Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; June 30, 2026 (Ministry of Agriculture): The Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI) and the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences (EAS) – Agriculture Working Group, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, convened the Second Agriculture Science Seminar Series to explore opportunities, governance requirements, and implications of carbon markets for sustainable agricultural development, climate resilience, and rural transformation.
Held under the theme “Carbon Markets in Ethiopia: Opportunities, Governance, and Implications for Sustainable Agricultural Development,” the seminar brought together senior government officials, researchers, academics, development partners, private sector representatives, and practitioners. Discussions focused on how Ethiopia can strategically engage in emerging carbon finance systems while ensuring national interests, community benefits, and sustainable natural resource management.
In his opening remarks, H.E. Seyoum Mekonnen, State Minister of the Ministry of Planning and Development for Environment, Climate Change and Demography, underscored climate change as a key development challenge affecting agricultural productivity, natural resources, and rural livelihoods. He emphasized integrating climate action into national development planning and noted Ethiopia’s strong potential for mitigation and adaptation through sustainable land management, ecosystem restoration, agroforestry, and climate-smart agriculture.
In the keynote address, H.E. Prof. Eyasu Elias, State Minister for Natural Resources Development at the Ministry of Agriculture, highlighted the importance of aligning carbon finance with Ethiopia’s agricultural transformation agenda. He noted that carbon markets can provide innovative financing to support sustainable practices, improve soil health, restore degraded landscapes, enhance resilience, and create additional livelihood opportunities.
He also highlighted Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative as a major national effort supporting landscape restoration, ecosystem rehabilitation, decarbonization, and climate resilience, providing a foundation for nature-based solutions and responsible participation in carbon markets.
The event featured technical presentations, including “Carbon Markets in Ethiopia’s Forestry Sector: Experiences and Lessons” by Dr. Motuma Tolera and a presentation by the Ministry of Planning and Development on policy, legal, and institutional frameworks for carbon markets.
A high-level plenary discussion moderated by Dr. Habtemariam Kassa, Fellow of the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, enabled participants to exchange perspectives on carbon accounting, market readiness, governance challenges, research priorities, and sustainable development opportunities.
Dr. Mandefro Nigussie, CEO of ATI, emphasized the importance of evidence-based dialogue and collaboration among government, research institutions, development partners, and the private sector to support Ethiopia’s climate and agricultural transformation goals.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Belay Kassa, President of the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, stressed the role of science, research, and innovation in guiding Ethiopia’s engagement in emerging climate finance mechanisms.
The seminar concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen knowledge, research, policy coordination, and institutional readiness to ensure carbon markets contribute to sustainable agricultural development, climate resilience, and inclusive rural transformation.
The Agriculture Science Seminar Series is a quarterly platform co-organized by ATI and the EAS Agriculture Working Group in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture to promote evidence-based dialogue on critical agricultural and development issues.
