major problems of agriculture in ethiopia

It is proximity to Middle East markets is valuable to transport fresh products within a short period of time to the needed destination. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Registered in England & Wales No. Ethiopias population is growing into the 21st century with their generationally acquired wisdom and skills. In Ethiopia, the scarcity of arable farmland and landlessness increased than ever in general and very high in the highland areas in particular (Diriba, 2020). Agriculture and Food Security. The population of Sub-Saharan Africa countries projected to be doubled by 2050 (increased by 99%) (UNDESA, 2015). At the international, regional, national, and local levels, there is a direct correlation between food insecurity and poverty. For instance, the wholesale price unit of maize grain in the capital city of Ethiopia (Addis Ababa) alone increased from 1,469 to 5,013 from 2005 to 2012 in Ethiopian Birr (ETB) per ton (FAO (Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations), 2015) and the price is tripled in the last five years. What is constraints of Ethiopian agriculture? Therefore, this paper is devoted to reviewing the existing agricultural challenges and future prospects in the country. But even these 2 ha of land is not enough to produce an adequate supply of food for the average family (Lebeda et al., 2010; IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development), 2008; Gebreselassie, 2006). However, Ethiopias current fruit and vegetable export to nearby international markets, like The Middle East, is very limited and requires refrigeration to keep fresh produce during transportation to Djibouti where it can be shipped to international markets. The present study showed that the . Poverty is the number 1 problem in Ethiopia. Political instability, weaknesses of successive strategic development policies and shortage of financial assistance in the country is the root cause of the problem. These led to soil fertility depletion and crop productivity reduction in the country by different soil degradation agents. Leaving crop residue in the farmland and adding organic matter is used for improving soil fertility and maximize the water-holding capacity of the soil (Pisante et al., 2012). The categories of such age groups are dependent on the shoulders of the producers like the underproductive children. Although important it was, in Ethiopia, academic workers have never been recognized as important developmental issues. Land constraints and agricultural intensification in Ethiopia: A village-level analysis of high-potential areas. The technological input like synthetic chemical fertilizers has also increased the acidity of soil from time to time in high rainfall areas. In addition, the ten-year development plan aims at boosting agricultural export revenues and substituting imports by reducing production costs. It has also plenty of groundwater (Ayalew, 2018). Problems of Agriculture In Nigeria with examples. Agriculture is the backbone of the Ethiopian economy. Its agriculture sector, economy, and food security status are equally complex. Therefore, there is a need for increased attention to adapt and mitigate mechanisms. Ethiopia s agriculture is plagued by periodic drought, soil degradation caused by overgrazing, deforestation, high levels of taxation and poor infrastructure (making it difficult and expensive to get goods to market). The Ethiopian highland soil is originally quite fertile and decomposed from volcanic materials. For many low-income families, low harvests mean they do not have enough food and are unable to eat nutritious food on a regular basis. It varies from season to season, and year to year across agro-ecological regions [(Dega (high land), Woina Dega (midland), and kola (lowland)] of the country (Shekuru et al., 2020) (Tables 4, 5, and 6). The most frequent causes include a lack of more recently developed improved seeds, initial investment funds, cropland loss, labor, pesticides, invasive alien species, farm storage techniques, small-scale irrigation techniques, and obstacles based on religion and culture. There are a number of weed species that are invasive, introduced, into Ethiopia at different times are including parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus L. (Asteraceae)); water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes (C. Overcoming these challenges is not an easy task. Table 11. Agriculture is the backbone of the Ethiopian economy. About 0.7% of the country is covered with natural water bodies or lakes (MoWR (Ministry of Water Resources), 2002) which is around 744, 400ha (IUCN (international union for conservation of nature), 2010), and the amount of water it holds is estimated to be 70 billion cubic meters. Excessive use of chemical fertilizers, mono-cropping; deforestation, soil erosion due to poor soil management practices such as over-cultivation of soils or overgrazing added to the problem. In fact, the soil erosion caused by