Harvesting hope, as regenerative agriculture takes root in Ethiopia

At just 24 years old, Wondesen Alemu is quietly changing the future of vegetable production in his village. Growing up, in Welmera, Oromia, he saw his parents struggling with conventional farming methods that were degrading their land. Determined to make a difference, he took over the family farm five years ago after completing his 12th grade. Inspired by stories of his elders and driven by a passion for organic farming, he started on a journey of learning and accepting change.

Three years ago, joining the Veggies 4 Planet & People (V4P&P) initiative marked a turning point for Wondesen, providing him with the wealth of new knowledge he had been desperately seeking. Row planting, crop rotation, raising healthy seedlings, how to improve soil fertility, and control pests and diseases without harmful chemicals – he was a keen learner and applied everything on his farm. And he became a key member of the local vegetable business network that the project established.

Wondesen Alemu with his cabbage seedlings, ready for transplanting

But his transition to regenerative agriculture was not without difficulties. Organic inputs were not cheap nor always easy to find, and his parents needed some convincing to adopt new practices. But, determined, he worked tirelessly, collecting manure and borrowing money. And his perseverance paid off, as his family farm flourished into a productive and profitable vegetable business. Wondesen also embraced modern technology, making use of a Telegram App to market his safe vegetables to customers ouside his village, as he described. “I use the platform to explain the benefits of regenerative agriculture, to communicate directly with buyers, and to make money transfers.” This was a major contributor in helping him expand his markets and for the success of his vegetable farming venture.

The Buntuta Beda group led by Hurume Edecha (2nd from the right) exemplifies the power of collective action. Through learning plots and innovative solutions, the group has transformed once unproductive land into thriving vegetable farms, and set up a savings scheme and central marketplace for their produce.

As part of the vegetable business network approach, the project empowers farmers, but also government agricultural extension officers who serve as network coaches who encourage the adoption of new practices with a focus on youth and women producers. Tardasa Tardar leads the change in Woliso woreda, organizing regular meetings, monthly evaluations, and supervising 14 coaches who are each tasked with steering farmers away from traditional chemical-based agriculture. One of the many women coaches, Smenesh Terdia, specializes in soil health, said, “At first, farmers resisted regenerative practices, clinging to chemical fertilizers out of fear of adverse effects. But they change when they see the benefits with their own eyes”.

Vegetable business network coach Smenesh Terdia (5th from left) with the Furtu group she supports

Adoption is greatly increased through learning sites that were set up in each area, hosted by champion farmers who demonstrate practical examples of regenerative practices, such as vermicomposting, traditional composting, using bioslurry, year-round production, use of improved varieties, and integrated pest and disease control. Coaches also teach enterprise development, business skills, making market connections, and setting up collective funds that spread and lower the cost of buying farm inputs. Effective coaching has proven to be crucial for spreading the benefits of regenerative agriculture, facilitating knowledge transfer, documenting all activities and impact, and ultimately, uplifting local communities.

The Furtu network group champion farmer in his farm used as a learning site

There are now 25 vegetable groups in Woliso woreda alone with more than 1,000 farmer members, amongst the 80 networks and 2,500 farmers across four woredas in Oromia where the project operates. These have now also earned support from local governments, because of their positive impact on soil fertility, safe food production, and increasing incomes. The V4P&P initiative funded by the IKEA Foundation and implemented by WorldVeg and SNV, represents a truly collaborative effort towards a more prosperous and sustainable farming future in Oromia. Promoting regenerative agriculture practices and empowering farmers is enhancing food security and livelihoods, holding the promise of achieving lasting positive changes that benefit individuals and communities in the region and beyond, and setting a powerful example for others to follow.

Veggies 4 Planet & People is implemented by the World Vegetable Center and SNV Netherlands Development Organization, with partners including CABI, Shujaaz, ODI, the governments of Kenya and Ethiopia, NGOs, business mentors, seed companies, and local policy makers. The project thanks IKEA Foundation for its generous financial support, with co-funding from Biovision Foundation for the Greener Greens project.

This article can also be found in the World Vegetable Center Annual Report 2023

WorldVeg Annual Report 2023 ! – World Vegetable Center (avrdc.org)