Shettima Leads Nigeria's Adoption of Ethiopia's Farming Model

Nigeria intends to implement Ethiopia’s large-scale mechanised farming model to improve agricultural productivity and achieve food self-sufficiency, as stated by Vice President Kashim Shettima during the Ethiopia–Nigeria Leadership Exchange. Shettima led a Nigerian delegation to tour farms in Ethiopia’s Oromia region, aiming to learn from Ethiopia’s agricultural transformation, which includes the use of improved seeds and climate-smart practices.

Ethiopia has transitioned from importing $1 billion worth of wheat annually to achieving self-sufficiency and generating over $3.1 billion from wheat exports. Shettima emphasized the need for Nigeria to reduce dependence on imported food to ensure national sovereignty and economic independence.

He announced plans for a nationwide tree-planting campaign targeting 20 billion trees, inspired by Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, to support environmental restoration and job creation. Shimelis Abdisa, President of the Oromia Regional State, highlighted Ethiopia’s agricultural achievements, including crop diversity and significant agricultural exports.