Ethiopia’s ‘Ye Lemat Tirufat’ Program Bolsters Food Security Initiatives

HAWASSA – Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh has highlighted the significant impact of the ‘Ye Lemat Tirufat’ (Bounty of the Basket) development program on the country’s agricultural sector. The program is designed to improve food security and has reportedly generated considerable enthusiasm among farmers and pastoralists.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, who spoke at a meeting in Hawassa to review the program’s progress since its inception in November 2022, ‘Ye Lemat Tirufat’ has effectively increased motivation and interest in agricultural productivity. Initiated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the program focuses on enhancing the production of dairy, eggs, chicken, and honey to achieve nutritional self-sufficiency at both family and national levels.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the program’s primary goal is to ensure food sovereignty by increasing national production, stabilizing the market, and reducing dependency on imported agricultural products. The initiative also aims to create job opportunities and boost foreign trade.

In addition, Agriculture Minister Girma Amente noted that the program has led to the establishment of thousands of ‘Ye Lemat Tirufat Villages’ across Ethiopia, which serve as focal points for implementing the development strategies.

The meeting in Hawassa was attended by chief administrators of regional states, city mayors, and various officials from the agriculture sector, reflecting a broad engagement in the national effort to enhance food security.