Abstract

For thousands of years, Ethiopia has depended on its smallholding farmers to provide the bulk of its food needs. But now, such farmers find themselves under threat from environmental degradation, climate change and declining productivity. As a result, smallholder agriculture has increasingly become subsistence-oriented, with many of these farmers trapped in a cycle of poverty. Smallholders have long been marginalised by mainstream development policies, and only more recently has their crucial importance been recognised for addressing rural poverty through agricultural reform.

This collection, written by leading Ethiopian scholars, explores the scope and impact of Ethiopia’s policy reforms over the past two decades on the smallholder sector. Focusing on the Lake Tana basin in northwestern Ethiopia, an area with untapped potential for growth, the contributors argue that any effective policy will need to go beyond agriculture to consider the role of health, nutrition and local food customs, as well as including increased safeguards for smallholder’s land rights. They in turn show that smallholders represent a vitally overlooked component of development strategy, not only in Ethiopia but across the global South.

‘Atakilte Beyene’s collection draws on the analytical perspectives of seven exceptionally well-grounded Ethiopian rural development specialists. A book with valuable lessons for the rest of the African continent and smallholder rural areas globally.’
Deborah Fahy Bryceson, University of Edinburgh

‘Edited by one of the field’s most seasoned researchers, this cohesive anthology is a real tour de force.’
Tekeste Negash, Uppsala University (Emeritus)

‘Provides a detailed and case-based overview of the challenges smallholder farmers in Ethiopia face in state-led development programmes and initiatives. As such it will be an important reference work.’
Harald Aspen, Norwegian University of Science and Technology

‘This timely volume contributes insightful perspectives on the current development of Ethiopia’s smallholder sector, and shows how smallholders still remain under prioritized in the country’s drive to transform agriculture and the economy at large.’
Magnus Jirström, Lund University