Africa-Press – Ethiopia. The Farmer Field Schools (FFS) has significantly raised yields by 34 percent and family earnings by 43 percent since the launching of the program in 2016 in three phases, according to Professor Ali Mohammed, Advisor to the State Minister of Agriculture.
A two-day Horticultural Livelihood, Innovation and Food Safety in Ethiopia (Horti-LIFE) Learning Event is underway in Addis Ababa.
Opening the event today, Professor Ali said horticultural projects have assisted more than 31,000 farmers in 200 areas across the country through the FFS program under Horti-LIFE.
“We have accordingly improved the farming of fruits and vegetables, which helps our exports and supports food businesses,” he added.
According to him, FFS has changed thinking, especially for women and young people, transforming small-scale farming.
Deputy Head of Mission at the Netherlands Embassy in Ethiopia, Paula Schindeler, praised the success of the Horti-LIFE III after just one year by undertaking over 2,200 FFSs and exceeding their goals by 186 percent, helping 70,000 small farmers directly.
According to her, they have produced 1.5 million fruit plants on orchards over 2,000 hectares.
“The creation of over 1,200 jobs, mainly for women and young people, shows the social strength of horticulture,” Schindeler noted.
Stating that the project works on building national systems for planting certification and horticultural standards as well as ensuring sustainability, she said Dutch partnerships focus on helping the private sector grow by linking experts and businesses with Ethiopian farmers.
She also revealed that many Farmer Field Schools are run by women, and new businesses by youth are developing, encouraging inclusive growth.
Julie Graham, Director of SNV Ethiopia on her part recalled that SNV has been working for more than 50 years in Ethiopia alongside the government and businesses to create programs that enhance people’s lives and support solutions.
These cooperations reflect families earning more and local governments driving change, she added.
Graham emphasized the need to maintain partnerships, expand successes, and empower young people for the future of modern horticulture.
According to the organizers, the program that spans seven regional states has reached over 200,000 farmers and supported numerous agri-businesses.
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