CGIAR Enhances Support for Ethiopia’s Agriculture and Livestock Development Through Focused Research

ADDIS ABABA — The Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers (CGIAR) is intensifying efforts in Ethiopia to bolster the country’s agriculture and livestock sectors. This initiative is aimed at harnessing Ethiopia’s vast but underutilized agricultural potential to spur economic growth.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, CGIAR’s involvement in Ethiopia aligns with the government’s Home Grown Economy Agenda, which seeks to enhance the country’s agricultural output by tapping into its abundant arable land, much of which remains uncultivated. The research conducted by CGIAR is designed to tackle rural poverty, bolster food security, and improve both human health and nutrition, alongside promoting the sustainable management of natural resources.

Namukolo Covic, CGIAR’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, emphasized in an interview with ENA the organization’s commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s agricultural sector, particularly through research. CGIAR research centers are actively working across various agricultural fields, including crops like maize, wheat, potatoes, and vegetables, as well as in the livestock sector.

One of the primary focus areas highlighted by Covic is genetic improvement in both crops and livestock, which is fundamental for enhancing agricultural productivity. This initiative is complemented by the development of effective production practices and disease management strategies. For crops, the emphasis is also on adopting proper land and soil fertility management practices to realize the potential benefits of genetic improvements.

CGIAR’s research strategy is informed by Ethiopia’s ten-year prospective development plan (2021-2030), ensuring that the research outputs are directly relevant to the country’s development goals. The organization also supports the government’s Green Legacy Initiative, which aims to combat climate change and improve soil health through reforestation efforts.

Moreover, recent strides in developing a Food Systems Transformation pathway and food-based dietary guidelines in Ethiopia have opened avenues for transforming the agricultural food system. Such transformations are envisioned to enhance diet and nutrition across the country. CGIAR’s research efforts are thus aligned with the national research system and the Ministry of Agriculture, including the Agriculture Transformation Agency (ATA), to ensure impactful outcomes.

CGIAR’s global partnership and its commitment to research on food security continue to play a critical role in supporting Ethiopia’s aspirations for agricultural development and sustainability.