Addis Ababa Advances Urban Farming from Household Use to Market Surplus

Addis ababa: Addis Ababa is witnessing a significant transformation in urban agriculture, as the sector evolves from primarily serving household consumption to generating surplus for the market.According to Ethiopian News Agency, Bayu Shigute, Commissioner of the Addis Ababa Farmers and Urban Agriculture Development Commission, sustained attention and policy support over recent years have enabled urban farming to expand its impact. What was once a subsistence activity is now becoming a productive, market-oriented sector.Agriculture has remained a top priority in Ethiopia's development agenda over the past eight years of reform, playing a central role in driving sustainable economic growth. Within this framework, urban agriculture has emerged as a vital component.Urban farming involves the cultivation of vegetables and fruits, as well as the rearing of livestock and fish, within limited city spaces, such as residential compounds, rooftops, and along fences-often using modern, space-efficient technologies . This system not only enhances household food security but also creates opportunities for additional income through market supply, Bayu elaborated.