KEYIR NEWS - Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed (PhD), has asserted that the country is making significant strides in securing food sovereignty through targeted policy actions and structural reforms.
Addressing delegates at the Second United Nations Food Systems Summit, which convened in Addis Ababa, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to building an inclusive and resilient food system amid global challenges.
The international summit, co-hosted by the Governments of Ethiopia and Italy, brings together stakeholders from across the agricultural value chain, including heads of state, international organisations, development partners, and farmers’ associations.
In his keynote address, (Video) Abiy underscored the urgency of revitalising national and global food systems, describing the current global environment as “under immense pressure due to climate change, violent conflict, and widening economic disparities.” He called for collective action at all levels of governance to meet food security targets and ensure equitable access to nutrition.
Abiy revealed that Ethiopia has undertaken over 700 policy and programme actions to strengthen its food system. These initiatives have been implemented through multi-sectoral coordination, stretching from federal to regional institutions, structured into seven operational clusters.
Among the flagship interventions, the Prime Minister spotlighted the ‘Lemat Trufat’ programme, a nationwide initiative designed to promote a balanced food supply and enhance nutritional outcomes, particularly in underserved communities. The programme, he said, is playing a “pivotal role in transforming Ethiopia’s food environment into a more accessible and nutritious system.”
The Prime Minister also pointed to Ethiopia’s ‘Green Legacy’ campaign, under which more than 46 billion tree seedlings have been planted to mitigate the impact of climate change and restore degraded ecosystems. This afforestation drive, he stated, forms an integral component of the broader strategy for environmental resilience and sustainable agricultural development.
Furthermore, the government is extending financial and technical support to farmers to improve land productivity and market access. This includes training on climate-smart agriculture and facilitating linkages to value chains and export markets.
“Through sacrifice and determination,” Dr Abiy remarked, “we have seen results that give hope, not only to Ethiopia, but to our continent and partners globally.”
He called on all participants at the summit to renew their commitment to building an inclusive and equitable global food system, one that prioritises both production efficiency and social justice.
The summit, expected to draw participation from over 4,000 delegates, will evaluate the progress of member states in reforming their food systems and foster partnerships aimed at accelerating transformation.
Hosting of the summit, according to government officials, reflects the country’s strategic direction toward self-reliance and food sovereignty, a shift that has gained momentum over recent years despite a backdrop of economic and security challenges.
As the conference continues, stakeholders are expected to explore avenues for scaling innovation, enhancing climate resilience, and improving nutrition outcomes across Africa and beyond.(Videos are Here)