AFSA Commends Ethiopia’s Proactive National Initiatives

Addis Ababa, January 28, 2026 (FMC) — The Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) commended Ethiopia’s nationwide efforts to strengthen agroecology, climate resilience, and sustainable food systems, highlighting initiatives such as the Green Legacy Initiative, the upcoming Clean Ethiopia campaign, urban and riverside development projects, and the national agroecology and food sovereignty strategies.

AFSA General Coordinator Million Belay (PhD) said these efforts serve as a model for African countries in supporting smallholder farmers, promoting resilient food systems, and preserving local culture.

Representatives of African governments, civil society organizations, climate negotiators, and development partners gathered in Addis Ababa this week for a continental meeting on climate, food systems, and agroecology, organized by AFSA in collaboration with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Planning and Development.

The meeting brought together participants from 16 African countries to assess progress in promoting climate-resilient agriculture, agroecology, and sustainable food systems, and to develop a coordinated strategy for the coming years.

On the occasion, Million Belay (PhD) said the gathering provided a platform to evaluate progress in integrating agroecology into national and continental strategies, share experiences from different countries, and plan coordinated actions. He highlighted that each country’s context differs, requiring tailored approaches, and stressed the importance of learning from successes and challenges across Africa.

He further outlined African civil society priorities, including positioning agroecology as a key adaptation and resilience strategy, promoting predictable and sustainable financing for agroecology initiatives, and strengthening civil society’s engagement within national and regional agriculture policy frameworks. Million also underscored the importance of working closely with the Ethiopian government in supporting continental sustainability initiatives.

Mr. Mengistu Basho, Environment and Climate Change Agreement and Partnerships Officer at the Ministry of Planning and Development, welcomed participants and expressed the Government of Ethiopia’s appreciation to AFSA for organizing the dialogue.

He noted that climate change remains one of the most pressing challenges globally, with Africa bearing a disproportionate share of its impacts despite contributing the least to greenhouse gas emissions.

Mr. Mengistu highlighted that recurrent droughts, floods, food insecurity, water stress, and loss of livelihoods particularly affect smallholder farmers, pastoralists, women, youth, and indigenous communities.

He emphasized that in Ethiopia, climate change is a lived reality, given the country’s climate-sensitive agriculture-based economy and ecosystems.

He also outlined Ethiopia’s climate action efforts, including the implementation of national strategies on climate resilience and sustainable development, as well as the Green Legacy Initiative, which has mobilized millions of citizens to restore degraded landscapes, strengthen biodiversity, and improve livelihoods.

Mengistu further emphasized Ethiopia’s leadership in promoting Africa’s collective priorities in climate and sustainable agriculture policy discussions.

Delegates from different African countries shared their respective national experiences in agroecology, climate adaptation, food security, and related areas, contributing to discussions on lessons learned and strategies for the future.