Ethiopia’s Bounty of Basket Delivers Major Food Security Gains, Ambassador Mekuria Says

Addis Ababa, July 28, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia’s flagship Bounty of Basket (Yelemat Tirufat) initiative has significantly strengthened household food security and boosted production across key agricultural value chains, according to Ethiopia’s Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Mekuria Getachew.

In an exclusive interview with top243news.com, Ambassador Mekuria said the initiative, launched in November 2022 under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, has delivered measurable results and demonstrates the effectiveness of homegrown African solutions in addressing food security challenges.

Inspired by the traditional basket, a symbol of abundance and solidarity, the Bounty of Basket

 program has enhanced household agricultural production while contributing to Ethiopia’s broader food security objectives.

"Bounty of Basket shows that we do not need to import answers to our problems. We can design solutions that reflect our soils, our communities, and our aspirations," Ambassador Mekuria said.

The ambassador highlighted notable gains in agricultural output since the program's launch. National egg production increased from about 2.8 billion eggs in 2020 to more than 9.3 billion in 2025, while annual poultry meat production reached nearly 190,000 metric tons.

He attributed the progress to modernization, innovation, and strong community participation, which have enabled households and smallholder farmers to become more productive.

"When a family becomes a productive unit, the nation becomes food secure," he said.

Beyond poultry production, the initiative has expanded beekeeping, aquaculture, and dairy farming, creating thousands of jobs, particularly for women and young people, while improving access to nutritious and diversified foods at the household level.

"Nutrition is not an afterthought. It is the compass that guides development," Mekuria noted.

The ambassador also called for closer agricultural cooperation between Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo through enhanced research partnerships, technology transfer, and investment.

Against the backdrop of climate change, rapid population growth, and persistent food insecurity across Africa, he stressed that stronger bilateral collaboration is essential to replicate successful agricultural models and build resilient food systems.

"Our shared challenge demands shared solutions. Partnership is the seed from which regional food sovereignty grows," he said.

Ambassador Mekuria said Ethiopia's experience with the Yelemat Tirufat initiative illustrates how family centered agricultural development, supported by strong national policies, can accelerate food security and drive rural transformation.

He added that the program represents not only a national achievement but also a practical model for broader African cooperation in advancing sustainable development and shared prosperity.