Ethiopia is striving to bolster its economy through the expansion of its horticulture sector, aiming to increase exports, create jobs, and alleviate poverty. However, despite significant successes, the journey is fraught with challenges as the country seeks to shift its agricultural practices to a market-oriented, team-based model.
In collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Ethiopian government is implementing the Smallholder Farmers Garden Empowerment and Promotion (SHEP) approach. This initiative empowers smallholder farmers by connecting them to profitable markets, resulting in a 125% increase in income for targeted farmers and a shift in viewing farming as a business.
“The SHEP approach has made a significant difference in filling the gap between policy and implementation and providing practical solutions on the ground,” noted State Minister of Agriculture, Melese Mekonen. JICA’s support includes market-oriented extension services, capacity building for thousands of professionals and millions of farmers, as well as resources for climate change adaptation and agricultural insurance.
However, challenges persist. Farmers accustomed to private farming struggle to adapt to SHEP’s team-based approach, and institutionalizing the SHEP approach at the regional level has been slow. “In Ethiopia, farmers who are traditionally only familiar with private farming find it difficult to work as a team because they are experts in the concepts of the SHEP approach,” explained Abdella Negash, CEO of MoA’s Horticulture Development Department.
To address these challenges, the government is focusing on continuous monitoring and evaluation, launching pilot initiatives with existing farmers’ groups, and strengthening institutional frameworks. The Ministry of Agriculture has begun incorporating the SHEP approach into national agricultural strategies and expanding its implementation using government resources, as seen in the Southwest Ethiopia region.
The SHEP program, currently in its second phase, targets five state governments and aims to improve living conditions for smallholder farmers through sustainable implementation. Significant results include increased farmers’ incomes, improved post-harvest management techniques, and a change in the mindset of over 25,000 smallholder farmers.
“Over the past three years, we have become aware of the significant impacts of the SHEP approach in the development of SHEP and have begun to institutionalize it in our national agricultural strategy,” said Melese.
Despite these achievements, challenges remain in expanding the SHEP approach. Efforts are underway to address these challenges, including ongoing monitoring, initiating pilot initiatives with existing farmers’ groups, and strengthening institutional frameworks.
The 11th SHEP International Workshop held in Ethiopia served as a platform to exchange experiences, discuss challenges, and explore new opportunities for the global expansion of the SHEP approach. The government remains committed to developing a market-oriented agricultural sector that benefits smallholder farmers and contributes to Ethiopia’s economic growth.
