Ethiopia Launches Ambitious Project to Become Wheat Self-Sufficient

The Climate Resilient Wheat Value Chain Development (CREW) Project aims to boost wheat productivity, enhance food security, and support economic growth.

The African Development Bank Group, in collaboration with the Government of Ethiopia, the Netherlands, OCP-Africa, and the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA), has launched an ambitious initiative to transform Ethiopia from a wheat importer into a self-sufficient producer and exporter. The Climate Resilient Wheat Value Chain Development (CREW) Project aims to boost wheat productivity, enhance food security, and support economic growth.

Project Overview and Funding

The CREW project, with a total cost of $94 million, is financed by multiple stakeholders:

African Development Fund (ADF): $54 million grant

Netherlands: $20 million grant

OCP-Africa and Government of Ethiopia: $10 million each

Global Center on Adaptation (GCA): $300,000 grant under the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP)

The funding will support 500,000 smallholder farmer households across the Ethiopian states of Afar, Amhara, Oromia, and Somali, aiming to increase wheat productivity from three to four tons per hectare, thereby generating an additional 1.62 million tons of wheat. The project is expected to benefit 2.3 million people, with 50% of the beneficiaries being women, by enhancing household incomes, creating jobs, and improving food and nutrition security.

Project Components

The CREW project has two main components:

Improving Wheat Farming through Climate-Friendly Methods:

Development of better seeds

Improving soil health

Rehabilitating and building irrigation systems and access roads

Enhancing private sector-led sustainable farm mechanisation

Expansion of Post-Harvest and Market Infrastructure:

Enabling access to agri-finance through innovative mechanisms

Launch Event and Statements

The official launch took place in Semera, Afar Regional State in May, attended by notable figures including Ethiopia’s Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Girma Amente, and the President of Afar Regional State, Mr. Awol Arba.

Dr. Girma Amente emphasized the importance of agriculture for Ethiopia's economy, noting that the sector contributes over one-third of GDP and employs 65% of the population. He highlighted wheat as a priority crop within the Government’s Agricultural Development Plan, stating that the CREW project aligns with over 80% of the objectives of Ethiopia’s Ten-Year Development Plan.

Dr. Abdul Kamara, Deputy Director General for East Africa at the African Development Bank Group, stated that the CREW project complements the Bank’s current investments of about $1.2 billion in Ethiopia. He remarked on the project's potential to scale up and sustain the impressive results of the Wheat Revolution in Ethiopia.

Mr. Tiest Soondal, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the Netherlands Embassy in Ethiopia, reiterated the Netherlands' commitment to addressing humanitarian, development, and food security goals. He highlighted the CREW project's alignment with these objectives.

OCP-Africa CEO, Dr. Mohamed Anouar Jamali, noted that their support would address soil health issues, including salinity and acidity, through comprehensive soil, climate, and cropping system assessments. The project will also include capacity building and farmer training in best agricultural practices.

 

The CREW project is poised to significantly enhance Ethiopia's wheat production capabilities, transforming the country into a wheat self-sufficient and potentially exporting nation. By improving agricultural practices, expanding irrigation, and providing financial and infrastructural support, the project aims to foster sustainable development and economic growth in Ethiopia.