Ethiopia declares end to wheat import dependency

Economics Research at the Ethiopian Agricultural Research Institute, emphasized the scale of the transformation. In the past, wheat shortages were so severe that supplies for local factories had to be allocated by quota. “The fact that wheat supply is no longer a problem represents a major achievement,” he said, noting that sustained efforts have freed Ethiopia from the cycle of dependency on wheat aid. Key factors behind this progress include the expansion of irrigated farming, use of improved seed varieties, and modern agricultural techniques, which have not only closed the import gap but also positioned Ethiopia as a potential wheat exporter. National programs, such as the “Irrigated Wheat Initiative” and “Ye Lemat Turufat” (Bounty of the Basket), aim to increase production of high-value, protein-rich foods including dairy, eggs, poultry, and honey, boosting household and national nutrition. Analysts highlight that Ethiopia has vast agricultural potential: of the country’s 112 ...