(Addis Ababa, 20 Nov 2025, Ministry of Agriculture)
The Alliance of Biodiversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) is making significant strides in improving agricultural practices in Ethiopia, particularly through enhancing forage production to address critical food security and nutrition challenges. The organization’s work is vital for smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of Ethiopia’s agricultural economy yet often face considerable obstacles.
Smallholder farmers in Ethiopia hold valuable resources such as land, labor, and livestock: but they encounter numerous challenges that hinder their potential. Economic pressures, climate change, resource depletion, and increasing competition for land create barriers to agricultural success.
Recognizing these challenges, CIAT focuses on developing and implementing innovative forage technologies that empower farmers. The organization creates scientifically backed solutions, such as grass-legume mixtures, alley cropping, and intercropping, which aim to improve soil fertility and optimize land use while enhancing biodiversity and resilience in agricultural systems.
According to Regassa Bekele, Research Officer at CIAT, the program has successfully trained 80 forage specialists who play a crucial role in disseminating knowledge and best practices to local farmers. This focus on education ensures that innovations in forage technology are practical and accessible for smallholder farmers, allowing them to implement effective agricultural practices.
The outreach efforts have reached over 260 thousand small-scale farmers, including 28% women. Training programs cover vital topics such as effective techniques for planting and managing forage crops, integrating forage into existing farming systems, and improving livestock feeding methods aimed at increasing productivity and nutrition.
CIAT’s emphasis on integrated and sustainable agricultural practices delivers far-reaching benefits.
By enhancing forage management, farmers can improve soil health, increase agricultural biodiversity, and build resilience against climate change. Regassa underscores that training also covers essential aspects like soil conservation and water management, ensuring that farmers can implement practices that preserve resources for future generations.
CIAT collaborates closely with the Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture and regional agricultural bureaus. Regassa notes that these partnerships are vital for scaling up successful interventions and ensuring that innovations.
The collaboration extends beyond government agencies to encompass local communities, businesses, and other stakeholders. By fostering these connections, CIAT enhances the effectiveness of its programs and builds a supportive ecosystem for agricultural innovation.
As CIAT continues to innovate and implement best practices in forage production, it lays the groundwork for transformative changes in the agricultural landscape. The ultimate goal is to contribute to improved livelihoods, better nutrition, and sustainable agricultural practices that benefit both present and future generations.
Through its dedicated efforts, the Alliance of Biodiversity International and CIAT illustrate how scientific research, community engagement, and strong partnerships can collectively pave the way for a resilient and prosperous agricultural sector in Ethiopia.
Regassa’s insights and expertise emphasize the commitment to making a meaningful impact in local farming communities, showcasing how targeted interventions can lead to substantial improvements in agricultural productivity and sustainability.
Reporter: Bahiru Setegne
Photographer: Yared Assefa