agriculture
Table of Contents.
1.Introduction
• 1.1 Background of Agriculture in Ethiopia
• 1.2 Importance of Studying Agriculture
• 1.3 Objectives of the Study
2. Literature Review
• 2.1 Overview of Agricultural Research in Ethiopia
• 2.2 Previous Studies on Agricultural Challenges
• 2.3 Gaps in Current Research
3. Objectives of Studying Agriculture in Ethiopia
• 3.1 Enhancing Agricultural Productivity
• 3.2 Achieving Food Security
• 3.3 Reducing Poverty
• 3.4 Promoting Sustainable Practices
• 3.5 Informing Policy Development
4. Problems Facing Agriculture in Ethiopia
• 4.1 Soil Degradation
• 4.2 Climate Change Vulnerability
• 4.3 Limited Access to Markets
• 4.4 Inadequate Research-Extension Linkages
• 4.5 Political Instability
5. Limitations of Studying Agriculture in Ethiopia
• 5.1 Fragmentation of Farming Systems
• 5.2 Resource Constraints
• 5.3 Educational Gaps
• 5.4 Dependence on Traditional Practices
• 5.5 Lack of Stakeholder Integration
6. Significance of Studying Agriculture in Ethiopia
• 6.1 Economic Growth
• 6.2 Food Security Improvement
• 6.3 Poverty Reduction
• 6.4 Sustainable Development Goals
• 6.5 Policy Formulation
7. Methodology
• 7.1 Research Design
• 7.2 Data Collection Methods
• 7.3 Data Analysis Techniques.
8. Discussion
• 8.1 Implications of Identified Problems and Limitations
• 8.2 Recommendations for Addressing Challenges
9. Conclusion
• 9.1 Summary of Findings
• 9.2 Future Directions for Research
10. References
Abstract
-Ethiopia's agricultural sector has experienced significant growth over
the past decade, primarily due to a more than twofold increase in
modern inputs like fertilizers and improved seeds. This growth is
also attributed to land expansion, increased labor use, and a 2.3%
annual rise in Total Factor Productivity (TFP). Key drivers include
substantial government investment in agriculture, enhanced road
infrastructure, improved rural education and favorable price incentives.
Introduction
-Agriculture refers to the deliberate cultivation of plants and the
rearing of animals. It is one of the earliest endeavors undertaken by
humans, originating during the Neolithic period around 10,000 years
ago. In contemporary times, agriculture continues to be a significant
economic force, occupying more than 15 percent of the planet's arable
land. Furthermore, approximately 60 percent of the global population
depends on agriculture for their livelihoods.
PRESENTATION BY
-The type of agriculture practiced in a region is shaped by both AARON LOEB
physical and socio-economic factors. Environmental elements such as
soil quality, climate, and topography limit the types of crops that can
be grown and the livestock that can be raised. In addition to these
-Agriculture is vital for several reasons. It supplies essential food for the population, provides raw materials such as cotton, sugar
cane, and oilseeds for various industries, and generates export crops that can fund industrial infrastructure and development.
Additionally, agriculture creates employment opportunities for many people.
-The majority of Ethiopia's population lives in rural areas and is involved in agricultural activities. This sector is fundamental to the
Ethiopian economy, influencing the growth of all other sectors and the overall national economy. Despite its long-standing agricultural
practices, the sector remains underdeveloped, with farming techniques largely unchanged for the past 2,000 years. Small-scale farmers
dominate, primarily practicing rain-fed mixed farming using traditional methods, resulting in low input and output levels. This sector
also houses a significant portion of the country's impoverished population.
-Therefore, in this section emphasis is given to explain to the agriculture systems of Ethiopia including its role, structure and
performance, farming type and the major challenges of the sector.
Chapter one
Agriculture in Ethiopia
1.1 Background of agriculture in Ethiopia
-Agriculture in Ethiopia has ancient roots,
dating back over 7,000 years, with early
practices emerging independently in the region
rather than being influenced by neighboring
areas.
-The highlands of Ethiopia provided favorable
conditions for farming, allowing for the
cultivation of various crops and the use of
advanced techniques like plowing.
-Historically, agriculture played a crucial role in the development of Ethiopian society, contributing to stable governance and
economic structures.
-However, despite its significance, the sector faced numerous challenges, including land tenure issues and government neglect
during the imperial period.
-Most farmland was owned by aristocrats, leaving many farmers as tenants with limited rights.-In the mid-20th century,
agricultural research began to take shape with the establishment of agricultural schools and research stations.
