The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and the government of Ethiopia, in collaboration with the Netherlands, OCP-Africa, and the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA), have launched the Climate Resilient Wheat Value Chain Development (CREW) Project. This $94 million initiative aims to transition Ethiopia from a wheat importer to a self-sufficient producer and exporter.
Financial Contributions:
– African Development Fund (ADF): $54 million grant.
– Netherlands: $20 million grant.
– OCP-Africa: $10 million grant.
– Government of Ethiopia: $10 million grant.
– Global Center on Adaptation (GCA): $300,000 grant as part of the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP).
Project Scope and Benefits:
The project is set to support 500,000 smallholder farmer households across Afar, Amhara, Oromia, and Somali regions, with the goal of increasing wheat productivity from three to four tons per hectare, generating an additional 1.62 million tons of wheat. Key benefits include:
– Economic Impact: Benefiting 2.3 million people, half of whom are women, by increasing household incomes and creating job and entrepreneurship opportunities.
– Food Security: Strengthening food and nutrition security in the region.
– Infrastructure Development: Expanding irrigation systems, improving soil health, and building post-harvest and market infrastructure.
– Climate Resilience: Integrating climate risk assessment and digital adaptation solutions into the wheat value chain.
Project Components:
- Climate-Friendly Wheat Farming:
– Development of better seeds and soil health.
– Rehabilitating and building irrigation systems and access roads.
– Enhancing private sector-led sustainable farm mechanization.
- Post-Harvest and Market Infrastructure:
– Expansion of post-harvest facilities.
– Enabling access to agri-finance through innovative mechanisms.
Key Statements:
– Dr. Girma Amente, Minister of Agriculture, Ethiopia: Emphasized the CREW project’s alignment with Ethiopia’s Ten-Year Development Plan and its crucial role in the nation’s agricultural development.
– Mr. Awol Arba, President of Afar Regional State: Highlighted the potential for irrigated wheat development in Afar.
– Dr. Abdul Kamara, AfDB Deputy Director General for East Africa: Noted that the CREW project will complement AfDB’s existing investments in Ethiopia, aiming to sustain the success of the Wheat Revolution.
– Mr. Tiest Soondal, Deputy Head of Cooperation, Netherlands Embassy in Ethiopia: Stressed the Netherlands’ commitment to addressing humanitarian, development, and food security goals.
– Dr. Mohamed Anouar Jamali, CEO of OCP-Africa:** Discussed OCP-Africa’s role in addressing soil health issues and providing science-based agricultural recommendations.
The launch event took place in Semera, Afar Regional State in May, marking the beginning of a transformative project designed to bolster Ethiopia’s agricultural sector and enhance its economic resilience.
