The Untold Stories of African Agriculture: Lessons from Ethiopia

This landmark volume presents the results of a comprehensive and coherent in-depth assessment of Ethiopian agriculture and draws lessons from it to generate actionable recommendations that will inform policy decisions and priority setting for agricultural transformation across Africa. Policy makers in Africa are faced with the challenges of ensuring food and nutrition security and the economic wellbeing of their rapidly growing populations while at the same time maintaining the integrity of their natural resource base. Between 2000 and 2021, 74% of the growth in overall crop production on the continent was derived from increases in land area expansion, while increases in yield contributed only 26% of the growth. This unchecked expansion of land use puts the sustainability of the natural resource base under severe pressure. Even though some countries have made substantial increases in their farm productivity over the last two decades, the overall performance for Africa is far behind other regions. For the most part, in Africa, agriculture is not fulfilling its expected functions of food and nutrition security, increased export earnings, import substitution, and raw material supply for local industries. Attempts have been made to transform African agriculture over the years, but few countries have succeeded in achieving sustainable change. Using examples from Ethiopia this book identifies the major factors for success and the root causes of underperformance, and offers evidence-based recommendations for future decision making, policy change and the creation of growth. This book: Draws on a unique set of case studies from Ethiopia described and told from a truly African perspective. Emphasizes to policy makers in Africa that development cannot be outsourced and there are no shortcuts; it is only through consistent effort and sustained support for their agricultural research and development that positive change can be brought about. States that past agricultural development efforts by the international community have not properly included a strong African voice, and that therefore, all future academic research, policies and strategies dealing with the continent's agriculture and food security should be formulated by Africa's own leading thinkers and experts. Is not a polemic; its arguments are knowledge and evidence based, building a compelling picture of how agricultural development can be sustained for the future. Cover Dedication The Untold Stories of African Agriculture: Lessons from Ethiopia Copyright Contents Contributors Foreword Foreword Preface Acknowledgements Part I: Background 1 Critical Issues in African Agriculture: A Synthesis Report Abstract Introduction Rationale and conceptual premises Objective Organization of the book Summaries The resource base Measuring yield gains Biotechnology in Ethiopian agriculture Crop protection Agricultural inputs use Agricultural pesticide use Climate change and irrigation water use Agricultural mechanization Agricultural extension Socioeconomic benefits of investment in agriculture Factors for success Partnerships Missed opportunities and unfulfilled promises Unfinished agenda References 2 The Agricultural Resource Base Abstract Introduction Land Water Agroecological Zones Crop Biodiversity Livestock Diversity Rangeland agrobiodiversity resources Importance of genetic diversity for smallholder agriculture Human Population Institutional Capacity Infrastructure Research capacity Extension capacity Discussion and Conclusion References Part II: Measuring Productivity Gains in Crops 3 Factors that Transformed Cereals Productivity Abstract Introduction Approach Results Cereals in general Performance of individual crops Maize Teff Sorghum Wheat Barley Finger millet Emmer Rice Discussion and Conclusions References 4 A Compelling Case for Increased Investment in Enset and other Root and Tuber Crops Research and Development Abstract Introduction Approach Results The crops in general Performance of individual crops Potato Sweet potato Taro Yams Discussion and Conclusions References 5 Increased Productivity and Socioeconomic Benefits of Grain Legumes Abstract Introduction Approach Results Grain legumes in general Performance of individual crops Faba bean Common bean Fieldpea Chickpea Lentil Grasspea Mungbean Lupin Grain legumes trade in Ethiopia Discussion and Conclusions References 6 The Rise of Oilseeds in Export Diversification and Earnings Abstract Introduction Approach Results Oilseeds in general Performance of individual crops Noug Linseed Gomenzer Sesame Groundnut Safflower Soybean Trade Discussion and Conclusions References 7 The Rise and Decline of Vegetables in Export Diversification and Earnings Abstract Introduction Approach Results Vegetables in general Performance of aggregate vegetables Fresh vegetables Performance of individual crops Cabbages Dry onion/shallot Garlic Green pepper Tomato Carrot Green bean Lettuce Other vegetables Trade Discussion and Conclusion References 8 The Place of Fruit Crops in Improved Nutrition and Trade Abstract Introduction Approach Sources of data Measuring progress Results Fruit crops in general Performance of individual crops Banana Avocado Mango Papaya Orange Miscellaneous tropical fresh fruits Lemon and lime Grape Miscellaneous fresh fruits Tangerine Miscellaneous citrus Pineapple Peach Per capita consumption International trade Discussion and Conclusion References 9 Spices for Export Diversification Abstract Introduction Approach Data sources Measuring productivity gains in spices Results Spices in general Performance of individual crops Miscellaneous spices Dry chilli