Ethiopia determined to utilize 60% of irrigable lowlands: Minister

Addis Ababa, October 25, 2023 (FBC) – Ethiopia is determined to utilize 60% of the irrigable lowlands in the country through fair and coordinated water management, according to Ms. Aisha Mohammed, Minister of Irrigation and Lowlands.

The Minister said that while addressing the World Food Day 2023 gathering in Addis Ababa.

”Water, essential for life, is at the heart of our survival and the economy. Challenges of water scarcity and climate-induced floods remind us not to take this precious resource for granted,” the Minister emphasized.

“In Ethiopia, we see hope in water-efficient irrigation technologies to transform our lowlands which make up more than 60% of our landmass into food-producing regions,” she underscored.

For her part, Farayi Zimudzi, FAO Ethiopia Representative, reiterated that FAO will continue supporting the government of Ethiopia in integrated and sustainable water management.

The World Food Day 2023 was celebrated in Ethiopia today under the theme, “Water is Life, Water is Food – Leave No One Behind.”

The event was attended among others by Minister of Agriculture Mr. Girma Amente, Minister of Irrigation & Lowlands Ms. Aisha Mohammed, and delegates of FAO and WFP country offices in Ethiopia.