1.2Contributions, potentials and characteristics of
agriculture in Ethiopia
1.2.1 The contributions of agriculture in Ethiopia
-Agriculture is crucial to Ethiopia's economy, serving as
its backbone. Here are some key contributions: 1.2.2 The Agricultural Resource Base/potentials of Ethiopia
- GDP Contribution: Agriculture accounts for -Ethiopia has a rich agricultural resource base due to its
approximately 30-42% of Ethiopia's Gross Domestic diverse agro-ecological zones, which support a wide range of
Product (GDP) . crops and livestock.
- Foreign Exchange Earnings: Over 90% of the country's
foreign exchange earnings come from agricultural -The country's varied climate and elevation allow for the
products. cultivation of both cool-weather and warm-weather crops.
-Raw materials for processing industries.
- Employment: More than 80% of the Ethiopian -Ethiopia features at least 21 different soil types, with about
population relies on agriculture for their livelihoods. 16% of its land suitable for irrigation.-Additionally, the country
has extensive grazing land, covering 55-58% of its total area,
and boasts a large livestock population, estimated at 30-35
-These factors highlight agriculture's vital role in million livestock units.
sustaining the Ethiopian economy and supporting its
population. -This makes Ethiopia the leading country in Africa for livestock
-Agricultural land use in Ethiopia is vital for
the livelihoods of its population, with
agriculture being the primary economic
-In the 2016 Agricultural Sample Survey by the Ethiopian Central Statistics
activity. Key points include:
Agency, over 19 million hectares of land were utilized by smallholder farmers
during the major season.
- Land Access: Limited access to land
correlates with rural poverty, as agriculture
-The distribution of land use revealed that approximately 77% was
is land based.
dedicated to crops (both temporary and permanent), while grazing land
- Land Quality: The productivity of
accounted for 11.5%.
agriculture directly depends on land quality.
-Other land uses made up the remaining percentage, highlighting the
- Ownership Value: Land ownership
significant role of crop cultivation in Ethiopian agriculture during this period.
provides social status and serves as
collateral for credit.
Agricultural Land Use in
Ethiopia
-Despite these potentials, much of the agricultural capacity remain
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underutilized, presenting opportunities for growth and development in
sector. Agricultural Land Use in Ethiopia
-Despite these potentials, much of the agricultural capacity
remains underutilized, presenting opportunities for growth and
development in the sector.
02
03
Figure
1.1
Cropping seasons in Ethiopia
-Ethiopia has two primary cropping seasons: Belg and Meher. The Belg season occurs from February to June, with crops
harvested between March and August.
-In contrast, the Meher season runs from June to October, with harvests taking place from September to February.
-The Meher season is the more significant of the two, contributing 90-95% of the country's total cereal production, while the
Belg season accounts for the remaining 5-10%.
Cropping Pattern in Ethiopia
-Ethiopia's agricultural land use varies significantly between the highlands and lowlands.
-The highlands benefit from diverse agro-ecological zones due to their altitude, allowing for a wider range of crops and
1.2.3 Characteristics of Ethiopian
advanced farming practices, including crop rotation and land preparation.
Agriculture conditions and socio cultural factors across different regions,
-Ethiopian agriculture, while influenced by variations in agro-ecological
shares several fundamental characteristics.These core attributes include:
-As one moves from the central highlands to the peripheral lowlands, the number of crops grown decreases, leading to greater
diversity in the highlands. Key crops include cereals such as teff, wheat, barley, maize, and sorghum, which are essential to
1.Subsistence Orientation: Farmers primarily produce for household consumption, retaining up to 80% of their harvest for food and
the country's agriculture.
seeds, while cultivating 10-15 different crop types and raising various livestock.
2.Fragmentation and Small Holdings: Due to population growth and land division, farms are highly fragmented, with most households
owning less than one hectare of land, averaging 0.28 hectares.
-Ethiopia has extensive irrigable land, yet only a small fraction is cultivated due to physical challenges like steep terrain and
waterlogging, as well as human constraints such as lack of capital and technology.
-Consequently, over 98% of farmers depend on rainfed agriculture, making them highly susceptible to climate change.
-The potential for expanding rainted agriculture is limited, primarily found in the western lowlands from Gambella to Humerra,
where major rivers like Baro, Abbay, and Tekkeze could support irrigation development.
-However, significant barriers remain in effectively utilizing irrigation resources.
1.3 agriculture systems in Ethiopia
-Ethiopia's agricultural systems are diverse, shaped by
varying climatic and soil conditions, leading to distinct
farming practices.
