Agricultural Commercialization Cluster Program Improving Livelihood, Enhancing Productivity

Addis Ababa, January 16, 2026 (ENA)—The Agricultural Commercialization Cluster (ACC) program has not only enhanced the productivity of crops and livestock, but also improved the livelihood of communities, according to farmers in Arsi Zone of the Oromia Region.

One of the beneficiaries of the ACC program in Limuna Bilbilo district, Gezahegn Arega, said the farmers in the area, including him, struggled as they had low yields and inefficient farming practices before the initiation of the program by the Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute.

 According to him, the program helped them to establish mechanization centers and one-stop agricultural input shops; and their crop production has increased significantly.

 The farmer emphasized the importance of access to modern farming techniques and resources that he attributes to the support of ACC program.

 “The support from ACC has significantly increased our crop yields. We now have better access to resources and training that are essential for our success,” he stated.

 Abdela Feyso, member of a farmers’ cooperative that produces seeds through cluster farming around Bekoji town, said the training as well as the provision of agricultural inputs such as certified seeds and agricultural machineries have completely changed the way they approach farming.

 The ability to adapt to new methods has directly translated to better harvests and improved income for his family and the community at large, he stated.

 The ACC has enabled farmers to easily access market which has transformed farming operation in the area, Abdela said.

 “We have now better access to markets which allow us to sell our produce at fair prices. This has made a huge difference in our livelihood.” 

 Abera Tullu, a farmer actively involved in the cluster farming initiative in Digeluna Tijo district, emphasized the strong sense of community fostered by the Agricultural Commercialization Cluster (ACC) program.

He stated that the ACC has significantly increased the farmers agricultural output, enabling them to produce surpluses.

 Previously, the community faced a hand-to-mouth existence; but the introduction of one-stop workshops and the provision of agricultural mechanization have markedly improved livelihood.

The supportive environment created by the Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute has proven essential in building resilience among local farmers, equipping them to thrive in an evolving agricultural landscape, he noted.

For his part, Kemal Aman, a farmer from the same district, underscored that ACC has been immensely contributing their productivity while addressing economic challenges faced by farmers.

“The agricultural mechanization and input services have been enhancing productivity. Currently, we are producing an average of 60 quintal per hectare,” he stated.

Abdurahman Haji, the Manager of Galema Farmers’ Cooperative Union engaged in agricultural products marking and processing, said the beginning of agricultural commercialization has brought collective impact in the community.

 The benefits extend beyond individual farmers, he added, stressing that when farmers thrive, the entire community flourishes.

 “We see improvements in local economies. These are encouraging to all of us,” the Manager noted, emphasizing that this interconnected benefit is of paramount importance for sustainable development of the community, the region, and the country at large.

 On his part, Oromia Region ACC Director, Zelalem Jaleta noted that in collaboration with farmers' cooperatives Union, Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute through ACC program, which has a broader mission of empowering farmers by enhancing agricultural productivity while ensuring sustainable practices, has built 12 seed warehouses along with installing seed cleaning machines, and established four mechanizations centers in Oromia region.

 Zelalem said that farmers in the region are testament to the positive change that can occur when resource, farmers’ cooperative unions and government support come together to uplift livelihood and enhance productivity.

 Initiated in 2019, ACC has so far reached more than 4.4 million farmers, including 2.43 million organized into Farmer Production Clusters (FPCs) which strengthened collective marketing and improved access to services.