Crops

Image credit: Ethiopian news Agency

Ethiopia has renewed its call for greater recognition of coffee as more than a global export, framing it as a cultural treasure, a social bond and a vital economic pillar for both the country and the wider African continent

The message was delivered at a high level policy forum held on Tuesday during the 3rd African Coffee Week in Addis Ababa, where leaders and development partners gathered to discuss the future of Africa’s coffee industry.

Meles Mekonnen, State Minister of Agriculture said, “Coffee is far more than a tradable commodity. It is and will remain one of Africa’s most powerful symbols and strategic assets,” Meles said.

He warned that climate change is placing increasing pressure on the sector, with erratic rainfall, rising temperatures and growing pest threats already affecting production. According to Meles, smallholder farmers are bearing the brunt of these changes, making climate resilience and sustainable transformation urgent priorities.

As Africa’s largest coffee producer, Ethiopia has positioned coffee at the core of its national development strategy. Meles said the government is expanding climate smart farming practices, strengthening quality control systems and improving market transparency, while ensuring women and young people benefit from sector reforms.

He also urged African countries to rethink their role in the global coffee value chain by moving beyond raw bean exports and investing in value addition, branding and finished products. He pointed to the African Continental Free Trade Area as a major opportunity to build regional value chains and create decent jobs.

“Investments in climate smart production systems and sustainable land management are not optional; they are economically prudent,” he said. “Together, we can cultivate a coffee industry that is economically vibrant and deeply rooted in Africa’s rich heritage.”

AU Commission Chief of Staff Mohamed El Amine Souef echoed the call for stronger cooperation, noting that new harmonised African coffee standards aim to boost competitiveness.
“Coffee brings people from diverse cultures together for mutual benefit,” Souef said.

UNIDO Representative Stephen Kargbo highlighted coffee’s role in Ethiopia’s export earnings while warning of climate risks and price volatility. “No single institution or government can address these issues alone,” he said.

Italian Ambassador Sem Fabrizi praised coffee’s cultural roots and confirmed Italy’s continued support through development cooperation and increased financing via the Italian Climate Fund.

The Ekiti State Government has launched a targeted technical training and agricultural interventions across the state to enhance livestock productivity, advance sustainable agribusiness, and boost rural livelihoods

This comes as part of the government's larger initiative to empower livestock producers and agricultural entrepreneurs via deliberate investments and capacity-building, said Ebenezer Boluwade, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, while speaking in Ado Ekiti at the Mass Artificial Insemination, Training and Induction of Inseminators programme organised by the state’s Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES).

The programme leverages modern breeding technologies to multiply breeds at a greater pace while refining animal genetics. This shift from traditional breeding concerns will address root challenges such as low yield and restricted access to superior genetic stock.

“The artificial insemination programme was designed by the state L-PRES for breed/genetic improvement and multiplication of livestock for better production,” said Boluwade.

Beyond upgrading animal stock, the programme prioritises hands-on skill development. Local farmers and newly inducted inseminators are receiving practical training to effectively execute advanced breeding techniques in the field.

By modernising farming practices, building a skilled cadre of agricultural service providers, and optimising the broader livestock value chain, the Ekiti State Government intends to foster a resilient, highly productive livestock sector that strengthens regional food security and expands commercial agribusiness opportunities.

Technology deployment can help smallholder farmers.

Modern technology integration into farming operations can boost income for smallholder farmers

Ahead of the Africa International Agricultural Expo 2026, agriculture secretary, James Wanjohi, said that small-scale growers should build communities like cooperatives and producer associations to pool resources for shared expenses. This will split the costs of heavy purchases like equipment while optimising its use for everyone.

According to Wanjohi, technical support, dedicated extension services and reliable market access are required to make technology deployment a success.

“Technology that is being pushed must also come with some earning. That value must give an extra earning to the farmers,” he said.

The upcoming event will showcase innovations tailored to several vital steps in the agricultural process, including harvesting, processing, irrigation, and post-harvest management. Attendees will also have opportunities to review funding packages provided by financial organisations such as the Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC).

Furthermore, Wanjohi noted that the exhibition aligns with ongoing state initiatives to encourage value addition, packaging, and branding—empowering farmers to transition away from selling unrefined farm goods and meet international trade standards.

“There is a huge push by government not just to sell raw materials,” he said.

Flacko Wang, Director of Market Development at Hunan Hongxing International Exhibition Limited, said, “AI can solve some basic questions and daily questions. Farmers can get information from AI without having to ask around.” 

The previous edition of the expo featured roughly 10,000 pieces of farm machinery and tech solutions.

Agroecology can be the solution to food security.

Agroecology is driving the African Union Commission's food security policies as it calls for increased investments in the sector so that it generates employment opportunities for a growing youth population

Announced during the recently held Africa Regional Youth Summit on Agroecology and the Future of Africa's Food Systems in Kampala, this move will address the continent's food systems to reduce import dependency.

Haile Abebe of the African Union's Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) who spoke during the summit highlighted the commercial significance of agriculture and how it can be more that just a tool for subsistence.

“Agriculture is no longer simply about producing food. It is about science, technology, entrepreneurship, finance, digital innovation, logistics, processing, manufacturing, trade, climate resilience and value addition,” Abebe said. 

With the right skills and technology, alongside financial means and market access, Africa's predominantly youth population can be channelised towards the region's wider agrifood sector. Prioritising the transformation of agrifood systems requires advancing agroecology.

“Agroecology can be part of this solution. It opens opportunities for young people across the agrifood system - from soil health, seeds and bio-inputs to irrigation, digital agriculture, processing, packaging, logistics, green energy and market development,” said Abebe.

Other opportunities include organic and bio-fertiliser production, ecological seed systems, agroforestry, water conservation, food processing, packaging and marketing.