The United States Joins with Israel to Support Agricultural Productivity in Ethiopia

February 9, 2005
No. 09/05

Addis Ababa (U.S. Embassy) – The Government of the United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has joined with the Israeli Centre for International Cooperation (MASHAV) and Ethiopia’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to undertake a three-year program to provide technical support that will speed the transfer and adoption of modern agricultural technologies and practices in Ethiopia.  The three-year, $1.2 million (10.3 million Birr) agreement was signed on February 9 by U.S. Ambassador Aurelia E. Brazeal, Israeli Ambassador Doron Grossman, State Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Belay Ejigu, and USAID/Ethiopia Mission Director Bill Hammink.  The U.S. government through USAID is contributing $1.02 million (8.8 million Birr), with the Government of Israel contributing the balance.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ambassador Brazeal said that the agreement will make available to Ethiopian producers a range of the best modern agricultural technologies and practices in the world, adding, “The extensive expertise and knowledge base of Israeli farmers, agribusinesses, universities, and research institutions, through the collaboration of MASHAV with the Ministry and with other stakeholders, will lead to more productive, more resilient agricultural production systems.  This will, in turn, substantially benefit Ethiopian producers, consumers, and the overall economy.”

MASHAV will provide training and technical assistance designed to assist Ethiopian small-holder and commercial farmers to plant crops that are both disease- and pest-resistant crops and that have higher yields. In addition, dairy farmers will learn how to improve their herds to increase the production of milk, while livestock farmers will learn to use modern technologies to improve sheep, goat, and dairy yields.   MASHAV will also help farmers, cooperative groups, and water user groups to incorporate appropriate irrigation and reliable water management practices. They will provide technical assistance to farmers in the rapid multiplication of plant materials, which will, in turn, increase cash and food crops.

As a result, Ethiopian farmers will begin to tap into Ethiopia’s irrigation potential, greatly increasing agricultural production while incorporating soil conservation methods.  They will also increase dairy production and cash and food crop output to domestic and international markets. Finally, farmers will improve their livelihoods and that of their families while increasing Ethiopia’s foreign exchange.

USAID and MASHAV have a long history of partnership in developing countries, particularly in agriculture.  In Ethiopia they have previously cooperated on a small-scale irrigation project in the Amhara region, applied research work to control crop diseases, and the promotion of sound natural resource management.