Ethiopia
Laying the groundwork for transforming agriculture
Agriculture is the foundation of Ethiopia’s economy, accounting for 40% of GDP and using over 80% of its labor force. Unfortunately, productivity is low, and the country is unable to use its considerable human and natural resources effectively.
Synergos is working with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to help the foundation respond to a request from the Government of Ethiopia to find ways to improve the agriculture sector. Such improvement is essential to realizing the mutually dependent goals of food security, poverty reduction, and human and economic development.
The first stage of this work, which began in 2010, included interviews with key stakeholders from government, business, civil society, academia, women’s groups, small-holder farmers, and international actors to learn about constraints and begin to identify opportunities. Among those opportunities are efforts to improve agricultural extension services, soil fertility and access to productive seeds.
We also have worked to build trust among Ethiopian and international stakeholders around the effort, and are providing advice on the creating of the Agricultural Transformation Agency that is leading this initiative forward.
