ADDIS ABABA: The Government of Netherlands will provide over 70 million euros to finance horticulture and dairy development projects in Ethiopia. This announcement was made at a signing ceremony involving multiple stakeholders.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, The funding, which includes 33.3 million euros for phase III of the Horti-LIFE project and over 40 million euros for dairy development, was formalized through agreements signed by SNV Ethiopia Country Director Julie Graham, Netherlands Ambassador Henkja Bakker, Crops and Horticulture State Minister Meles Mekonen, Livestock State Minister Fikru Regassa, and BRIDGE Project Manager Rinus Van Klinken.
Julie Graham, SNV Ethiopia Country Director, stated that these projects aim to transform the dairy and horticulture sectors, effecting real and lasting change for smallholder farmers and the wider community by improving access to affordable and safe nutrition. She highlighted the role of these sectors in addressing malnutrition and providing access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
Netherlands Ambassador Henkja Bakker remarked that these projects mark a significant milestone in the collective efforts to improve food and nutrition security and reduce poverty in Ethiopia. He emphasized the importance of the ongoing collaboration for the successful implementation of the third phase of these projects.
Crops and Horticulture State Minister Meles Mekonen acknowledged the significant improvements in fruit and vegetable productivity achieved through previous phases of the SNV Horticulture Live Project, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture.
Livestock State Minister Fikru Regassa noted the positive impact of the BRIDGE+ project on smallholder farmers in Ethiopia, particularly in supporting the dairy value chain.