Green Legacy Initiative, urban agriculture practices vital for strengthening Ethiopia’s food system: Schlars

Addis Ababa, October 26, 2024 (FBC) – The Ethiopian Sustainable Food System and Agroecology Consortium (ESFSAC), in collaboration with ‘Women Can Do’ held a workshop to launch an initiative called ‘The Barefoot Guide in Ethiopia’ (TAFS Project).

Attendees included teachers, students from primary and secondary schools, and public representatives, all gathered to raise awareness about the importance of nutritional diets for fostering a healthier and more productive generation.

On the ocassion, agricultural researcher Dr. Tsedeke Abate highlighted that the increasing production of processed foods, coupled with rapid urbanization and changing lifestyles, has altered dietary patterns, leading to malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and issues like overweight and obesity, which contribute to serious health complications.

Dr. Tsedeke stressed the importance of promoting the consumption of homegrown and locally prepared foods rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables to mitigate diet-related non-communicable diseases. He commended the government’s ongoing Green Legacy initiative, which prioritizes fruit cultivation, asserting its role in enhancing access to nutritious food and strengthening the resilience of local food systems.

The expansion of trees such as avocados, mangos, and other fruit-bearing plants helps communities access safe and affordable food, leading to a more diversified and balanced diet.

Dr. Bayush Tsegaye, Chairwoman of ESFSAC, emphasized Ethiopia’s wealth in indigenous plants and high-nutrition crops, underscoring the necessity to nurture and protect the environment to sustain these nutritional resources. She noted that processing, particularly of nutritious crops like wheat, often diminishes their fiber and nutrient content. She urged the preservation of root and tuber crops, like enset, and cultivation of vegetables and fruits at household level to promote healthier diets.

Dr. Bayush warned that diseases such as fatty liver, diabetes, and hypertension are increasingly affecting urban populations due to a high intake of fried and processed foods. She advocated for the expansion of existing urban agricultural practices in Ethiopia’s cities to provide residents with access to healthy, safe, and affordable food essential for a healthier lifestyle.

She also called for increased awareness in schools and social institutions about addressing non-communicable diseases by strengthening local food chains and promoting the production of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and poultry to cultivate a healthier, more innovative, and productive generation in the country.