On December 21, 2024, farmers, agricultural experts, policymakers, and other key players gathered at the Swiss Inn Nexus Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the National Workshop for Experience Sharing on Promoting Ecological Organic Agriculture (EOA) and Agroecology for Smallholder Farmers. The event was more than just a meeting—it was a chance for people from all walks of life to share experiences, learn from each other, and find new ways to make farming more productive, sustainable, and profitable.
The UPSCALE project team, including Dr Amanuel Tamiru, Mr. Jimmy Pittchar, and Mr. Andargachew Detebo, joined forces with key stakeholders like the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIRA). They focused on how we can support smallholder farmers in adopting new farming practices that not only improve yields but also protect the environment and secure livelihoods.
Why Workshop Mattered for Farmers
The goal of the workshop was simple: to help farmers do better. Better yields, better soil, better incomes, and better lives. The event focused on:
- Sharing real farming successes: Farmers, researchers, and NGOs talked about what’s working in the field—practical techniques that can be applied on any farm.
- Solving real challenges: We listened to farmers’ concerns about things like poor access to good seeds, lack of markets, and limited farming resources. The workshop was about finding solutions together.
- Building strong partnerships: Farmers met with experts, government representatives, and even private companies to explore how they can work together to improve farming outcomes.
- Influencing agricultural policies: We discussed how the government can create policies that support eco-friendly and profitable farming.
- Empowering farmers: Practical tips, real-life examples, and hands-on knowledge were shared to help farmers reduce costs, improve productivity, and adopt sustainable practices that work in the long term.
One of the highlights of the event was a presentation by Mr. Andargachew Detebo from the ISD-UPSCALE project, who talked about the benefits of push-pull technology. But what exactly is push-pull technology, and why should farmers care?
Push-pull is a smart way of growing crops where certain plants are used to “push” pests away from the main crops, while other plants are used to “pull” pests towards them, acting like natural traps. This means less need for chemical pesticides, healthier crops, and better soil.
Mr. Andargachew explained how push-pull is already making a difference in farms across Ethiopia, especially in improving soil health, increasing crop yields, and reducing pest problems. Attendees were excited about how this method can improve food security and even help control the microclimate on farms, making them more resilient to weather changes.
Mr Andargachew presented the project activity and its impact on the participant
A Farmer’s Story: Real Results from the Field
The workshop wasn’t just about experts talking—it was about hearing from farmers themselves. One of the most inspiring moments was when Model Farmer Zente from Choresa Kebel shared her story. She spoke about how push-pull technology transformed her sorghum farm, leading to bigger harvests, healthier crops, and even lower costs because she didn’t have to rely on expensive chemical inputs.
Zente’s story showed everyone in the room that push-pull isn’t just a theory—it’s a real solution that can change lives. Her experience inspired many farmers to consider trying the technology on their own farms.
Farmer Zinet sharing her experience on Push-pull technology
Bringing Together Diverse Voices
What made this workshop special was the diversity of people in the room. Farmers sat side by side with researchers, government officials, NGO representatives, private companies, investors, and even media outlets like Amhara TV and ETV, who helped spread the word beyond the event.
Each group brought something valuable to the table:
- Farmers shared their challenges and successes from the ground.
- Researchers presented the latest findings on sustainable farming practices.
- Policymakers discussed how to create better support systems for farmers.
- Private companies explored ways to support farmers through access to markets and resources.
- Media played a key role in raising awareness about sustainable agriculture across the country.
This mix of voices ensured that the conversation wasn’t one-sided. Instead, it was a rich exchange of ideas, experiences, and solutions—all centered around making farming better for smallholder communities.
The workshop ended with a strong message: Push-pull technology can transform Ethiopian agriculture. But it’s not just about technology—it’s about partnerships, knowledge-sharing, and empowering farmers to lead the change.
Participants of the event
Participants of the event