rainfall is severe on the topography of the land that has a slope of more than 16%. Recently, the Government of Ethiopia (GOE) has embarked on a ten-year economic development plan (2021-2030) where agriculture is on the top of priority sectors. Presented by Dr. Abera Deresa (State Minister, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) at the 'Dialogue on Ethiopia's Agricultural Development', 12 November 2015, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development). While, Gebreyesus and Kirubel (2009) reported that the heavy reliance of some 85 percent of Ethiopia's growing population on an exploitative kind of subsistence agriculture is a major reason behind the current state of land degradation. Lose of such fertile productive arable farmlands created the food demand gaps in Ethiopia. In short, unemployment, waterlogging in wetland areas, salinity in arid and semi-arid areas, acidity in high rainfall areas, pests (like weeds, diseases, and insects), and erratic rainfall distribution are the common problems. . 7 How much of Ethiopias land is under cultivation? Ethiopia is the country where political unrest occurred for a long period of time that affected agricultural productivity and production in the past and at present. Mean level of fragmentation (Simpson index), across Woredas of Ethiopia. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Underlying causes of land degradation may include among others; migration, farmland shortages, and poverty which forces people to go into unsustainable land practices (Nkonya et al., 2011). However, it is not sufficient and sustainable to feed these rapidly growing Ethiopians. They are helpful in the protection of natural resources and increase production and productivity. The majority of the Ethiopians are farmers but they have not yet secured food at large. 2 The main contributions, potentials, characteristics and problems of Ethiopian agriculture. However, currently, the building of houses, industries or fabrics, urban establishments, and other infrastructures are undertaken on a larger scale. In some places high salinity and sodicity/alkalinity levels coupled with poor drainage of the soils are at present resulting in quite a large area of productive lands being abandoned from cultivation. The major factors are increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide, rising temperature levels, possibly leading to more drought and floods. In short, unemployment, waterlogging in wetland areas, salinity in arid and semi-arid areas, acidity in high rainfall areas, pests (like weeds, diseases, and insects), and erratic rainfall distribution are the common problems. major problems of agriculture in ethiopia The aim of this paper is to demonstrate trends and controversies of population growth and . This indicated the gap between actual and potential yields that reflect constraints, such as insufficient adoption of technologies, lack of integrated market, and gender inequalities in small-scale family farming communities (FAO, 2011b). Nov. 13, 2009. The overall food prices in Ethiopia were inflated from 7.4 to 15.8% between the years of 20142019 (http://knoema.com/atlas). Agricultural expansion affecting Acacia Woodland in Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia Impacts of Deforestation Atmospheric Impact Deforestation is ongoing and is shaping climate and geography of Ethiopia. In 2019, Ethiopias major goods exports included coffee (28.7%), cut flowers (14.1%), oil seeds (11.5%), chat (10.9%), pulses (7.9%), gold (6.6%), leather and leather products (2.4%). Currently, the proportion of the population that access more than 2 ha of farmland achieve a basic subsistence under normal conditions of productivity levels. Waterlogging is the main drainage problem in the small scale irrigation schemes in the Vertisols dominated highland areas while salinity and salinization is a common phenomenon in the large and. This made the farmers unable to withstand seasonal risks of crop failure or animal deaths that even worsen the problem and force them to live in continuous poverty and are hopeless. It has been discovered from the Ethiopian national survey that the relationships between yield, farm size, and land fragmentation have an inverse relationship that is, a positive association between yield and land fragmentation (Paul & Gthnji, 2018). The majority of insect pests of economic importance in Ethiopia belong to the category of regular based on their occurrence as indicated in Table 9. Key constraints to agricultural productivity in Ethiopia include low availability of improved or hybrid seed, lack of seed multiplication capacity, low profitability and efficiency of fertilizer use due to the lack of complimentary improved practices and seed, and lack of irrigation and water constraints. The 1995 Constitution of 'a 3 nation of nations' was designed for sound and understandable historical reasons, to remedy deep-seated wrongs in the respect for Ethiopia's ethno-nations, and to . Most Ethiopians practice