Andualem Sisay
Nation Media Group, Africa Renewal, New Business Ethiopia
Title: The Food Security Paradox in 21st Century Ethiopia
Biography
Biography: Andualem Sisay
Abstract
The second most populous nation in Africa after Nigeria with a population close to 100 million, Ethiopia is a predominantly agrarian nation which ironically remains one of the most food-insecure. Around 80% of Ethiopia’s population lives in rural parts of the country, hence dependent on agriculture. However, the country has not been able to feed itself and is often dependent on foreign food aid to feed millions of its population. In an attempt to overcome this chronic food self-insufficiency, the government recently has introduced an institution–Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation (ATA). ATA, which is being mainly financed by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has been working with other global partners to boost the productivity of Ethiopian agriculture through the introduction of various technologies. Following the establishment of ATA, the country has also ratified a law that allows the use of genetically modified foods (GMOs). In addition, Ethiopia has also become among the priority countries of President Obama’s ‘Feed the Future’ program. This paper looks into the history of agriculture and food insecurity, previous attempts to trigger agri-revolution, the recently introduced law and subsequent undertakings and activities on the ground, achievements and challenges in relation to introduction of engineered seeds to Ethiopia and its journey towards food security.