Fenugreek Pepper Coriander Ginger Cardamoms International trade Discussion and Conclusions References 10 Coffee and Other Plantation and Industrial Crops: Opportunities for Enhancing Productivity and Unlocking their Full Potential Abstract Introduction Approach Results Plantation crops in general Performance of individual crops Coffee Ch’at Cotton Gesho Sugarcane Tea Castor Vernonia Trade Discussion and Conclusions References 11 Towards Realizing the Potential of Apiculture for Honey Production and Crop Pollination Abstract Introduction Approach Results Discussion and Conclusions References Part III: Role of Modern Science in Enhancing Agricultural Productivity 12 What Modern Science Can Offer to Accelerate Sustained Agricultural Productivity: The Role of Biotechnology Abstract Introduction Results Current capacity Target plants Cotton Enset Maize Finger millet The controversy Experiences with GM crops in other countries Discussion and Conclusions Note References Part IV: Crop Protection 13 Protecting the Ethiopian Flora from the Ravages of Arthropod Pests Abstract Introduction Arthropod Pests of Economic Importance Regular pests Milestones in insect pest management research and development in Ethiopia Emerging and/or invasive pests Woolly whitefly Cactus cochineal Cypress aphid Cotton mealybug Larger grain borer White mango scale Tomato leaf miner Fall armyworm Asian fruit fly Blue gum chalcid, red gum lerp psyllid, eucalyptus gall wasp Other examples of successful integrated pest management programmes in Ethiopia Research Priorities in Agricultural Entomology Discussions and Conclusions References 14 Priorities for Plant Pathology Research and Development Abstract Introduction Approach Results Priorities for disease research Avocado Onion/shallot Garlic Hot pepper (Capsicum spp.) Citrus Mango Mungbean Cowpea Faba bean Sesame Cotton Coffee Wheat Discussion and Conclusions References 15 Economically Important Weeds and their Management Abstract Introduction Major Weeds Regular weeds Parasitic weeds Witchweed Broomrapes Invasive alien species Whitetop weed/parthenium Mesquite Discussion and Conclusions References Part V: Agricultural Inputs 16 The Emerging Seed Systems Abstract Introduction Approach Results Major sources of seed supply Certified seed production Certified seed demand, supply and distribution Seed replacement rate Variety turnover Seeding rate Discussion and Conclusions References 17 Ethiopia Has Yet to Meet the African Union Fertilizer Recommendation Abstract Introduction Approach Results Mineral fertilizers Organic fertilizer Biofertilizers Discussion and Conclusions References 18 Agricultural Pesticide Use: Current Status and Critical Issues Abstract Introduction Approach Results Agricultural pesticides registered Agricultural pesticide import Agricultural pesticide use Agricultural pesticide use per ha of cropland Pesticide use in smallholder agriculture Discussion and Conclusions References 19 Status and Insights into the Future of Agricultural Mechanization Abstract Introduction Approach Results The current state Types and sources of agricultural machinery in Ethiopia Improvement of farm implements Discussion and Conclusions References Part VI: Climate Change and Irrigation Water 20 A Call for Increased Investment in Climate Change Abstract Introduction Institutional Arrangements and Climate Policies of Ethiopia Institutional analysis Climate policy context The environmental policy Ethiopia’s growth and transformation plans (GTP I and II) National Adaptation Plan of Action Ethiopia’s Program of Adaptation to Climate Change Climate resilient green economy strategy The state of planned adaptation interventions in Ethiopia Agricultural adaptation efforts by smallholder farmers Barriers to the implementation of adaptation actions by smallholder farmers Discussion and Conclusions References 21 Improved Water Use and Management for Enhanced Agricultural Productivity Abstract Introduction Approach Results Potential for irrigation in Ethiopia Land suitability Physical irrigation potential Irrigation status in Ethiopia Existing and under study/construction of large- and medium-scale irrigation schemes Discussion and Conclusions References Part VII: Outreach 22 Innovations in Agricultural Technology Transfer: Actors and Legacies Abstract Introduction Approach Results Interventions Delivery Farmers reached Discussion and Conclusions References 23 Agri-Curriculum: The Foundational Role of Indigenous Knowledge in Early Childhood Education and Beyond Abstract Introduction Theoretical framework Literature review Research Indigenous knowledge in education and instruction Ethiopia’s Cultural and Traditional Knowledge Traditional medicine Cultural practices The Role of Agriculture and Farming Systems in Early Childhood Education Agricultural college education Agricultural education programmes Challenges for agricultural education Discussion and Conclusions References Part VIII: Socio-Economic Benefits of Investment in AR&D 24 The Changing Food Balance Sheet: What are the Policy Implications? Abstract Introduction Approach Results Nutritional status Comparing Ethiopia’s nourishment status with other countries Shifts in the food balance sheet Shifts in major staples Shifts in oilseeds and their products Shifts in per capita consumption patterns of selected items Vegetables Fruits Sugar Milk Red meat Chicken Egg Fish Discussion and Conclusions References 25 Agricultural Commodity Trade: What are the Major Issues? Abstract Introduction Approach Results Performance of the export market Trends in the import market Trading partners Export partners Import partners Discussion and Conclusions References Index Back Cover