Innovative project brings wheat boom to Ethiopia’s lowlands
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (MNTV) – Ethiopia’s agricultural landscape is undergoing a transformation, with a groundbreaking project significantly boosting wheat production in its traditionally challenging lowland regions, reports the Addis Standard.
The ADAPT-Wheat project, led by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) in partnership with the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) is revolutionizing farming practices and enhancing livelihoods in the Afar and Oromia regions.
Traditionally, wheat cultivation in Ethiopia has been concentrated in the highlands. However, the ADAPT-Wheat project is addressing critical production gaps in the lowlands by introducing stress-tolerant wheat varieties and modern agricultural technologies. This initiative, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), aims to improve food security and economic resilience for smallholder farmers.
“The ADAPT-Wheat project marks a major milestone in Ethiopia’s wheat production journey,” said Dr. Bekele Abeyo, CIMMYT-Ethiopia Country Representative. “It introduces viable wheat technologies that are well-suited for the irrigated lowlands, enhancing both production and productivity.”
The project’s success is underscored by several key achievements, beginning with a strong emphasis on capacity building. This involved comprehensive training programs for researchers, development agents, and farmers, complemented by seed distribution and experience-sharing visits, all of which served to empower local communities.
Furthermore, the development of infrastructure played a vital role, including the construction of a quarantine facility and the provision of modern farm machinery, such as subsoilers and planters, which significantly strengthened research capabilities and farm efficiency.
The introduction and rigorous testing of hundreds of elite wheat lines led to the release of new, high-yielding, and heat-tolerant varieties specifically suited for the lowlands, marking a significant advancement.
Additionally, the piloting of modern irrigation technologies and farm mechanization contributed to increased efficiency and yields.
Ensuring access to high-quality seeds was prioritized through partnerships with research centers and cooperatives, facilitating effective seed production and distribution.
Finally, the project demonstrated a commitment to inclusivity through deliberate efforts to empower women and youth, providing them with seeds, training, and support, thus ensuring their active participation and benefit from the initiative.
Farmers like Damma Yami and Yeshiwas Worku attest to the project’s transformative impact. “The introduction of the ADAPT-Wheat project… has reversed this trend,” said Yami. “The project brought us wheat cultivation, as a new and golden opportunity.” Yeshiwas Worku added, “Now, wheat production has become the main source of our livelihood.”
The ADAPT-Wheat project’s success is contributing to Ethiopia’s goal of achieving food self-sufficiency and serves as a model for sustainable agricultural development in similar regions worldwide. CIMMYT’s long term collaboration with Ethiopian agricultural partners has been the key to the project’s success.
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