The agricultural sector is the basis of the Ethiopian economy. It accounts for 46% of the GDP and 90% of total exports and employs 85% of the country's labour force. Despite its significant potential, structural food shortages have hampered Ethiopia's economic development for the past several years. Food scarcity affects millions of people annually. Shortfalls in food production have resulted in wide spread poverty in the country. Some major causes include: antiquated farming practices, variable and unreliable rains, rapidly growing population, environmental degradation, past inappropriate strategies and policies and inadequate capacity.
UNDP COOPERATION
In support of the Governments' strategy to promote food security and bring about agricultural and overall economic development, the National Agricultural Development Programme was formulated with UNDP assistance. Under the 5th Country Programme cycle, the UNDP budgeted a total of approximately US$ 24 million towards agricultural development.
Nearly 90% of this assistance is committed to run developmental interventions in the regions. UNDP's cooperation is aimed at upgrading human and organisation capacities and empowering communities to take charge of their own development. UNDP support focuses on the following targets:
Agricultural policy and information;
Management and effective and efficient use of small scale irrigation;
Development and transfer of improved agricultural technologies for small farmers;
Minimisation of pre- and post harvest losses;
Promotion of participatory development; and
Promotion of marketing and distribution.
Agricultural Policy and Information Management
To bring about a positive change in agricultural growth and food security upgrading the capacity to formulate viable and effective policies for food security and the capacity to implement these policies is necessary. Relevant data are often not available or, when available, are not properly managed for agricultural policy formulation and programme development at all levels.
UNDP assists in developing the capacity to establish an agricultural data base and effectively analyse and translate policies, and to prepare, implement, monitor and evaluate agricultural development programmes at the regional levels. Support in information management is intended to upgrade the agricultural information flow between institutions and between regions and ultimately reach farmers and consumers alike.
Small Scale Irrigation
Food insecurity is caused, in part, by shortages and the unreliability of the seasonal rains. Harvesting water resources, when available for use in times of scarcity, will greatly contribute to food security. In this area, assistance focuses on capacity building to effectively plan, design and manage irrigation activities and to rehabilitate and develop small scale irrigation and water harvesting techniques.
Agricultural Technologies for Small Farmers
Dependence on traditional tools and farming practices, little or no modern technology, and poor animal breeds have contributed to food insecurity in Ethiopia. In this area, the programme assists farmers to gain improved access to appropriate and improved technology. The support focuses on institutional capacity building, such as research, community-based extension services and training in extension methodologies and direct assistance to farming communities through the transfer of crop and livestock technologies.
Minimisation of Pre- and Post Harvest Losses
Directly related to the above is the high pre- and post harvest losses, estimated at more than 20%. Pests, antiquated implements, poor on farm transport, poor storage facilities and wastage due to traditional food processing and preservation are the major causes of crop harvest losses. In this area, support is provided to the training of core crop protection staff in innovative pest management techniques, improved storage and food processing.
Promotion of Participatory Development
A lack of community participation hampered past development efforts. The programme promotes bottom up development where communities are empowered to bring about meaningful and sustainable change in their own food security situation. Assistance focuses on strengthening community participation in the identification, development and implementation of sustainable programmes and, in particular, by promoting the women's role as actors and beneficiaries and through the strengthening of Community Based Organisations (CBOs).
Marketing and Distribution
Effective marketing and distribution systems, where agricultural inputs are timely and efficiently delivered and small farmers are able to sell their produce easily and satisfactorily, and in turn buy what they need, are essential for agricultural growth. The programme focuses on improving the efficiency of marketing and distribution systems by developing and implementing appropriate strategies and by promoting private sector involvement in marketing and strengthening rural co-operatives.
Implementation and Impact
The UNDP assistance to the programme, which started in October 1995, is progressing satisfactorily. In this area, capacities are being built at the regional level in agricultural development and management; establishment of an agricultural data base; effective and efficient use of small scale irrigation; technology development and transfer; minimisation of harvest losses; empowerment of disadvantaged women; and development of marketing strategies.