Agricultural Research Drives Ethiopia's Production, Productivity Leap

Addis Ababa, July 25, 2025 (ENA) -- The Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI) said that agricultural research is playing a pivotal role in enhancing production and productivity across the country.

In an interview with ENA, ATI  Director General  Mandefro Nigusse stated that the institute is actively identifying bottlenecks in the agricultural value chain and developing practical, research-based solutions to address the problems.

Our efforts are not limited to generating solutions, Mandefro noted, adding, "We are also focused on ensuring their implementation to drive meaningful and lasting improvements in the sector.”

According to him, ATI has been working to support farmers located in the same geographic areas by organizing them into cooperatives, and benefiting from the promotion of agricultural mechanization, access to essential inputs, and facilitation of collective marketing.

 

He added that the initiatives of ATI are significantly contributing to the country’s agricultural development.

As part of its services, the institute is expanding one-stop agricultural service centers to provide farmers with improved seeds, fertilizers, agrochemicals, and training programs aimed at boosting productivity, he emphasized.

To further support cooperative-based farming, ATI is supplying essential equipment such as tractors, combine harvesters, trucks, storage facilities, and seed sorting and packaging machines that collectively enhance food security.

 

Mandefro revealed that farmers organized into cooperatives have already experienced a 30 percent increase in production, which has translated into higher incomes and improved livelihoods.

Looking ahead, he said the institute will prioritize the construction of storage facilities near farming areas, promoting value addition to agricultural products, and helping transform farmer cooperatives into agribusiness investment enterprises.

He also disclosed that ATI has prepared a comprehensive agricultural transformation roadmap aiming to sustainably enhance the national agricultural productivity and ensure long-term food security.