Addis Ababa: Ethiopia is shifting the narrative of being a nation dependent on aid by pioneering its own path toward agricultural productivity and food sovereignty. The East African nation is implementing bold policies to enhance its agricultural sector, aiming for long-term self-reliance and sustainable development.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, over the past six years, the Ethiopian government has launched several strategic programs to eradicate hunger and stimulate economic growth. These initiatives are transforming Ethiopia’s agricultural landscape, moving the country away from reliance on external support and toward self-sufficiency.

One significant achievement in this journey is Ethiopia’s transition from being a major wheat importer to becoming the largest wheat-producing country in Africa. The government, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, has launched dry season wheat irrigation projects that have not only bolstered food resilience but also positioned Ethiopia as a net exporter of wheat for the first time in its history. This remarkable shift has garnered recognition from international bodies like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), highlighting the country’s success in boosting wheat productivity through modern farming techniques and innovative seed varieties.

The Green Legacy Initiative, another cornerstone of Ethiopia’s agricultural transformation, was launched in 2019. It aims to plant billions of trees to combat deforestation and climate change while supporting sustainable agriculture. To date, over 40 billion seedlings have been planted, many of which are fruit-bearing species that contribute to food security and improve nutrition. This initiative has also increased Ethiopia’s forest cover significantly and created employment opportunities for local communities.

Ethiopia’s “Bounty of the Basket” program, launched in 2022, aims to enhance food production at both household and national levels by focusing on fish, dairy, eggs, chicken, and honey. The initiative has seen substantial growth in the production of these essential foods, with chicken meat production rising from 70,000 tons to 208,000 tons by 2024, and milk production increasing from 7.2 billion to 10 billion liters.

Under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s leadership, Ethiopia is not only advancing its own food self-sufficiency but also contributing to the continent’s broader aspiration for self-reliance. By strengthening domestic food production, Ethiopia is safeguarding itself from global supply chain disruptions and setting a powerful example for other African nations.

Ethiopia’s strategic policies are proving that food self-sufficiency is a cornerstone of its national strategy. The country is actively enhancing its capacity to address emergencies, growing its strategic food reserve to meet the needs of millions during crises. This ambition reflects Ethiopia’s commitment to achieving food sovereignty and reducing aid dependency, emphasizing that genuine sovereignty cannot exist without control over food resources.