Stakeholders highlight public participation as crucial for Ethiopia’s sustainable food system transition

Addis Ababa, July 4, 2025 (FMC) — Key stakeholders emphasized the indispensable role of broad public engagement in advancing Ethiopia’s transition toward a sustainable and inclusive food system.

The Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), in collaboration with the Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI), convened a national forum titled “From Vision to Action: Ethiopia’s Sustainable and Inclusive Food System Transition Journey.”

During the opening remarks, Firew Tegegn, Deputy Director General of ATI, reaffirmed Ethiopia’s steadfast commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), underscoring the nation’s leadership in spearheading comprehensive food system transformation.

Firew further announced Ethiopia’s co-hosting of the 2nd United Nations Food and Agriculture Conference in partnership with Italy, scheduled to take place in Addis Ababa from July 27 to 29, 2025. He noted that this high-profile event would enhance Ethiopia’s international stature and spotlight its ongoing advancements in food system reform.

Since initiating the transition, Ethiopia has rolled out several flagship national programs aimed at accelerating systemic change. Among these are Yelemat Tirufat (Bounty of Basket), the Wheat Development Program, the Green Legacy Initiative, the School Feeding Program, Ethiopia Tamert (Let Ethiopia Produce), and the Seqota Declaration.

Frealem Shibabaw, Director of the Ethiopian School Feeding Initiative, highlighted the government’s pivotal role in nurturing a healthier and more resilient generation through these programs. She pointed out that over 800,000 students across Addis Ababa currently benefit from two nutritious meals daily under the School Feeding Program, aligned with the goals of the Seqota Declaration.

Bikila Workneh, Dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Engineering at Addis Ababa University, stressed that improving agricultural productivity remains a collective national responsibility. He urged for heightened private sector engagement, particularly in areas of food processing and value addition, to complement public efforts.

Brooke Kebede, CEO of NBC Television, underscored the vital role of the media in promoting food system awareness and food sovereignty. He cited media-driven campaigns such as the Green Footprint initiative, land tenure reforms, and agricultural mechanization as key contributions to national discourse and action.

Helen Tilahun, Executive Director of New Life Ten Challenge Development, emphasized the imperative of inclusive participation, calling for active involvement of youth, women, and persons with disabilities in the food system transformation to ensure equity and sustainability.

Preparations are underway for the successful hosting of the forthcoming United Nations Food Systems Summit, a milestone event expected to galvanize further momentum in Ethiopia’s ongoing journey toward a resilient and inclusive food future, as reported today by ENA.