KEYIR NEWS:- In a country where farming sustains millions, the future of food security may rest in the hands of science and innovation.
On a quiet morning at the green, sprawling campus of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Addis Ababa, researchers and policymakers gathered for more than just a tour, they came to reimagine the agricultural future.
Led by Belete Mola (PhD), Minister of Innovation and Technology, a delegation of ministry officials visited ILRI and CGIAR research sites to see firsthand how technology can support the transformation of the agri-food systems.
“Our country has given priority to agriculture, but priority alone is not enough,” Belete said. “We need to match our ambitions with innovation, knowledge, and collaboration.” He spoke passionately about using science to create lasting solutions, not just to boost yields, but to protect livelihoods in the face of climate change and shifting global demands.
At the heart of the visit was a shared concern: how to ensure that farmers, researchers, and communities are not left behind in a rapidly changing world. Frequent droughts, limited resources, and outdated methods continue to challenge the rural heartlands.
Namukolo Covic (PhD), ILRI’s Representative to Ethiopia, acknowledged these struggles. “Technology can be a lifeline, not a luxury, in the face of climate uncertainty,” she said, expressing ILRI’s commitment to deepen its partnership with the government.
The meeting ended with more than handshakes. It laid the groundwork for joint action on crop research, post-harvest solutions, seed systems, and building capacity in agricultural institutions, an important step toward a more resilient, inclusive food future for Ethiopia.