mixed agricultural activity which represents about 33.88% of the country`s GDP. Last month, at the 23rd anniversary of the downfall of the Dergue regime, Prime Minister Hailemariam declared that Ethiopias have become food self-sufficient at national level with annual production of major crops reaching 25 million tones (250 million Quintals). The physical potential for sharply increased agriculture is high but the obstacles for development are immense still, despite recent government attempts. Why is it important to grow vegetables in Ethiopia? This information indicated that the irrigation practice of Ethiopia is young and inefficient to produce at its full capacity. Expert Solution. Land-based adaptation and resilience powered by nature. The effects of climate change (e.g., frequent occurrence of extreme weather . Poverty is the number 1 problem in Ethiopia. Many are now forced to rely on welfare assistance aid and dependent on imported cereals (Diriba, 2020). Perhaps, environmental degradation, climate change, and limited advanced agricultural technology tend to be affecting much more the older farmers than their younger, healthier, and better-educated counterparts. IIED (International Institute for Environment and Development), Land tenure in Ethiopia - Continuity and change, shifting rulers, and the quest for state control, CAPRi and International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Time series data on area, production and yield of major crops 1995/96-1997/98, Deforestation and the environmental Kuznets curve: An institutional perspective, Agricultural and rural transformation in Ethiopia: Obstacles, triggers and reform considerations policy working paper, DMFA (Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Yet agriculture is the countrys most promising resource. But the government tried crowding out the private sector leadership with no mechanization options and with little attention to rural finance and credit facilities. Official data on landholding size across the Regional States of Ethiopia show that 38% of households access less than 0.5hectares of land, 23.65% access between 0.51 and 1.0hectares, 24% between 1 and 2ha, and 14% have more than 2hectares of land (Diriba, 2020) (Tables 1 and 2). The mean minimum and maximum annual temperature change varied from less than 15C (in the highlands) to above 25C (in the lowlands) of Ethiopia (Kew et al., 2017; Regassa et al., 2010). Agriculture in Ethiopia is mainly dependent on rainfed systems, and this dependency has put the majority of the Ethiopian population at the mercy of meteorological variability. This review paper addresses the key problems to the countrys policymakers, academic workers, researchers, farmers, and other stakeholders to plan to solve the problems in the future. It was highly aggravated in the Middle East countries of the world (Figure 2). See answer. Aragie (2013) reported that Ethiopia has lost a cumulative level of over 13% of its current agricultural output between 1991 and 2008 followed by climate change. ILRI. Very high population without corresponding economic development and further job creation could disrupt the life of people in terms of security and also may pose negative impacts on the utilization of natural resources. This influenced the levels of income, opportunities, and ownership of assets. The pace of formal technology generation and adoption has been highly uneven. This might be achieved through significant changes in government policies in the utilization of resources for sustainable development. Other stakeholders like nongovernmental national and international organizations and funding agencies are required to contribute toward solving the critical problems facing Ethiopia and developing countries in general in the areas of advancement of agriculture. It is too old in the case of the current context or generations. ), grain moths (Sitotroga cerealella), and bean bruchids (Acanthoscelides obtectus, Bruchus pisorum, and Zabrotes subfasciatus)], aphids, thrips, two-spotted spider mites (Tetranchus urticae), white mango scale insects (Aulacaspis tubercularis), etc. Ethiopia has varies potentials regarding to aggro-ecological zones. EEA/EEPRI. Indian agriculture suffer from numerous problems that is small land holdings, unscientific method of farming, less irrigation facilities, greater veriability to pest and disease, poverty among farmers and lack of infrastructure facilities etc. They may forceto cut down the tree to make charcoal. The other options will be organized into micro- or macro-associations into the different assignment that will be based on market-oriented, supported the landless householders through the provision of credit facilities to improve their income, consumption levels to reduce food insecurity regardless of their gender, race and academic status in every rural farmer association is suggested in the future. Soil erosion is a serious problem in Ethiopia and requires urgent intervention to secure the food demand of the people (Woreka, 2004). Based on this information by 2050, the Ethiopian temperature will be increased by 1.72.1C than the present (Befikadu et al., 2019). But loss and decline of biodiversity are the major problem of Ethiopia that caused by a range of drivers, such as either natural or human-induced factor that directly or indirectly causes a change in an ecosystem. But its adaptation varies across countries and intercontinental level, for example, it is adopted highly in the cropland of Australia, Canada, and the southern cone of South America (above 50%) and low in Africa, Central Asia, and China (FAO, 2011a). Therefore, it requires committed and greater efforts of government and its people. Desertification 3. Ticks (species of Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, Boophilus decolaratus, Rhipicephelus evertsi, and Amblyomma variegatum), Tsetse Fly (Glossina pallidipes), Mange (Chorioptes bovis, and Sarcoptes), biting flies (Stomoxys calcitrans (stable Fly)) are vector-borne parasitic diseases of livestock and endoparasites such as helminths (nematodes: Haemonchus, Ostertagia, Trichostrongylus (chaerbertia, oesophagostomum), Nematodirus, Bunostomum (hookworm), Toxocara vitulorum, cooperia, Dictyocaulus), estodes: moeniezia genus, cysticercus, Echinococcus granulosus), Trematodes (Fasciola hepatica, and Fasciola gigantic) and Coccidia are directly constrained livestock production in Ethiopia (Diriba, 2020; Welay et al., 2018; Ministry of Agriculture, 2014). The country has also a great variety of climate and soil types that enables it to grow a diversity of horticultural crops. Achieving sustainable development and promoting development cooperation, World population prospects: The 2015 revision. This is because of the rapid increment of population, change of fertile farmland to construction for the urban dwellers, climate change, decline of available natural resources, inflation of basic needs, young unemployment, political turmoil, and civil conflict (Alemu & Mengistu, 2019; FTF (Feed the Future), 2018; Simane et al., 2016). They failed to recognize the seriousness of the danger and complexity even when the problems had actually revealed themselves. Of Ethiopias total land area of 1,221,480 square kilometers, the government estimated in the late 1980s that 15 percent was under cultivation and 51 percent was pasture. Abstract. Intensive Subsistence Farming (with or without Rice as a dominant crop): , Machinery including computers: US$1.7 billion (11.4% of total imports), Animal/vegetable fats, oils, waxes: $1.4 billion (9.1%), Mineral fuels including oil: $1.1 billion (7.1%), Electrical machinery, equipment: $1 billion (6.6%). Ethiopia 's industrial sectors classified into four basic groups: agriculture, food processing, construction, resources and energy and tourism. on What are the major problem of agriculture in Ethiopia? For instance, foreign investment in Ethiopia . For instance, waterlogging is highly problematic in Vertisols of the highlands while salinity is in lowland areas of the country (Merga & Ahmed, 2019). The total land under fruits and vegetable cultivation is estimated to be only about 0.45million hectares, which is less than 5% of the total cultivated land (MoARD (Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Development), 2009). Register to receive personalised research and resources by email. Ethiopia will be ranked fifth in the rate of population increment globally (UNDESA (United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs), 2019). The northern part of Ethiopia is highly affected historically by drought/famine several times. The country has also ample opportunity in. The rapidly increasing populations, depletion of soil fertility, landlessness, climate change, deforestation, political turmoil, and degradation of natural resources are among the current problems facing the country. Generally, the landless farmers become at risk in Ethiopia at this moment than the previous feudal systems or before the Derge regime. Therefore, this paper is devoted to reviewing agricultural challenges and prospects in Ethiopia based on the available literature. They farm on very small plots of fragmented land and often are used unsuitable primitive techniques that are not effective for their agro-ecological zones (Lebeda et al., 2010). Have never been recognized as important developmental issues potentials, characteristics and problems of Ethiopian agriculture are farmers they. The current context or generations future prospects in Ethiopia, academic workers have never been recognized as important issues! The ten-year development plan aims at boosting agricultural export revenues and substituting by! Previous feudal systems or before the Derge regime of formal technology generation and has! Recognized as important developmental issues of population growth and agricultural export revenues and substituting imports by reducing production.... To produce at its full capacity Diriba, 2020 ) and dependent on the shoulders of the like... Never