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The irrigated wheat initiative of Ethiopia: a new paradigm emulating Asia’s green revolution in Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Kefena Effa

    (Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI))

  • Daniel Muleta Fana

    (Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR))

  • Mandefro Nigussie

    (Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI))

  • Diriba Geleti

    (Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR))

  • Nigusie Abebe

    (Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR))

  • Nigussie Dechassa

    (Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI))

  • Chimdo Anchala

    (Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI))

  • Getu Gemechu

    (Oromia National Regional State, Bureau of Agriculture)

  • Teshome Bogale

    (Oromia Agricultural Research Institute)

  • Dejene Girma

    (Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR))

  • Feto Esimo Berisso

    (Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR))

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to assess and document the experience of the successful irrigated wheat initiative in Ethiopia, identify potential limitations, and suggest alternative options that contribute towards the sustainability of the program. In the past decades, Ethiopia has initiated several projects to ensure food and wheat security but did not achieve the anticipated impact as planned. In 2019, however, the current government of Ethiopia put in place structural, economic, and sectorial reforms, with wheat chosen as a strategic commodity for food security, raw material for the agroindustry, import substitution that transits to export, and job creation along the value chain. With a total of 2.6 million ha of land cultivated under both rain-fed and irrigated systems, followed by a record amount of wheat harvest (8.2 million tons) in 2022, Ethiopia achieved a wheat self-sufficiency ratio of 100% and more than 1 million tons of surplus for export, indicating that the new irrigated wheat initiative of Ethiopia has been found transformational and is becoming a game changer. Moreover, modest case scenario projections revealed that Ethiopia will become a net exporter of wheat by 2023, indicating that the country is achieving not only wheat security but also championing the possibility of replicating Asia’s Green Revolution in Africa. Yet, the sustainability of the current initiative relies on an efficient water management system, private sector engagement, sustainable input supply, well-established input and output marketing systems, and leadership commitment at all levels.

Suggested Citation

  • Kefena Effa & Daniel Muleta Fana & Mandefro Nigussie & Diriba Geleti & Nigusie Abebe & Nigussie Dechassa & Chimdo Anchala & Getu Gemechu & Teshome Bogale & Dejene Girma & Feto Esimo Berisso, 2025. "The irrigated wheat initiative of Ethiopia: a new paradigm emulating Asia’s green revolution in Africa," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 27(1), pages 2161-2186, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:endesu:v:27:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s10668-023-03961-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s10668-023-03961-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jabbar, Mohammad A. & Beyene, Hailu & Mohamed Saleem, M A & Gebreselassie, Solomon, 1998. "Adoption pathways for new agricultural technologies : An approach and an application to Vertisols management technology in Ethiopia," Research Reports 182901, International Livestock Research Institute.
    2. Fabio Farinosi & Carlo Giupponi & Arnaud Reynaud & Guido Ceccherini & César Carmona-Moreno & A.P.J. de Roo & D Gonzalez-Sanchez & Giovanni Bidoglio, 2018. "An innovative approach to the assessment of hydro-political risk: A spatially explicit, data driven indicator of hydro-political issues," Post-Print hal-02100434, HAL.
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