Ethiopia is being praised internationally for its clear and well-organized food systems policy. Leaders from the United Nations, FAO, and African Union have recognized the country’s progress in combining food security, nutrition, policy alignment, and climate resilience into a unified and coherent strategy. This acknowledgment reflects Ethiopia’s status as a model for integrated food systems transformation across Africa.
National Food Systems Vision: Aligning Policy and Purpose
Since the UN Food Systems Summit in 2021, Ethiopia has followed a national roadmap to reshape its food system by 2030. This roadmap, built around 22 game changing solutions, is part of the Ethiopian Food Systems Transformation and Nutrition effort.
This inclusive process involved wide stakeholder participation government agencies, research bodies, civil society, and development partners. Together, they helped build a multisector approach to food that links agriculture, health, environment, and governance.
Bridging Food, Nutrition, and Climate Goals
In January 2025, Ethiopia hosted the groundbreaking Convergence Initiative workshop in Addis Ababa. It brought together experts in food systems, nutrition, and climate action to align national efforts under a unified blueprint. The outcome was a coordinated plan the Convergence Action Blueprint built around climate-smart agriculture, nutrition awareness, and sustainable farming.
At the same time, Ethiopia embedded the Right to Adequate Food into its food systems transformation. A Swiss-supported program led by FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture introduced clinics and tools to ensure policies from farm to plate uphold accountability, equity, and inclusion.
Real Results: Surplus Production and Reduced Malnutrition
International observers recently praised Ethiopia’s transformation as a national success story. Delegates at the UN Food Systems Summit in Addis lauded Ethiopia’s progress toward food sovereignty, including its move from wheat importer to surplus producer, achieved through improved seeds, irrigation expansion, and integrated production planning.
Meanwhile, programs like the Productive Safety Net Programme have reached millions of food-insecure households with cash or food in exchange for public works. This program has directly supported vulnerable communities while building resilience in agriculture and infrastructure.
Challenges Remain, Yet Policy Coherence Boosts Confidence
Despite success, Ethiopia still faces challenges. Malnutrition remains high, with stunting affecting nearly 37% of children under five. Environmental concerns are also growing as agricultural expansion risks deforestation, soil degradation, and loss of biodiversity.
Furthermore, fragmented policies and overlapping strategies sometimes hinder progress. Export-focused agriculture may conflict with nutrition goals, while inconsistent public policies.
Hosting Global Food Summit and Scaling Success
Ethiopia will host the Second UN Food Systems Summit from July 27–29, 2025 in Addis Ababa, together with Italy. This event will showcase the country’s policies and results including wheat self-sufficiency, climate-smart farming, and local nutrition initiatives.
An active inter-ministerial steering committee continues to lead the EFSTN and oversee delivery across sectors. Their focus includes performance reviews, participation in global forums, and preparation of the next major summit. Ethiopia aims to present its Green Legacy, school feeding schemes, and Seqota Declaration achievements to the world.
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