ETHIOPIA – BASF, a global leader in farm inputs, has reinforced its partnership with the Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV) under the Horti-LIFE project in a significant move to support smallholder farmers in the conflict-recovery and drought-affected regions of Tigray and Amhara in Northern Ethiopia.
This collaboration aims to restore agricultural productivity and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers severely impacted by the ongoing crises in these regions.
As part of this partnership, BASF has generously provided 800 kg of high-quality onion seeds, 666,000 hot pepper seeds, and 1,500,000 tomato seeds.
These seeds have been distributed to 4,000 smallholder farmers through Farmer Field Schools (FFS) supported by SNV, where farmers receive essential training in good agricultural practices. The initiative is designed to equip farmers with the skills and resources to rebuild their farms and enhance food security.
The seed handover ceremony, held at the Ministry of Agriculture on February 27, 2024, was attended by key government officials, including H.E. Dr. Melese Mekonen, State Minister of Agriculture.
The event marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to rehabilitate the agricultural sector in Northern Ethiopia, with BASF playing a crucial role in providing not just seeds, but also continued support to the farming communities.
Matthias Pohl, Head of Societal Outreach at BASF Agricultural Solutions, highlighted the importance of the partnership, stating, “We are impressed by SNV Farmers Field Schools’ great success, even in times of challenging environmental conditions.”
BASF welcomes the opportunity to support SNV in its endeavors to improve smallholder livelihoods through our active engagement, focusing on Integrated Pest Management and the responsible use of crop protection products.”
The partnership between BASF and SNV represents a long-term commitment to empowering smallholder farmers in Ethiopia.
By providing high-quality seeds and training in modern cultivation techniques, the collaboration aims to significantly increase crop yields, improve nutritional outcomes, and ultimately contribute to the resilience and sustainability of these communities.
Ben Depraetere, Managing Director of BASF Ethiopia, expressed his enthusiasm for the ongoing partnership:
“We are proud to continue supporting smallholder farming families in Ethiopia as they rebuild their livelihoods. Our collaboration is a testament to our commitment to empowering farming communities and society through various social engagement activities.”
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