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Across Ethiopia, farmers are facing growing challenges. Rising input costs, changing weather patterns, land degradation, and pest pressures continue to test the resilience of agricultural systems. At the same time, the country is taking bold steps toward a more sustainable future through the National Agroecology Strategy for Food System Transformation(2026-2040), a framework designed to build resilient, inclusive, and climate-smart food systems.
Agriterra is contributing to this transition through the Sustainable Climate Smart Agriculture for Food and Livelihood Security in Ethiopia (SCALE) Project, implemented together with ETG Commodities, the University of Copenhagen, and Mary’s Meals International, with funding from the Danida Green Business Partnership.
At the heart of the project is Agroecology in Farming (AEF), an approach that helps farmers improve soil health, strengthen biodiversity, and increase resilience while reducing dependence on costly external inputs.
Building local expertise
In April 2026, Agriterra brought together 20 extension workers, lead farmers, and cooperative advisors from Oromia, Sidama, and South Ethiopia regions for a three-day Agroecology in Farming Training of Trainers. Led by agroecology expert Ruben Borge Robles of Rock in Soils, the training combined classroom learning with hands-on field practice. Participants explored compost production, biofertilizers, biological crop protection, water management, crop-livestock integration, and biological seed treatment techniques.
In Abala Abaya district, theory quickly turned into practice as participants produced compost, liquid biofertilizers, and biological solutions using locally available materials. The focus was simple:equip local champions with practical knowledge they could immediately share with farmers in their communities.
When farmers see the results
One of the strongest moments of the training came from the experiences shared by farmers already applying agroecological practices. A lead farmer from West Arsi explained how Agroecology in Farming had transformed potato production on his farm. Conventional potato cultivation often requires significant spending on fertilizers and pesticides, with input costs reaching ETB 25,000 - 30,000 per hectare. Average yields in the area are around 18 tonnes per hectare. Using agroecological practices, the farmer achieved yields of 28 tonnes per hectare while reducing reliance on synthetic inputs.
For many participants, this was powerful evidence that sustainable farming practices can improve productivity while lowering production costs.
Taking knowledge to the field
The impact did not stop with the training.
Agriterra Cooperative Advisors soon organised follow-up sessions with 15 lead farmers and extension agents at Hobicha Cooperative. Farmers were eager to learn more as they searched for practical solutions to rising fertilizer prices, input shortages, and increasing production costs. The response was overwhelmingly positive, farmers recognised Agroecology in Farming as an accessible and adaptable approach that makes use of resources already available on their farms and within their communities.
What began as a training was rapidly becoming a movement driven by farmer-to-farmer learning.
Creating momentum for scale
To strengthen collaboration and support wider adoption, Agriterra convened a national agroecology workshop in Addis Ababa on 30th April, 2026. Representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Ethiopian Cooperative Commission, Regional Bureaus of Agriculture, and Cooperative Promotion Agencies came together to discuss the future of agroecology in Ethiopia. The workshop combined international experiences with evidence from implementation on the ground.
Results from the Acting Now Project (2023- 2025) demonstrated the growing impact of agroecological approaches, with 1,077 farmers trained, 1,271 hectares reached, and 907 hectares managed under agroecological practices. Lead farmer Gutema Kedir from West Arsi shared his own experiences, highlighting visible improvements in potato production achieved through agroecological management.
The discussions reinforced a shared understanding: agroecology is no longer just an idea. It is a practical pathway that aligns closely with Ethiopia's national ambitions for sustainable food system transformation.
Looking ahead
Agroecology in farming is moving beyond pilot activities and training sessions. It is becoming a farmer-validated, evidence-based, and institutionally recognised approach to building resilient food systems.
Together with partners, Agriterra will continue supporting farmers, cooperatives, and institutions to expand adoption, strengthen enabling policies, and accelerate the transition toward regenerative and climate-resilient agriculture, because lasting transformation starts in the field, where knowledge, innovation, and farmers come together to create sustainable change.
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