Ethiopia commemorated World Food Day - 2023 with a backdrop of utilizing the abundance of water resources as an opportunity to ensuring food and nutrition security of the country.

25 October 2023, Addis Ababa - The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with its partners, marked the 78th anniversary of FAO - World Food Day in Addis Ababa today. The event highlighted the theme "Water is Life, Water is Food. Leave No One Behind" and emphasized the crucial role of utilizing the abundant water resources to ensure food and nutrition security in the country.

Prominent dignitaries from the Ministry of Irrigation and Lowlands (MoIL), Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), the World Food Programme (WFP), and other entities attended the event. They called for effective exploitation of the country's vast water resources and extensive irrigable lands to enhance food security and drive economic transformation.

In her opening remarks, FAO's Representative in Ethiopia, Farayi Zimudzi, emphasized the need to address the agricultural sector's vulnerability caused by erratic and inadequate rainfall patterns, leading to droughts and floods. She highlighted Ethiopia's blessing of rich water resources, including rainfall, groundwater, surface water, suitable land for irrigation, favourable climates, and a skilled workforce. Farayi also stressed in her remarks that prudent management of water resources and the adoption of water-efficient agricultural practices are vital to unlock the potential of the agricultural sector.

Minister Aisha Mohammed of the Ministry of Irrigation and Lowlands (MoIL) in her part underscored the importance of integrated and fair water utilization in the lowland areas, which account for 60% of the country's total landmass. She emphasized that sustainable water management in these areas could address the challenges posed by water scarcity, climate-induced droughts, and floods that the nation is currently facing.

Aisha further stated, "Water does not recognize borders, and rainfall nourishes our soils without discrimination. Just as water binds us together, so too must our efforts." She accentuated the necessity of strong partnerships to promote water-efficient irrigation technologies in Ethiopia's fertile lowlands. These efforts not only contribute to national food security but also speedup economic transformation.

The event called upon all stakeholders, including the government, farmers, private sectors, academia, research institutions, and development partners, to work together for integrated and sustainable water resource management, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Girma Amente, Minister for the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), highlighted Ethiopia's national development plan, which aims to increase agricultural production and productivity, modernize agriculture for industrial raw material inputs and exports, and create job opportunities. Girma also emphasized the government's efforts to reduce reliance on rain-fed agriculture and actively develop irrigation capacity.

Girma asserted, "Ethiopia is committed to scaling up the success achieved in irrigated dry-season wheat production to rice, fruits, and vegetable production through empowering farmers and pastoralists with enhanced knowledge and technology." He stressed that integrated and sustainable water resource management is crucial for unlocking the country's irrigation potential and driving its transformation.

Girma also highlighted the Green Legacy Initiative as a testament to Ethiopia's commitment to restoring land and water systems and promoting a water-saving society. This initiative aligns with the global goal of creating a Climate-Resilient Green Economy.

Chris Nikoi, the Country Director of the World Food Programme to Ethiopia (WFP), addressed the urgent humanitarian assistance needed in Ethiopia due to water shortages and unprecedented droughts, affecting over 20 million people. He highlighted WFP's support in constructing and rehabilitating small-scale irrigation systems to enable increased food and agricultural production with less water. Nikoi emphasized the importance of equal water distribution, preservation of aquatic food systems, and leaving no one behind in these efforts.

The event included a mini-exhibition showcasing collaborative efforts in promoting sustainable water management between FAO, the government, the private sector, and other stakeholders. The exhibition was held at the International Livestock and Research Institute (ILRI).

FAO's Representative in Ethiopia disclosed commitment to the country includes close collaboration with the government to promote sustainable water management. This collaboration involves supporting data generation, enhancing information management systems, introducing innovative technologies, and developing standards, guidelines, and codes for improved water governance. FAO's technical assistance in this sector empowers Ethiopia to work towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, aiming for improved production, better nutrition, a healthier environment, and an enhanced quality of life for all.

About FAO in Ethiopia:

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) celebrates World Food Day annually to commemorate its establishment in 1945. FAO has been an active development partner to the Ethiopian government since opening its representation office in Ethiopia in 1981. FAO implements a wide range of programs and projects to improve food security, nutrition, and emergency response in the country.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Meseret Abiy
National Communications Specialist
FAO Ethiopia
Email: [email protected]

Martha Ayele
Programme Associate
FAO Ethiopia
Email: [email protected]