Addis Ababa: Ethiopia could increase production of its gluten-free and nutrient-rich cash crop teff, and tap into the expanding domestic and international markets, by ramping up investments in basic research; adopting new and better technologies; improving input distribution systems; and extending markets , according to a new book launched by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) in Addis Ababa today.
“Teff makes a considerable contribution to Ethiopians’ incomes and food security, and has potential to provide still greater benefits,”, said Bart Minten, senior researcher, IFPRI, and co-editor of the book. “Expanding markets would create opportunities for both current and new producers and suppliers.”
Co-edited by IFPRI researchers, Bart Minten, Alemayehu Seyoum Taffesse and Petra Brown, the book, titled, “The Economics of Teff: Exploring Ethiopia’s Biggest Cash Crop”, examines the potential of teff to improve food security and reduce poverty; and provides recommendations on increasing production and expanding markets to benefit farmers and consumers.
Teff, a hardy and relatively low-risk crop, contributes considerably to the income of many agricultural producers, particularly that of poor smallholders. Teff accounts for 22 percent of cultivated area in the country, and an estimated 43 percent of country’s farmers, all of whom are smallholder farmers, are involved in its production, according to 2013-14 data. For consumers, teff accounts for as much as 12 percent of all food expenditures, making it the leading food crop in the consumption basket of many households.
According to the book, Ethiopian teff production and marketing systems face five challenges: improving productivity and resilience; selecting and scaling up modern technologies; establishing distribution systems adapted to different areas’ needs; managing labor demand and postharvest operations; and increasing access to larger and more diverse markets.
To address each of these challenges, the chapter authors provide a slew of recommendations such as higher investment in agricultural research and extension; better supply and marketing conditions; better information dissemination; improving monitoring and evaluation of improved technologies uptake; experimenting with alternative input delivery mechanisms involving different arrangements, actors, and payment modalities; investments in storage technology; and providing mechanized planters and harvesters. Additionally, these measures should be complemented by efforts to strengthen insurance, credit, and labor markets.
“Teff has the potential to attract substantial demand in international markets because it is both gluten-free and rich in nutrients,” said Taffesse.
But, any rapid growth in supply for the export market could be supported in situations where tradeoffs with domestic consumption are limited and agronomic and climactic conditions permit increased yields. “Maintaining mixed farming systems that combine teff and high-yield crops with other agricultural activities such as legumes and livestock, while promoting production and consumption of teff is crucial,” said Taffesse. The researcher noted, however, that expansion of teff at the cost of other high-yielding crops would pose significant challenges to achieving food security and food self-sufficiency nationally, especially for poor families who cannot afford to purchase the teff crop.
According to the book, realizing full potential from higher productivity and promotion requires further public-sector leadership, investment and expansion of private-sector participation supported by active public policy and public-private partnerships.
Click to read the full book here, and synopsis here.
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The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) seeks sustainable solutions for ending hunger and poverty. IFPRI was established in 1975 to identify and analyze alternative national and international strategies and policies for meeting the food needs of the developing world, with particular emphasis on low-income countries and on the poorer groups in those countries Visit: www.ifpri.org