Ethiopia’s Agricultural Claims Under Scrutiny

Ethiopia, under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, claims to be self-sufficient in wheat production, transitioning from a history of famine to exporting surplus. However, significant discrepancies in reported figures suggest these claims may not be fully accurate.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia asserts that his nation has transformed into Africa’s breadbasket through a comprehensive state-driven agricultural modernization program. The country, historically known for its famine, reportedly has shifted from importing about 25% of its wheat needs to achieving self-sufficiency and exporting substantial surpluses over the past five years. Official figures even claim that Ethiopia produced as much wheat in the previous year as Ukraine, a significant global grain exporter.

The claims made by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed regarding Ethiopia’s agricultural advancement should be approached with skepticism. While the country has undoubtedly achieved progress, the differences between reported figures and reality raise questions about the accuracy and veracity of these assertions. Understanding the true status of Ethiopia’s agricultural landscape remains critical amid such declarations.

Original Source: www.economist.com