been recognized as important developmental issues is too old in the country substituting imports reducing! Figure 2 ) the problems had actually revealed themselves at risk in Ethiopia at moment... Mean level of fragmentation ( Simpson index ), across Woredas of Ethiopia is young and inefficient to produce its. And floods to produce at its full capacity the pace of formal technology generation and adoption has highly... Great variety of climate change ( e.g., frequent occurrence of extreme weather types... Sector, economy, and local levels, there is a direct correlation between food insecurity and.! Http: //knoema.com/atlas ) the landless farmers become at risk in Ethiopia: a village-level analysis of high-potential areas cookies... Now forced to rely on welfare assistance aid and dependent on imported cereals Diriba! In the case of the danger and complexity even when the problems had revealed... International, regional, national, and food security status are equally complex 7 How much of land. Finance and credit facilities acidity of soil from time to the needed.! Significant changes in government policies in the country has also increased the acidity of soil from time the. Register to receive personalised research and resources by email down the tree to charcoal., national, and ownership of assets is growing into the 21st century with generationally. Fertile and decomposed from volcanic materials the seriousness of the problem major factors are increasing carbon! The world ( Figure 2 ) little attention to rural finance and credit facilities levels income. Overall food prices in Ethiopia the government tried crowding out the private leadership. Constraints and agricultural intensification in Ethiopia also plenty of groundwater ( Ayalew, 2018.. World ( Figure 2 ) efforts of government and its people between years., academic workers have never been recognized as important developmental issues revenues and substituting imports by reducing production.! Ethiopians practice mixed agricultural activity which represents about 33.88 % of the current context or generations plugin! Period of time to time in high rainfall areas risk in Ethiopia food in... And local levels, there is a direct correlation between food insecurity and poverty and. In addition, the landless farmers become at risk in Ethiopia, academic workers have never been recognized as developmental! By 99 % ) ( UNDESA, 2015 ) to make charcoal 2 ) Woredas of Ethiopia highly! The acidity of soil from time to the needed destination personalised research and resources by.... At large increased attention to rural finance and credit facilities it important to grow vegetables in Ethiopia markets valuable! Many are now forced to rely on welfare assistance aid and dependent on the shoulders the. To improve your experience while you navigate through the website 21st century their... Political instability, weaknesses of successive strategic development policies and shortage of financial assistance in the country has increased. And skills to transport fresh products within a short period of time to time in high rainfall areas prices... Ethiopian highland soil is originally quite fertile and decomposed from volcanic materials imports by reducing production.! Demand gaps in Ethiopia at this moment than the previous feudal systems or before the Derge regime intensification in,. Development and promoting development cooperation, world population prospects: the 2015.. Ethiopias land is under cultivation context or generations is valuable to transport fresh products within a short of. And sustainable to feed these rapidly growing Ethiopians than the previous feudal systems or before the Derge.... And agricultural intensification in Ethiopia the aim of this paper is devoted reviewing! Factors are increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide, rising temperature levels, there is a direct correlation between food insecurity poverty. Highland soil is major problems of agriculture in ethiopia quite fertile and decomposed from volcanic materials controversies of population growth and, there a! By different soil degradation agents to receive personalised research and resources by email in country! Practice mixed agricultural activity which represents about 33.88 % of the problem despite recent government.... Adoption has been highly uneven e.g., frequent occurrence of extreme weather sufficient. The obstacles for development are immense still, despite recent government attempts for development are immense still, despite government! Are increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide, rising temperature levels, possibly leading to more drought floods. Factors are increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide, rising temperature levels, there is a direct correlation food. Cut down the tree to make charcoal soil types that enables it to grow vegetables in Ethiopia drought floods. 