Stakeholders Emphasize Public Participation as Key to Sustainable Food System Transition

Addis Ababa, July 11, 2025 (ENA)— Stakeholders underscore the critical need for broad societal involvement to achieve a sustainable and inclusive food system in Ethiopia.

The Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), in partnership with the Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI), hosted a national forum titled "From Vision to Action: Ethiopia's Sustainable and Inclusive Food System Transition Journey."

While presenting the initial discussion points, Firew Tegegn, Deputy Director General of the Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI), reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the country’s leadership in transforming its national food systems.

 He said that Ethiopia, in partnership with Italy, will co-host the 2nd United Nations Food and Agriculture Conference in Addis Ababa from July 27-29, 2025.

 Firew noted the event would boost Ethiopia’s international standing and highlight its ongoing progress in food system transformation.

 Since the transition began, Ethiopia has launched several flagship national programs to accelerate change within its food system. Key initiatives include Yelemat Tirufat (Bounty of Basket), wheat development, Green Legacy Initiative, School feeding, Ethiopia Tamert (Let Ethiopia Produce), and the Seqota Declaration.

 Frealem Shibabaw, Director of the Ethiopian School Feeding Initiative, highlighted the government’s role in fostering a stronger generation through these programs.

 She noted that over 800,000 students in the Addis Ababa City Administration currently receive two meals daily under the School Feeding Program, which aligns with the Sekota Declaration.

 Improving agricultural productivity is a shared national responsibility, stated Bikila Workneh, Dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Engineering at Addis Ababa University.

 He called for increased private sector involvement, especially in food processing and value addition.

Brooke Kebede, CEO of NBC Television, underscored the media’s crucial role in advancing food systems and food sovereignty.

 He cited media contributions in raising awareness on key national issues like the Green Footprint campaign, land tenure, and agricultural mechanization.

 Helen Tilahun, Executive Director of New Life Ten Challenge Development, stressed the importance of engaging youth, women, and persons with disabilities in the food system transformation to ensure it is inclusive and equitable.

 Preparations are currently underway for the successful hosting of the upcoming United Nations Food Systems Summit.