Agro-Food Chains and Networks in Ethiopia: A Review on Theories and Practices

Wuletaw Mekuria

Department of Rural Development and Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture and Rural Transformation, University of Gondar, Ethiopia

Dr. Wuletaw Mekuria, Department of Rural Development and Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture and Rural Transformation, University of Gondar, Ethiopia.

Keywords: Actors; Ethiopia; Market; Value Chain

Abstract

The population in Ethiopia is relied on agriculture. Food system in general and agro-food chains in particular contribute for development. High population growth and rapid urbanization put increasing pressure on agro-food chains. The objective of this paper was to assess agro-food chain and networks in Ethiopia. Various data were collected using desk review and analyzed in qualitative descriptions. The food potential in Ethiopia was high but a small amount was marketed with minimum quality standards. In the value chain, post harvest loss, less farm size, low access to processing technologies, low crop productivity, fragile ecosystems, inappropriate storage facilities, civil conflicts, lack of market information, natural calamities and lack of integration among actors were the key challenges. It is found that agro-food chain was a complex process. The channels of supply chain particularly horticultural crops were not studied in Ethiopia. The link among producers and different actors was weak. The role of market in the value chain was uncertain. Food insecurity and vulnerability to famine were threats of agro-food chain exacerbated with poor infrastructure, market and state failure that resulted in inefficient agro-food chains. Well-organized agro-food value chains and effective institutional linkages were suggested to improve marketing efficiencies and food qualities.

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