. Additionally, training programs on post-harvest handling and processing techniques are being provided to farmers and entrepreneurs.
The zone is also actively promoting youth engagement in agriculture. Initiatives are being implemented to attract and retain young people in the sector by providing training, access to finance, and mentorship programs. The aim is to create a vibrant and sustainable agricultural sector that appeals to the younger generation and contributes to job creation and economic growth.
In conclusion, Ethiopia recognizes the importance of enhancing agricultural productivity for sustainable development. The country is the second most populous country in Africa next to Nigeria and agriculture is the main stay of the nation economy. It is a means of the lively hood of 80 percent of the population residing in the rural part. It contributes to the 78 percent of the nation foreign currency earning, supply inputs to the domestic agro industries, supply food to the population at least at the subsistence level.
Yet it is characterized by rain fed, vulnerable to the extreme climate variability, less input utilization with less output which is more of subsistence. Though agriculture is a century old practice it’s mode of production is archive and according to the Ministry of Agriculture recent report, almost half of the farmers land holding areas is less than a hectare not only that according to the existing land tenure system land is monopolized by the government and has lost its transaction value.
Hence to transform the sector stepping up to the introduction of new land policy which enhance the land transaction value is essential. Recently the Council Representatives introduced rules which allow farmers to rent their land so that they can secure money which enable them to improve their lands productivity.
The utilization of agricultural inputs such as fertilizer, herb and pesticides, selected seeds played pivotal role in increasing the production of crops per hectare. However, the utilization of inputs per hectare as compared to the average Sub Saharan African countries is negligible therefore; increasing the volume of inputs is must be vital.
The government tried its level best to improve the sector but importing inputs which requires huge amount of hard currency put transforming the sector in snail pace. Hence further attention is needed.
BY LAKACHEW ATINAFU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2024
