Pulses have a huge share in Ethiopia’s agriculture crop production. As figures show, Ethiopia annually produces over 400 000 metric tons of chickpea, which places the country among the top ten largest chickpea producers in the world.

About five million Ethiopian smallholder farmers are relying on the production of pulses for livelihoods. When it comes to the export share, pulses export has grown to 16 percent in recent years due to increased production, better quality and market diversification.  

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations supports smallholder farmers to improve pulses production for livelihoods and income. Among other activities, through Agricultural Growth Program, FAO supports smallholder farmers in five regions of Ethiopia to increase faba bean and other crop production.

The farmers were organized into 20 Farmer Field Schools (FFSs), each consists of 20 members, to practice integrated crop pest management (IPM), which aimed to control common insect pests affecting pulses and other crops. The pilot project has been successful in equipping the farmers with the skill and knowledge required to control insect pests, and increasing their crop production over the last three seasons. A learning event was organized on October 10 2016 for farmers and extension workers from different region of Ethiopia to share the effectiveness FFS in promoting IPM in smallholder agriculture.  

This learning event was combined with the ceremony to end the International Year of Pulses (IYP2016) at the open field event. In line with supporting the global efforts to heighten public awareness of the importance of pulses, FAO Ethiopia passed on key messages to farmers, extension workers, government officials and the media about multiple benefits of pulses.

During the event, Mr. Mohamed Salih, FAO Ethiopia Deputy Representative said, “I am glad to see very beautiful and productive faba bean farms around Yaya Gulele district. I advise you to continue growing faba beans and other legumes as they contribute to high nutrition and income, soil fertility and good health.”

On his part, Oromia Region Crop Production Expert Head said, “We are happy to see FAO has given due attention to pulses. Our region expects massive amounts of pulse production this year, and we will continue promoting pulses production among our farmers.

CONTACT

Tamiru Legesse l National Communication Officer l [email protected]