Ethiopia Unlocking Irrigation Potential to Secure Food Self-Sufficiency, Says Minister Abraham

Addis Ababa, August 25, 2025 (ENA) --Ethiopia is undertaking wide-ranging reforms to unlock its vast irrigation potential and ensure food security, affirmed Minister of Irrigation and Lowlands, Abraham Belay.

The Ministry of Irrigation and Lowlands conducted a document finalization workshop today on development of Irrigation Standard and Regulation document.

Addis Ababa University handed over a Development of Irrigation Standard and Regulation document to the Ministry of Irrigation and Lowlands and Institute of Ethiopian Standards today.

The university developed the document in collaboration with FAO and the ministry.

Addressing the occasion, Minister of Irrigation and Lowlands Abraham Belay said that Ethiopia has given prior attention to the irrigation sector, noting its significance to ensure food security.  

Putting in place a system and standard is instrumental to properly unlock the sector's potential, he said, adding that the implementation of irrigation projects is in good track following the nationwide reforms in recent years. 

Accordingly, devising implementation frameworks are also pivotal to properly execute the standards and regulation, he emphasized.

While recognizing the potential of the sector was the first step to unlock the sector's ample resource, developing clear roadmap is the next step which is being understudy, the minister noted.

Similarly, FAO Representative in Ethiopia, Farayi Zimudzi said the National Irrigation Standard and regulation is essential for enhancing food and nutrition security, fostering environmental sustainability and improving the quality of life for all.

FAO is a longstanding partner with Ethiopia which has supported irrigation development across multiple fronts including capacity building, technology transfer and data utilization, the representative added.

The areas of partnerships with Ethiopia in national water development, infrastructure investment, designing irrigation systems and the promotion for sustainable practices, she elaborated.

The successful completion of this technical cooperation project has laid the foundation for National Irrigation standards and regulations in Ethiopia.

For the representative, the standards will guide the development and management of high-quality irrigation systems across the country.

She stressed the need to further promote the sustainable use of irrigation in Ethiopia, emphasizing the significance of collective efforts to build a brighter, greener and a more prosperous future for all Ethiopians and beyond.