Meet the Ethiopian scientist tackling food security through sustainable practices
Author: Naliaka Odera
Photo credit: The Mawazo Institute
In 2023, the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) issued a concerning declaration regarding food security in Africa. The FAO stated that not only is Africa failing to meet the SDG #2, which aims to eradicate malnourishment by 2025, but also highlighted a significant worsening of the hunger crisis between 2019 and 2022. The FAO’s Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition: Statistics and Trends, Africa, revealed alarming figures indicating that 342 million Africans were severely malnourished in 2022.
Amidst this crisis, individuals like Desta Gebeyehu, a 2021 Mawazo Fellow from Ethiopia, are taking proactive steps to address food security in their home countries. Desta is focusing on implementing sustainable practices within the agricultural sector of Ethiopia to combat malnutrition and enhance food security.
U.S.A.’s International Trade Organization states that despite agriculture being a major contributor to Ethiopia’s GDP, the country remains a net importer of agricultural products. This is primarily attributed to underfunded research initiatives, inefficient market systems, and limited access to funding and technological advances. Desta elaborates that the majority of Ethiopian farmers rely on subsistence farming, on smaller farms, which hinders their ability to adopt modern agricultural techniques and utilise resources like fertilisers.
In response to the issue, Desta advocates for the implementation of cost-effective methods such as compost, manure, and biofertilizer to enhance soil health and nutrient availability. In her PhD research, Desta explored the benefits of utilising organic fertiliser as an economically and environmentally friendly alternative way to boost agricultural productivity per unit area. Organic fertilisers particularly those derived from biological waste treatment processes such as vermitechnology and black soldier fly larvae, which use biological organisms, offer a cost-effective solution and provide essential nutrients to the soil. These solutions not only improve soil structure, water-holding capacity, and microbial diversity , but also contribute long-term soil health and fertility. Ultimately, these practices can lead to enhanced crop growth and yields.
Image Credit: Desta Gebeyehu
Desta attributes her inspiration to merge research and problem-solving to Mawazo . “The Mawazo Institute provides a platform for collaboration among experts, creating a hub for continuous learning and the development of cutting-edge solutions. I also have learned the benefits of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and interdisciplinary approaches in my research journey.” Recently, Desta has translated her research findings into tangible outcomes by initiating the registration process for a company and seeking Intellectual Property rights for her Bio product invention. Her agricultural innovation aims to convert agricultural waste into bioenergy, bio fertiliser, and animal feed. Desta plans to introduce this product to the market once it is officially registered and trademarked.
As a trailblazer in the realm of researcher turned innovator, she shared the following words of encouragement for her fellow scientists: “Innovation doesn't always have to be big or audacious. Even small, incremental innovations that build on existing ideas can also create value for customers. Don't be afraid to think smaller and focus on achieving immediate goals and innovations.”