CAADP (2026–2035): Conversation towards Domestication within Ethiopia’s Agri-Food Systems Policies and Investment Plans

CAADP (2026–2035): Conversation towards Domestication within Ethiopia’s Agri-Food Systems Policies and Investment Plans was co-organized by the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).

The half-day meeting took place on October 27, 2025, at the ILRI Campus in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with 27 participants including senior experts from Ministry of Agriculture, 8 heads of regional Bureaus of Agriculture, and senior researchers from universities and research organizations.

The morning session focused on setting the scene, featuring presentations by:

• Zena Habtewold (MoA) – A Retrospective of CAADP in Ethiopia
• Dejene Habesha (MoA) – Kampala CAADP Strategy and Action Plan
• Getachew Diriba (MoA) – CAADP and Agri-Food Systems Transformation: Some Reflections

Following the break, Dr. Alemayehu Seyoum Taffesse (IFPRI) presented on “Synthesis of Findings and Knowledge Gaps toward CAADP Implementation in Ethiopia.”

After the presentation, there was a panel discussion by Mr. Zena Habtewold, MoA; Dr. Firew Tegegne, ATI; and Dr. Getachew Legese Feye, ILRI.

Mr. Zena Habtewold (MoA) noted that “the presentation made by Alemayehu largely reflects our progress and outcomes so far.” He emphasized that production and productivity have increased in recent years and agro-industries are growing rapidly. However, he raised critical questions:

“Are we progressing in the right direction? Is our food security improving at the pace we expect? Are microfinance institutions and cooperatives effectively integrated to support our agricultural strategies?”

He further underlined the need to link agriculture with agro-industrial parks and profit generation, calling for stronger financial institutions dedicated to supporting agriculture. He mentioned ongoing discussions with Chinese investors interested in establishing an Agricultural Bank in Ethiopia, stressing the importance of assessing Ethiopia’s readiness to build such institutions domestically.

He also questioned whether the private sector’s participation and financial support are adequate, asking: “Are microfinance institutions truly reaching smallholder farmers? Is there enough coordination between strategy, finance, and implementation?”

Dr. Firew Tegegne (ATI) highlighted the importance of aligning Ethiopia’s agricultural transformation goals with continental and global frameworks, stating that “the relevance of this agenda is unquestionable.” He drew parallels between CAADP, AU, and UN development goals, noting that although names differ, the underlying objectives are similar.

He outlined ATI’s four core mandates, including identifying systemic bottlenecks that hinder agricultural transformation and enhancing coordination among ministries. Dr. Firew emphasized the centrality of agricultural financing, pointing out that the sector needs innovative financing mechanisms rather than risk-averse approaches. Referring to comparative studies, he mentioned that infrastructure development in highland areas is often politically driven, resulting in disconnected surplus and deficit zones. ATI, he said, aims to implement innovative projects that bridge such gaps and promote equitable regional interventions.

He concluded by underscoring ATI’s coordination role across 16 ministries under the Deputy Prime Minister’s leadership and noted that “82% of ATI’s results have been implemented because they are demand-driven.”

Dr. Getachew Legese Feye (ILRI) reflected on the interaction between CAADP (2025–26), the Kampala Declaration, and Ethiopia’s food systems transformation. He traced the origins of CAADP from the Maputo and Malabo Declarations, explaining that the current Kampala framework builds on these and integrates priorities from the UN Food Systems Summit 2021.

He observed that Ethiopia’s 24 “game changers” and seven clusters under its food systems roadmap are well aligned with CAADP’s six strategic programs. However, he noted that earlier CAADP frameworks paid limited attention to key sectors such as livestock, while the newer agri-food systems approach corrects that imbalance.

Dr. Getachew emphasized that domestication of the CAADP agenda in Ethiopia involves developing a National Agri-Food Investment Plan, replacing the previous agricultural plan. He also pointed out the challenge of data fragmentation, saying:

“Different institutions collect different datasets — for CAADP reviews, for the Prime Minister’s annual reports, and for SDG performance. The lack of integration remains one of our biggest challenges.”

The meeting was adjourned at 01:30pm.