Officials from the African Union Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) have praised Ethiopia's 'Bounty of the Basket' (Yelemat Tirufat) initiative as a successful model for improving food security and agricultural productivity across the continent. The endorsement came during a meeting in Addis Ababa on July 17, 2026, as reported by the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA).
AU-IBAR Director Dr. Huyam Salih highlighted the initiative's focus on integrating crop and livestock production to enhance nutrition and resilience. 'Ethiopia's approach demonstrates how targeted investments in agriculture can transform food systems,' she said. The initiative, launched in 2023, aims to boost domestic food production and reduce import dependency.
Ethiopia's 'Bounty of the Basket' program has reportedly increased yields of staple crops like teff and maize by 20% in participating regions, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. The initiative also promotes sustainable farming practices and value-chain development, creating jobs and improving market access for smallholder farmers.
AU-IBAR officials urged other African nations to adapt similar strategies to their local contexts, emphasizing the need for political will and community engagement. The bureau plans to facilitate knowledge-sharing workshops to help countries replicate the model.
