Addis Ababa – The ambitious Lemat Trufat programme has exceeded expectations in its latest year, producing a staggering 9.4 billion eggs, well above its initial target of 8 billion. The announcement by the Ministry of Agriculture marks a notable milestone in the country’s ongoing campaign for food self-sufficiency.
Launched three years ago, Lemat Trufat aims to transform the poultry sector through scaled-up distribution of chicks and targeted support to smallholder farmers. Fikru Regasa (PhD), State Minister of Livestock and Fisheries Development, told Fana Digital that the programme’s impact is being felt nationwide.
“By improving access to poultry inputs and supporting local production, Lemat Trufat is helping millions of Ethiopians put protein on the table,” said Fikru. He added that 135 million chicks had been distributed across the country, close to the original plan of 150 million.
The surge in egg production is not the only success story. The initiative has also generated 190,000 tonnes of chicken meat, further contributing to the growing capacity to feed itself amid fluctuating food imports and regional drought pressures.
The programme, experts say, is not just about numbers. It is also reorienting rural livelihoods, offering women and youth in particular a path to income through backyard poultry rearing and small-scale agribusiness.
Still, challenges remain. Access to veterinary services, feed affordability, and sustained market linkages continue to affect productivity and farmer resilience.
Nonetheless, the Ministry has pledged to intensify efforts in the coming year, signalling a commitment to consolidating gains and expanding the programme’s reach. In a country where malnutrition remains a concern, Lemat Trufat’s success is more than statistical, it is a story of strategic investment in local potential.