“Bounty of the Basket” Enables to Unlock Untapped Livestock and Fisheries, Says Ministry of Agriculture

Addis Ababa, May 16, 2025 (ENA)-- The 'Bounty of the Basket' (Ye Lemat Tirufat) initiative is enabling Ethiopia to unlock the potential of its significant, previously underutilized livestock and fisheries resources, Ministry of Agriculture has reported.

Launched in November 2022 by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, ‘Bounty of the Basket’ is a nationwide government program aimed at boosting the production of dairy, poultry, eggs, honey, fish, and meat.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to transform Ethiopia’s agricultural sector and enhance its role in ensuring food security, nutrition, and job creation.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, Kedir Lubango, Head of the Livestock and Fish Investment and Product Marketing Desk at the Ministry of Agriculture, stated that the government has taken significant steps to harness the country's livestock and fisheries potential.

The head emphasized that the government has given high priority to these sub-sectors, recognizing their considerable economic and nutritional importance, as well as their potential for job creation.

"Ethiopia is endowed with a diverse ecology and holds Africa’s largest livestock population and globally, it ranks fifth in goat and sheep numbers," he noted.

He emphasized that since the launch of the initiative, tangible progress has been made. Although it was dominated by small-holders previously, the livestock and fisheries sectors are now embracing more organized, clustered farming models.

According to the official, new clusters such as milk villages, honey villages, and poultry hubs have been established, allowing for streamlined infrastructure development and resource provision, which has significantly boosted productivity and investment potential.

To further support the sector, the government has introduced a range of incentives for investors which include duty-free importation of inputs, tax holidays ranging from three to five years, and support in accessing markets, he added.

In addition, the newly launched Ethiopian Livestock and Fisheries Investment Handbook offer both domestic and foreign investors comprehensive information about the sector's opportunities, potential, and incentives, he emphasized, noting the handbook aims to encourage greater private sector participation in livestock and fisheries.

The Agricultural Production Contract Proclamation, passed two years ago, is another critical step in linking livestock producers with slaughterhouse companies, he stated.

Elaborating the sector’s vital role in advancing the country’s ambition for food self-sufficiency and improving access to balanced nutrition for its population, he noted that while the country has made great strides in wheat production, the livestock and fisheries sectors are also receiving the attention they deserve as key pillars of agricultural development.