Ethiopia’s agricultural industry is the country’s economic backbone, employing more than 70% of the workforce, accounting for more than a third of GDP, and earning the most foreign money. However, Ethiopian agriculture is far from attaining its full potential due to outmoded farming practices and low yield. Increasing output in this industry could assist enhance the security of local staple crops like teff while also generating significant economic growth, particularly if export markets are targeted. Ethiopia is already a major exporter of coffee, oilseeds, grains, and flowers, but modernizing farming practices and increasing productivity could significantly boost currency profits. The government has acknowledged the commercialization of the agricultural industry as a major opportunity for the country in its Growth and Transformation Plan for 2015–2020. A successful commercial farming campaign may significantly enhance agricultural productivity while also creating a large number of rural job opportunities. However, there are numerous obstacles in the way.
Small-scale and subsistence farming are now the mainstays of Ethiopia’s agricultural industry. Farmers don’t have easy access to quality inputs like seeds and pesticides, and small-scale farmers don’t adopt the latest technology and best practices for farm management, resulting in low productivity and yields.
