Soil Health Ethiopia’s 4 Year Project
A groundbreaking project, dubbed Transform Soil Fertility Management in Ethiopia (TRANSFORM), has been launched to revolutionize soil health and agricultural productivity in Ethiopia. Funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the European Union, this four-year initiative (2025-2028) aims to empower 100,000 smallholder farmers and rehabilitate 65,000 hectares of farmland across the country.
Addressing the Urgent Need for Soil Fertility Management
The TRANSFORM project comes at a critical time when Ethiopia’s agricultural sector is facing significant challenges. Soil degradation, nutrient depletion, erosion, and climate change are all taking a toll on the country’s agricultural productivity. According to the World Bank, Ethiopia’s soil fertility management is a major concern, with more than 80% of the country’s agricultural land suffering from soil degradation.
Enhancing Soil Fertility and Food Security
The TRANSFORM project focuses on improving soil health and fertility, addressing land degradation, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. By doing so, it seeks to increase the productivity of small-scale food producers and enhance the sustainable use of farmland in Amhara, Oromia, and the Central Ethiopia regional states. This, in turn, will improve food security and contribute to the country’s economic development.
A Collaborative Approach to Addressing Soil Degradation
Key stakeholders from federal and regional government, development partners, and international organizations gather for the project’s launch ceremony. Mr. Eyasu Elias, State Minister at the Ministry of Agriculture, stresses agriculture’s vital role in Ethiopia’s economy. Additionally, he highlights the pressing issue of soil degradation, underscoring its impact on agricultural productivity. Furthermore, he reaffirms the government’s commitment to improving soil health, emphasizing soil fertility and restoration as core priorities in agricultural policies.
Empowering Smallholder Farmers and Local Communities
Wageningen University & Research and partners implement the TRANSFORM project, adopting regenerative agriculture practices and nutrient recycling. This holistic approach reduces Ethiopia’s reliance on imported fertilizers, promoting sustainable farming methods. Additionally, the project empowers local communities to take ownership of land management and conservation. Consequently, interventions are tailored to local needs. As Ms. Paula Schindeler, Deputy Ambassador and Head of Development Cooperation at the Embassy of the Netherlands, notes, “Soil health is the foundation of sustainable agriculture.” Therefore, the project boosts agricultural productivity, leading to improved food security and economic growth in Ethiopia.
Implementation and Partnerships
The TRANSFORM project, a collaborative effort with Wageningen University & Research and partners, will promote sustainable soil management practices. By doing so, it will enhance soil health and ultimately agricultural growth. Specifically, the project will employ the Integrated Farm Planning (PIP) approach, empowering farm households to envision and plan their future. This approach relies on principles of empowerment, integration, and collaboration. Consequently, the TRANSFORM project will improve food security, address land degradation, and boost the economy. As Mr. Tolessa Debelem, Program Director at IFDC, emphasizes, “Farmer-led actions drive project success.” Therefore, with the TRANSFORM project, Ethiopia is poised to emerge as a leader in sustainable agriculture and soil fertility management in Africa.
Source: fanamc