Youth Empowerment in Ethiopian Agriculture: A Sustainable Future

Date: March 18, 2026
Location: Ethiopia

Agriculture serves as the backbone of Ethiopia’s economy, contributing a substantial 31.8% to the national GDP and witnessing an impressive annual growth rate of 6.9%. However, farming communities face numerous challenges. Climate variability and environmental degradation, coupled with limited access to modern technology and a surge in rural–urban migration, are putting immense pressure on agricultural production. The movement of young people to urban areas is exacerbating labor shortages in rural regions, leaving an aging workforce that jeopardizes the sustainability of farming.

Engaging Rural Youth for a Sustainable Agricultural Future

Amidst these challenges, Ethiopian youth are eager for modern, profitable opportunities within the agricultural sector. Their engagement across agricultural value chains is vital for transforming Ethiopia’s agri-food systems and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To transform agriculture into a viable career path, it must be innovative, competitive, and responsive to the aspirations of young Ethiopians.

The Long-Term Experiment (LTE) initiative, driven by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and its partners, is reshaping perceptions and practices in farming. The focus is on improving productivity, soil health, and creating business avenues for farming communities, especially for the youth.

Implementing Climate-Smart Innovations for Rewarding Farming

The LTE project emphasizes long-term testing and promoting climate-smart agricultural practices, notably in cereal-legume rotations and nutrient management. Key interventions include:

• Enhanced nutrient management through a combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers
• Effective crop residue management to strengthen soil health
• Crop diversification, including crop rotation and intercropping, to boost resilience and productivity
• The introduction of profitable income-generating legumes such as soybeans, haricot beans, and pigeon peas, which significantly improve yields, soil health, nutrition, and income stability

These practices equip farmers to produce reliable crops under variable climate conditions while offering tangible benefits—higher yields, healthier soils, and more robust income streams.

Dr. Tesfaye Shiferaw, a System Agronomist at CIMMYT, underscores the importance of youth-focused agricultural innovation.

“We must cultivate resilient, diverse, and youth-oriented agricultural innovations. Young people need to envision a brighter future in agribusiness, moving from subsistence-level farming to a dynamic, market-oriented business model.”

To attract youth to farming, several pathways are emphasized:

• Supporting youth champions as role models
• Promoting positive perceptions of farming careers
• Introducing market-driven technologies and crops
• Creating diverse opportunities across the agricultural value chain
• Utilizing digital tools tailored to youth interests

The introduction of income-generating legumes alongside cereals provides farmers with varied food and income streams, enhancing market access.

Showcasing Impact: A Young Farmer’s Journey

Gutema Fekadu, a 26-year-old farmer from Kilinto village in Oromia, exemplifies the transformative potential of the LTE project. Initially skeptical about farming’s viability, Gutema grew up observing his father cultivate primarily teff and maize, which yielded limited returns.

“In 2023, I participated in training sessions through the LTE initiative and learned about crop rotation benefits. My family and I began planting common beans,” Gutema shares.

This newfound knowledge led Gutema to harvest 500 kg of haricot beans from a 2,000 m² plot, generating significant income that reinforced his family’s faith in farming as a viable career.

Comparatively, the market prices for staple cereals are significantly lower: Teff averages 130 ETB/kg, while haricot beans fetch around 400 ETB/kg. This substantial income difference, alongside the nutritional benefits of legumes, reframed Gutema’s view of agriculture as a profitable business rather than mere subsistence.

Dr. Niguse Bekele, Director of Guder Campus at Ambo University, emphasizes the role of higher education in transforming agricultural practices, particularly among youth.

“Our collaboration with CIMMYT connects research and innovation directly to young farmers on the ground. Demonstration farms are proving that modern, diversified farming systems can cultivate income, confidence, and interest in agriculture.”

Inclusive Engagement Aligned with CIMMYT’s 2030 Strategy

Dr. Gizachew Kebede, a Soil Scientist at CIMMYT, highlights that youth are the most effective adopters of modern technologies and practices in farming.

“Young farmers are positioned to succeed as professional farmers. Our inclusive approach ensures that youth and women are not left behind, in alignment with CIMMYT’s 2030 Strategy.”

By integrating legumes such as faba beans, soybeans, and haricot beans into existing cereal-based farming systems, the project enhances income diversification, which is crucial for retaining young people in rural agricultural livelihoods.

For more insights on sustainable agricultural practices and technologies, visit CIMMYT and discover the innovative solutions helping redefine the future of farming in Ethiopia.

By uniting research, innovation, and community engagement, Ethiopia is on the verge of cultivating a new generation of dynamic and resilient agricultural entrepreneurs, securing both food production and economic growth for the future.