-They can be categorized based on agro-ecological zones,
dominant crops or livestock, farming methods, and
technological inputs. The major systems
include:
1.Highland Mixed Farming System
2.Lowland Mixed Farming System
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1. Highland mixed farming system
-Highland mixed farming systems in Ethiopia, found at altitudes
over 1500 meters, integrate crop and livestock production across
two main agro-ecological zones: Dega (over 2300m) and Woina
Dega (1500-2300m).
A) Grain-Plough Complex: Predominantly in central and northern
regions, this system focuses on cereals like barley, wheat, and
teff, supplemented by pulses.
-Crop rotation is common, with oxen used for
ploughing.Challenges include soil degradation and drought.
B) The Horticulture-Hoe Complex:is prevalent in the humid, high-
rainfall regions of southern and southwestern Ethiopia.
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-It primarily utilizes human power for cultivating horticultural
crops, including enset, coffee, and various fruits like bananas and
mangoes.
-Maize is the main cereal crop, with production being more stable
compared to the grain-plough complex.
2. Lowland mixed agriculture
-Lowland mixed agriculture occurs in Ethiopia's mountain foothills and
valleys below 1500 meters, characterized by hot, dry conditions and shallow
soils.
-Key crops include drought-tolerant varieties of sorghum, maize, and pulses,
while livestock are raised on communal grazing lands.
-Farmers adapt to variable rainfall by diversifying crops and using early-
maturing varieties.
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-During severe droughts, livestock become vital for survival.
-Additional income sources include selling firewood and charcoal,
3. Pastoral
alongside off-farm employment complex
opportunities.
-The Pastoral
-This Complex
system in Ethiopia
is particularly is practiced
prominent in arid
in the Rift and
Valley semi-arid
and northern
lowlands with annual rainfall below
Awash 500mm, primarily by nomadic and semi-
River areas.
nomadic communities such as the Afar, Somali, and borena.
-Livestock rearing, including cattle, camels, sheep, and goats, is the main
economic activity, with pastoral areas contributing significantly to national
livestock exports.
-Crop production occurs along floodplains, but water shortages and
overgrazing pose challenges.
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4. Shifting cultivation
-Shifting cultivation, also known as cut-and-burn agriculture, involves clearing a plot of land for cultivation until its fertility is
exhausted, after which it is abandoned for new land.
-In Ethiopia, this practice is common among ethnic groups in the western and southwestern highlands and lowlands, particularly
in areas with low population density and limited livestock due to tsetse fly infestations.
-However, its prevalence is declining due to government interventions promoting sedentary farming and settlement programs.
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5. Commercial agriculture
-Commercial agriculture in Ethiopia began in the 1960s to meet urban food demands and industrial raw materials.
-Initially, mechanized farms were established in regions like the Awash Valley and Humera Metema, later
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1.4 Importance of Agriculture
1. Food Security
-Agriculture is the primary source of food production, providing
the essential nutrients needed for human survival.
-It ensures that populations have access to a diverse range of
foods, which is critical for health and nutrition.
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-By producing staple crops, fruits, vegetables, and livestock,
agriculture helps to combat hunger and malnutrition.
02
2. Economic Contribution
-Agriculture significantly contributes to the economy in many
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countries, especially in developing regions.
-It provides livelihoods for millions of people, particularly in rural
areas where alternative employment opportunities may be
limited.
-The agricultural sector also stimulates other industries, including
3. Raw Materials for Industries
-Agriculture supplies essential raw materials for various
industries, including textiles (cotton), pharmaceuticals (herbs
and plants), and biofuels (crops like corn and sugarcane).
-This interdependence supports industrial growth and economic
diversification.
4. Sustainable Development
-Sustainable 01
agricultural practices are vital for environmental
health.
-They help preserve soil quality, protect water resources, and
maintain biodiversity.
-Practices such as crop rotation, organic farming, and
agroforestry contribute to ecological balance and reduce the
impact of climate change.
Biodiversity Preservation
-Agriculture can enhance biodiversity by maintaining diverse
crop varieties and livestock breeds.
-Sustainable practices can help restore degraded ecosystems.
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6. Rural Development
-Agriculture drives rural development by improving infrastructure
(roads, markets), enhancing education (agricultural training), and
promoting health services in farming communities.
-This holistic development contributes to overall economic stability.
7. Climate Change Mitigation
-Agricultural practices can play a role in mitigating climate change
through carbon sequestration in soils and forests.
