Ethiopia's Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute and the Gates Foundation, has officially unveiled the Digital Agriculture Roadmap. Set to be implemented from 2025 to 2032, this comprehensive plan is poised to transform the way farmers and herders engage with technology and digital services.
During the launch event, Minister of Agriculture Girma Amente (PhD) emphasized the roadmap's critical role in equipping rural communities with the knowledge and tools necessary to harness digital innovations.
"This roadmap is not just a document; it is a lifeline for our farmers and herders. By integrating digital services into agriculture, we can significantly enhance productivity and improve livelihoods across the nation,” Girma stated.
The roadmap outlines a strategic framework for modernizing Ethiopia's agricultural sector through technology, recognizing that the future of farming lies in digital transformation. Minister Girma highlighted that this initiative aligns with Ethiopia's broader Digital Ethiopia 2025 strategy, which has already begun yielding positive results in various sectors.
Central to the roadmap are 25 identified areas where digital services can make a significant impact, with six priority issues highlighted for immediate attention. These priorities include the digitalization of trade and marketing information, enhancing financial access for farmers, establishing robust market linkages, and improving extension and advisory services. By addressing these key areas, the roadmap aims to create a more efficient, transparent, and profitable agricultural ecosystem, according to the Forum.
The discussion underscored that the implementation of this ambitious roadmap will occur in two phases, necessitating strong collaboration between the private sector, farmers, and pastoralists. This cooperative approach is essential for ensuring that the digital tools developed are accessible and relevant to those who need them most.
The launch event attracted a diverse audience, including Minister of Innovation and Technology, Beliko Molan (PhD) and other government officials, industry stakeholders, and representatives from various agricultural organizations.
Their presence underscored the importance of this initiative and the collective commitment to fostering a digitally enabled agricultural sector.
As Ethiopia embarks on this transformative journey, the Digital Agriculture Roadmap stands as a beacon of hope for millions of farmers and herders across the country, according to the Minister.
It was learned that with the right tools and support, Ethiopia is poised to not only modernize its agricultural practices but also uplift entire communities, driving economic growth and sustainability for years to come.