Ethiopia launches 10-Year horticulture strategy to boost farming and exports

ETHIOPIA – Ethiopia’s Ministry of Agriculture has officially launched the country’s 10-Year National Horticulture Strategy and Enset Development Flagship at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa.

The launch brought together senior government leaders, development partners, private sector players, and representatives from farmer organizations to mark a new stage for Ethiopia’s horticulture and enset farming efforts.

The strategy outlines how Ethiopia will improve food and nutrition security, strengthen export markets, and support agro-processing industries. It also focuses on improving local infrastructure and helping farmers grow their incomes through better productivity.

“This strategy will guide us in transforming horticulture and enset farming into key drivers of our economy,” said a senior official from the Ministry of Agriculture. “It is not only about production but about building a system that works for smallholders, investors, and the entire value chain.”

The new roadmap has been shaped by close cooperation among several government bodies and development organizations.

Partners include the Ethiopian Horticulture Producers and Exporters Association (EHPEA), the Agricultural Transformation Agency (ATA), the Ethiopian Agricultural Authority, SNV, RTI, and the American State Department, among others.

EHPEA played a major role in shaping the strategy, and its contribution was formally recognized during the event. The association’s Board Chairman, Ato Nega Mequanint, received a Recognition Award from the Ministry of Agriculture.

“This award recognizes EHPEA’s unwavering collaboration in shaping this pivotal national strategy,” read a statement from the association. “This achievement highlights our dedicated commitment to nurturing the horticulture sector, and we are excited to align with the critical pillars of the strategy as we work towards a prosperous future for our industry.”

The event also included a colorful display of fruits, vegetables, and flowers produced by EHPEA members, showing the variety and quality of Ethiopian horticultural products.

Focus on Enset and local farming systems

The strategy gives special attention to enset, a traditional Ethiopian crop that supports food security in several regions. Enset, often called the “tree against hunger,” can be harvested year-round and provides a reliable food source during dry seasons.

Through targeted support and research, the Ministry hopes to increase the use of enset in areas where food insecurity remains a challenge. The broader horticulture plan will also support fruit and vegetable farming, floriculture, and nursery development.

In a related update, EHPEA recently held a high-level meeting with the Ministry of Agriculture to advance discussions on a draft Greenhouse Horticulture Investment Proclamation.

This proposed legal framework is expected to guide the future of greenhouse farming in Ethiopia, promoting safe investments and sustainable production systems. Stakeholders say the discussions were productive and show strong momentum for coordinated growth in the sector.

With a solid strategy in place and continued collaboration among all players, Ethiopia’s horticulture sector is expected to see strong improvements in productivity, market access, and job creation in the coming years.

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