-Sustainable land management practices help reduce greenhouse gas
emissions while promoting resilience against climate impacts.
8. Global Trade
-Agriculture is a significant component of international trade.
-Countries export surplus agricultural products while importing those
that are not locally produced.
1.5 objectives of agriculture
-The objectives of agriculture encompass a range of goals aimed at enhancing productivity, sustainability, and community well-
being. Key objectives include:
1.Increase Agricultural Productivity: Boosting crop and livestock yields through modern techniques and improved management
practices.
2.Sustainable Resource Management: Promoting the responsible use of land, water, and biodiversity to minimize environmental
impact.
3.Food Security and Poverty Alleviation: Ensuring access to sufficient food while empowering small-scale farmers to improve their
livelihoods.
4.Economic Viability: Supporting farmers' incomes and enhancing their position in the food supply chain to ensure long-term
sustainability.
5.Climate Change Adaptation: Implementing practices that promote resilience against climate impacts and reduce greenhouse gas
emissions.
6.Research and Innovation: Encouraging technological advancements to tackle agricultural challenges and improve efficiency.
7.Community Development: Fostering rural development through infrastructure improvements and capacity building for local
farmers.
Chapter two
Literature Review
2.1 Overview of Agricultural Research in Ethiopia
-Agricultural research in Ethiopia has evolved significantly, primarily
coordinated by the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR)
since 1966.
-Initially focused on staple crops like wheat and maize, the research
agenda has expanded to include livestock and sustainable practices.
Despite increased funding, Ethiopia invests a relatively low percentage
of its agricultural GDP in research.
-Current efforts aim to build a robust system addressing climate change,
soil degradation, and food insecurity while enhancing collaboration
between research institutions and extension services. Overall,
agricultural research is essential for transforming Ethiopia's agricultural
landscape and improving livelihoods.
primary crops being researched by the Ethiopian Agricultural Research
Organization
-The Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization (EIAR) focuses on
several key crops essential for food security and economic development
in Ethiopia.
-The primary crops being researched include:
1)Teff (Eragrostis tef): A staple food for over 70 million people, with
efforts to develop high-yielding and resilient varieties.
2)Wheat (Triticum spp.): Important for food security, research aims to
enhance yield and combat diseases like stem rust.
3) Maize (Zea mays): Critical for diet and economy, focusing on yield
improvement and pest resistance.
4) Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor): Drought-resistant and vital for arid
regions, with research on improved varieties.
5) Barley (Hordeum vulgare): Significant for food and brewing,
developing new malting varieties.
2.2Previous Studies on Agricultural Challenges
Agricultural challenges in Ethiopia are significant, impacting the
sector's growth and sustainability.
Key findings from previous studies highlight:
1.Historical Context: Limited focus on local resources and
uneven distribution of research facilities hinder tailored agricultural
solutions (Hailu et al., 2020). 2.Resource Limitations: Under-
resourced research centers struggle with manpower and funding,
affecting their ability to address food security and sustainability
(Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization, 2021).
3.Food Security: There's an urgent need to double food
production without Concerns:
4.Sustainability expandingLimited
arable land, requiring
success investments
of Green Revolutionin
technologies and issues like soil
high-tec practices
degradation and resilient
and chemical crop raise
pollution varieties (World Bank,
sustainability 2019).(Taffesse et al., 2018).
concerns
5.Institutional Challenges: Structural changes in the agricultural research system necessitate a
cohesive strategy to integrate research with extension services for better farmer access to
innovations (Moges et al., 2020).
6.Climate Change Impacts: Changing weather patterns threaten crop yields, highlighting the need
for climate-resilient varieties and sustainable practices (Kebede et al., 2021).
2.3 Gaps in Current Research
-Despite advancements in Ethiopian agricultural research, critical gaps
hinder progress:
1) Limited Private Sector Involvement: Most research is dominated by
the Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization (EIAR), limiting
collaboration and innovation opportunities
2) Underutilization of Research Facilities: Many institutions lack adequate
infrastructure, restricting comprehensive research and technology
4)Yield Gaps: Average yields development.
for staple crops remain low due to poor management and technology access, highlighting the need
for3) Insufficient
targeted Focus on Agroecological Practices: Traditional methods
research.
prevail, necessitating more research to promote sustainable practices
5) Climate Resilience Research: among
Morefarmers
focused studies are required to develop climate-resilient crops and practices
6) Integration with Extension Services: Improved linkages between research and extension services are essential for effective
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