By: Goshu Melisew
The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) has launched the TRANSFORM initiative, a program aimed at revolutionizing soil fertility management in Ethiopia.
The Transformative Soil Fertility Management Program seeks to combat soil degradation, promote agricultural sustainability, and strengthen food security across the country.
Ethiopia’s ambitious soil restoration program is gaining strong international backing, with European donors and development partners committing long-term support.
Henk Van Duijin, President and CEO of the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), emphasized the urgent need for soil restoration in Ethiopia to address degradation and ensure sustainable food security.
The initiative aligns with Ethiopia’s National Agricultural Investment Plan and the African Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan, he stated.
“For years, efforts focused on new crop varieties, technology, and processing, but soil health was overlooked. With this program, Ethiopia is taking a holistic approach to restore soil fertility,” he stated.
The initiative aligns with Ethiopia’s National Agricultural Investment Plan and the African Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan.
Paula Schindeler, Deputy Ambassador and Head of Development Cooperation at the Netherlands Embassy, reaffirmed the Netherlands’ commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s agricultural sector, emphasizing the importance of soil restoration for sustainable food security.
Speaking at an event in Addis Ababa, Schindeler highlighted that the Netherlands remains Ethiopia’s largest EU investor, with over 100 Dutch companies operating in the country, particularly in agriculture and horticulture.
"We are a small country, yet the second-largest exporter of agricultural products globally, thanks to our expertise in irrigation, dairy, and horticulture," Schindeler said. "By exchanging knowledge with Ethiopia’s indigenous farming techniques, both nations can benefit."
She underscored the importance of the Transform program, which aligns with Ethiopia’s Soil Health and Fertility Improvement Strategy, the Climate Resilient Green Economy framework, and the Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda.
Eyasu Elias (Prof.), state minister of natural resource conservation at the Ministry of Agriculture, emphasized the urgent need for sustainable soil management solutions to address challenges such as soil acidity, erosion, and nutrient depletion.
“Our soils are the foundation of our agricultural potential, yet they have suffered from severe degradation due to land mismanagement, deforestation, and climate change. This program is a science-driven, community-led initiative that integrates modern soil health technologies with traditional knowledge,” said Eyasu.
The Transform Program aims to mobilize farmers and local communities to adopt better soil management practices while also engaging the private sector to ensure a sustainable supply of soil inputs such as organic compost, bio -fertilizers, and balanced mineral fertilizers.
Meanwhile, the European Union has reiterated its commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s agricultural sector by launching a new initiative focused on integrated soil fertility management.
Mercedes Marin Nortes, senior policy officer at the EU highlighted the urgent need to address soil degradation, which is estimated to cost Ethiopia 1.2 billion US dollars annually in lost agricultural productivity. She emphasized that agriculture remains a key pillar of Ethiopia’s economy and that reversing soil fertility loss is crucial for ensuring food security.
Tolosa Debela, program director of IFDC, highlighted the urgency of addressing soil fertility challenges, emphasizing that the initiative aims to empower farmers with customized soil management solutions, enhance access to soil inputs, and integrate scientific research into farming practices.
“Our approach centers on participatory planning and tailored extension services that equip farmers with practical, science-backed solutions,” said Tolosa. “By improving soil health, we are strengthening agricultural resilience and ensuring long-term food security for millions of Ethiopian farmers.”
According to Tolosa, the initiative prioritizes soil conservation, sustainable land management, and improved market systems for soil inputs.