Some recent policy, strategy, and initiative changes in the Ethiopian agriculture
sector:
1. Yelemat Tirufat: Yelemat Tirufat, meaning "agricultural extension," is a program launched
by the Ethiopian government. It aims to improve agricultural productivity by providing
extension services, training, and technical assistance to farmers. The program focuses on
promoting sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing market linkages, and improving
access to inputs and credit.
2. Cluster Farming: The Ethiopian government has been promoting cluster farming as a
strategy to enhance agricultural productivity and competitiveness. Cluster farming involves
grouping farmers together based on geographical proximity and encouraging collaboration,
sharing of resources, and coordinated production and marketing activities.
3. Contract Farming: Contract farming has gained traction in Ethiopia as a means to
strengthen market integration and improve smallholder farmers' access to markets. Under
contract farming arrangements, farmers enter into agreements with agribusinesses or
processors to produce specific crops or commodities according to predetermined quality and
quantity requirements.
4. Integrated Agro-Industrial Parks: Integrated Agro-Industrial Parks (IAIPs) are being
developed in Ethiopia to promote value addition, agro-processing, and export-oriented
agricultural production. These parks provide infrastructure, services, and incentives to attract
investors and facilitate the integration of agriculture with industry.
5. Urban Farming: Urban farming initiatives have emerged in Ethiopia as a response to
urbanization and the increasing demand for fresh produce in cities. Urban farming involves
cultivating crops and raising livestock within urban areas, utilizing small spaces such as
rooftops, balconies, and vacant lots.
6. Vertical Farming: Vertical farming, a form of indoor agriculture, is gaining attention in
Ethiopia. It involves growing crops in vertically stacked layers or vertically inclined surfaces,
often in controlled environments. Vertical farming can maximize land use efficiency,
conserve water, and enable year-round production.
7. Export Diversification and Import Substitution: The Ethiopian government is
prioritizing export diversification to reduce reliance on a few primary commodities and
expand the country's export base. Simultaneously, efforts are being made to promote import
substitution by encouraging domestic production of goods that were previously imported.
8. Homegrown Economic Reform: The Ethiopian government has implemented the
Homegrown Economic Reform program, which aims to address macroeconomic imbalances,
attract foreign investment, improve the business environment, and enhance economic
competitiveness. This reform program encompasses various sectors, including agriculture.
9. Ten Years Perspective Plan: The Ten Years Perspective Plan (2020-2030) is a strategic
framework developed by the Ethiopian government to guide the country's socio-economic
development. The plan sets out key objectives and priority areas for various sectors,
including agriculture, to drive sustainable and inclusive growth.
10. Vertical Coffee Trade: Ethiopia, as a major coffee producer, has been exploring vertical
integration within the coffee value chain. The government has introduced policies to
encourage domestic processing and export of value-added coffee products, such as roasted
and packaged coffee, rather than exporting raw coffee beans.
