Ties that Bind: Ethiopia and ICARDA

Abstract

Ethiopia and ICARDA have worked together for more than 30 years, to promote sustainable agricultural development in dry areas. This booklet describes the results of this partnership: new technologies and research methods, growth in technology adoption, and significant impacts on food security, incomes and livelihoods. These successes were due to several factors, most importantly strong commitment from the Ethiopian government, the skills and dedication of researchers and extension staff, and generous support from development investors. However, much more remains to be done. Ethiopian farmers, particularly in the dryland areas, face multiple challenges – drought, heat, land degradation, diseases, insect pests, and many others. Many of these problems will be exacerbated by climate change. Ensuring food security and healthy agro-ecosystems will require even greater efforts by researchers, development agencies and national policy makers.