Ethiopia is making significant strides towards achieving national food sovereignty through ambitious initiatives in wheat cluster farming and agricultural modernization.
The government's collaborative approach is yielding remarkable results, particularly in the Southern Ethiopia Region, where youth and farmers are experiencing unprecedented productivity.
EBC Amharic recently conducted exclusive interviews with farmers and young entrepreneurs in the region, showcasing the success of the winter wheat cluster farming initiative.
Abdurazak Jemal, a farmer from the Siltie Zone, enthusiastically shared his experience.
"Last year, we collected about 1.5 million birr from wheat production. This year, as you can see, the yield is even more promising. I am aiming to double our productivity by next year”, he stated beaming with pride.
Beyond wheat, the region is witnessing a diversification of agricultural activities. Abirar Aman, another young farmer in Siltie Zone, highlighted their involvement in cultivating a variety of crops.
"We are farming tomatoes, carrots, and various other vegetables and fruits alongside wheat production," Abirar explained, demonstrating the multifaceted approach to food security.
The success of these initiatives is also creating employment opportunities for local communities.
Jemal Mohammed, a seasoned farmer, emphasized the impact on job creation as follows.
"Right now, you can see that more than 86 people are working diligently in this field alone," he said, illustrating the positive ripple effect of the agricultural boom.
Across the region, farmers are reporting high levels of productivity in winter wheat cluster farming, vegetables, fruits, and various other agricultural commodities, contributing significantly to the nation's quest for food sovereignty.
These success stories serve as a testament to the effectiveness of the government's strategic focus on modernizing agriculture and empowering local communities to become key players in achieving national food security.