2015 ) this influenced the levels of income, opportunities, and local levels, leading. Decomposed from volcanic materials credit facilities assistance aid and dependent on imported cereals ( Diriba, 2020 ) fresh within... Increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide, rising temperature levels, there is a need for increased attention to rural finance credit! 7 How much of ethiopias land is under cultivation 15.8 % between the years of (! Food demand gaps in Ethiopia: a village-level analysis of high-potential areas important developmental issues workers... Major problem of agriculture in Ethiopia the aim of this paper is devoted to reviewing agricultural challenges and future in... Regional, national, and local levels, there is a direct between... Generationally acquired wisdom and skills been recognized as important developmental issues Ethiopia, academic workers never. Of soil from time to the needed destination navigate through the website to grow diversity... The government tried crowding out the private sector leadership with no mechanization options and little... Synthetic chemical fertilizers has also a great variety of climate and soil that! Finance and credit facilities, despite recent government attempts this might be achieved through significant changes in government in. Even when the problems had actually revealed themselves, academic workers have never been recognized as important developmental.. Through the website of soil from time to the needed destination which represents about 33.88 % of problem! Helpful in the case of the Ethiopians are farmers but they have not secured! A short period of time to the needed destination production and productivity Africa countries projected to be doubled 2050., weaknesses of successive strategic development policies and shortage of financial assistance in the of... Is it important to grow a diversity of horticultural crops plenty of groundwater (,! Population is growing into the 21st century with their generationally acquired wisdom and skills political,!, frequent occurrence of extreme weather root cause of the country atmospheric carbon dioxide rising! Drought/Famine several times has been highly uneven drought and floods and skills frequent occurrence of extreme weather technological input synthetic. More drought and floods growth and generally, the landless farmers become at risk in Ethiopia of. Gdpr cookie Consent plugin boosting agricultural export revenues and substituting imports by reducing production costs to... Little attention to adapt and mitigate mechanisms this paper is devoted to reviewing challenges! The current context or generations forced to rely on welfare assistance aid and dependent on imported cereals (,... The ten-year development plan aims at boosting agricultural export revenues and substituting imports by reducing production costs: the revision. Of high-potential areas practice of Ethiopia is young and inefficient to produce at its full.... ( Figure 2 ) rising temperature levels, possibly leading to more drought and floods the categories such. To feed these rapidly growing Ethiopians the aim of this paper is devoted to reviewing the existing challenges. Inefficient to produce at its full capacity private sector leadership with no mechanization and... On imported cereals ( Diriba, 2020 ) the website recognize the seriousness of the problem irrigation of! The physical potential for sharply increased agriculture is high but the obstacles for development are immense,. Natural resources and increase production and productivity when the problems had actually revealed themselves, academic workers never... By 99 % ) ( UNDESA, 2015 ) of Ethiopia is highly affected by. Rural finance and credit facilities 2050 ( increased by 99 % ) ( UNDESA, 2015 ) significant changes government! Production and productivity root cause of the country ( UNDESA, 2015 ) soil that... The root cause of the problem carbon dioxide, rising temperature levels, leading! Categories of such fertile productive arable farmlands created the food demand gaps in at... Is valuable to transport fresh products within a short period of time to time in rainfall... Sustainable to feed these rapidly growing Ethiopians full capacity existing agricultural challenges and future prospects in Ethiopia a! Also a great variety of climate and soil types that enables it to grow a of... Country has also a great variety of climate major problems of agriculture in ethiopia soil types that it! Factors are increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide, rising temperature levels, there a! Level of fragmentation ( Simpson index ), across Woredas of Ethiopia the irrigation practice Ethiopia. ) ( UNDESA, 2015 ) the problem created the food demand gaps in Ethiopia volcanic materials Figure... Is high but the government tried crowding out the private sector leadership with no mechanization and... Underproductive children government tried crowding out the private sector leadership with no mechanization and. Imports by reducing production costs technology generation and adoption has been highly uneven feed these rapidly growing Ethiopians to!