CHINESE agricultural experts are helping improve life in rural Ethiopia, especially in the village of Godino Jitu in the Oromia Region. Families there used to have poor harvests, but now they are seeing better results. Asnakech Sitotaw, a mother of five, says the help from Chinese experts has given her family new skills that have greatly boosted their food production and income.
This project started in May 2024 and will run for three years. It involves Chinese agricultural specialists, Ethiopia's Ministry of Agriculture, and local leaders. They provide high-quality seeds, necessary farming tools, and training on growing crops, raising animals, and using water-saving farming techniques. Now, farmers are growing high-yield crops like tomatoes, onions, maize, wheat, and fruit trees. They're also building fish ponds and chicken coops, making their families more self-reliant.
Local leaders say the changes have been big. Wheat production has gone up from 4.2 tonnes to almost 7 tonnes per hectare. A new signal tower has improved phone service, making it easier for people to get information and services. Recent donations of over 70 farming machines and tools show that China-Ethiopia agricultural cooperation is growing.
With better skills and more confidence, people like Sitotaw and farmer Abu Negash are imagining a future where they can be more self-sufficient and enjoy long-term success.
Their experiences show how focused agricultural support can change lives and help communities grow stronger.