Ethiopia hosted the World Without Hunger Conference from 5th to 7th November 2024 in Addis Ababa, marking a pivotal milestone in the global fight against hunger and food insecurity.
Co-organised by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the African Union Commission (AUC), and the Government of Ethiopia, with technical support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the event gathered over 1,500 stakeholders. Participants included Heads of State, ministers, UN agencies, private sector representatives, and civil society organisations, all focused on actionable strategies to eliminate hunger.
The conference highlighted Ethiopia’s significant achievements in food security over the past decade. The Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Agency (ATA), established in 2010, has been a driving force behind the nation’s agricultural modernisation. Ethiopia nearly doubled its wheat production between 2018 and 2023, increasing output from 5 million tonnes to over 10 million tonnes, a remarkable feat that allowed the country to transition from a wheat importer to an exporter. The ATA’s innovative projects in irrigation, mechanisation, and market access were widely praised during the event.
Ethiopia’s agricultural sector accounts for approximately 32% of its GDP and employs 70% of the population, highlighting the importance of sustained efforts in this sector. Recent statistics revealed that 40% of Ethiopian farmers now have access to improved seed varieties, compared to just 20% a decade ago, resulting in an average 20% increase in crop yields. The nation’s investments in irrigation infrastructure have expanded access to reliable water supplies for over 4 million hectares of farmland, further boosting productivity.
The World Food Programme (WFP) underscored its contributions to Ethiopia’s progress. The School Feeding Programme, which reached 1.2 million children in 2024, has been pivotal in addressing malnutrition and improving educational outcomes. Moreover, during the 2023 drought, the WFP and the Ethiopian government delivered emergency food aid to over 5 million individuals, preventing widespread food insecurity.
Despite these successes, Ethiopia continues to face challenges. According to the 2023 Global Hunger Index, the country scored 28.6, indicating a “serious” level of hunger. Approximately 20.6% of the population remains undernourished, and 37% of children under five suffer from stunting due to chronic malnutrition. The conference addressed these issues by fostering international cooperation and highlighting innovative solutions, including sustainable agricultural practices and increased investment in food systems.
Participants also reviewed Ethiopia’s progress in regional food trade. By 2024, the country had exported 350,000 tonnes of wheat to neighbouring nations, including Djibouti, Kenya, and Somalia, demonstrating its growing role as a regional supplier. This shift contributed to $250 million in export revenues, strengthening the nation’s economy.
The event celebrated Ethiopia’s agritech advancements, such as the introduction of mobile platforms that connect over 2 million farmers to real-time market data and weather forecasts. Additionally, Ethiopia’s pioneering wheat irrigation projects were recognised as a replicable model for other African nations, driving broader regional benefits.
In his keynote address, UNIDO Director General Gerd Müller highlighted Ethiopia’s achievements as a testament to the potential of collaborative, well-funded agricultural initiatives. He emphasised that Ethiopia’s success in doubling agricultural yields within five years serves as an example for other developing nations grappling with food insecurity.
The conference concluded with a declaration to strengthen global efforts towards Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger, including commitments to mobilise an additional $1 billion in international funding for agricultural innovation by 2025. Delegates expressed optimism that the collaborative frameworks and strategies established in Addis Ababa would accelerate progress towards eradicating hunger worldwide.
Ethiopia’s achievements were celebrated not only as a national triumph but also as a global inspiration, offering a blueprint for sustainable food systems that can transform the lives of millions. With these strides, Ethiopia continues to position itself as a leader in the fight against hunger and a model for resilience in the face of food security challenges.