Addis Ababa, June 17, 2026 (FMC) — Stakeholders have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the implementation of Ethiopia’s National Agroecology Strategy for Food Systems Transformation, highlighting the need for stronger collaboration, indigenous knowledge integration and sustainable agricultural practices to advance resilient and inclusive food systems.
The commitment was emphasized during a workshop organized by the Ethiopian Sustainable Food Systems and Agroecology Consortium (ESFSAC) in collaboration with Land for Life Ethiopia, which brought together representatives of government institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, research and academic institutions, the private sector and youth groups.
Addressing participants, ESFSAC Executive Director Dr. Bayush Tsegaye said the National Agroecology Strategy provides a comprehensive framework for transforming Ethiopia’s food systems through sustainable, resilient and inclusive approaches.
She noted that agriculture remains the backbone of Ethiopia’s economy and the primary source of livelihood for millions of farmers, pastoralists and agropastoralists. However, challenges such as climate change, land degradation, declining soil fertility, biodiversity loss, water stress and food insecurity continue to threaten agricultural productivity and the resilience of communities across the country.
According to Dr. Bayush, the strategy adopts a food systems approach that links agricultural production, processing, distribution and consumption with environmental sustainability, nutrition and public health outcomes. She added that it builds on Ethiopia’s rich agroecological heritage, including integrated crop-livestock systems, agroforestry, soil and water conservation measures, and indigenous knowledge systems.
She stressed that recognizing and incorporating community knowledge and diversity-based farming practices will be essential for ensuring the successful implementation of the strategy.
Dr. Bayush further stated that the strategy is guided by six key objectives: promoting sustainable and resilient agricultural practices and technologies; strengthening research, innovation and extension services; supporting inclusive market systems; creating an enabling policy and governance environment; enhancing social inclusion and empowerment; and promoting sustainable consumption patterns and healthy diets.
The National Agroecology Strategy for Food Systems Transformation (2026–2040) was developed under the leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture through an extensive consultative process involving government institutions, research organizations, development partners and other stakeholders. Published in 2025 and officially launched in March 2026, the strategy serves as Ethiopia’s long-term roadmap for building sustainable, climate-resilient and nutrition-sensitive food systems.
Senior Academic and Researcher at Arba Minch University Dr. Feleke Woldeyes emphasized the importance of documenting and promoting Ethiopia’s rich indigenous knowledge systems, noting that integrating local knowledge with scientific research can help generate innovative solutions and appropriate technologies to address agricultural challenges.
He observed that Ethiopia’s diverse ecosystems, cultures and traditions offer valuable knowledge and practices that can contribute significantly to sustainable agricultural development. According to the researcher, greater attention should be given to preserving and utilizing such knowledge to strengthen food security and nutritional sovereignty.
Dr. Feleke also highlighted the importance of improving soil health through the use of organic fertilizers, crop rotation and crop diversification, while addressing post-harvest losses by enhancing storage, transportation and market linkages.
Panelists and participants noted that agroecology complements rather than contradicts commercial farming systems and stressed the importance of integrated pest management, healthy soils and nutrition-sensitive agricultural practices. They further underscored the need for close collaboration among farmers, government institutions, researchers and development partners to support the effective implementation of the strategy.
The workshop also explored opportunities for partnership, resource mobilization and coordinated action aimed at translating the National Agroecology Strategy into tangible outcomes for Ethiopia’s agricultural transformation and sustainable food systems development.