Adama, Ethiopia – December 22, 2025 – GGGI Ethiopia, in partnership with the E4Impact Foundation and with funding from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, officially concluded the two-year project “Fostering Food Security to Prevent Conflict and Ensure Stability in the Central Rift Valley” during a workshop held on December 16–17, 2025, in Adama. The initiative, which began in 2024, addressed the critical link between resource scarcity and instability by empowering more than 7,000 farmers, including women, youth, and individuals affected by conflict.

The closing workshop brought together stakeholders from Ethiopia’s Ministry of Agriculture, regional and zonal government officials, and community representatives to review the project’s impact on food security, economic empowerment, and social inclusion. Discussions highlighted how the project strengthened livelihoods and reduced vulnerability to climate shocks, contributing to peace and stability in one of Ethiopia’s most climate-sensitive regions. 

Speaking at the event, Samson Emeru, Agricultural Sector CRGE Projects Coordinator at the Ministry of Agriculture, emphasized that the project aligns with the government’s priority to expand climate-smart agriculture as part of its food security strategy. He noted that the initiative had brought observable changes in the target area, creating a model that could be replicated elsewhere. He also called on stakeholders to continue working together to scale up successful interventions and build community resilience against the adverse effects of climate change.  

Opening the workshop, GGGI Ethiopia Country Representative Okechukwu Daniel Ogbonnaya reflected on the broader significance of the project, stating that its success demonstrates GGGI’s commitment to genuine community engagement and green growth. He reaffirmed GGGI’s dedication to working with partners to build a climate-resilient economy where communities are empowered to realize their full potential and contribute to national development. 

Representing the donor, Fabio Coacci, Director General for Globalization and Global Affairs at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commended the achievements of the initiative and reiterated Italy’s commitment to supporting green growth and food security efforts in Ethiopia. Frank Cinque of the E4Impact Foundation highlighted the behavioral shifts observed during implementation, noting that the project’s focus on fostering an entrepreneurial mindset had delivered tangible results both in practice and in community attitudes. 

The project introduced climate-resilient agricultural technologies, improved farming techniques, and provided training and market access support to enhance food production and availability. It also prioritized social inclusion by empowering rural women farmers, supporting conflict-affected households, and creating opportunities for unemployed youth. These interventions aimed to reduce the likelihood of conflict arising from resource scarcity and economic hardship, while promoting environmental conservation and peace. 

Concluding the workshop, stakeholders agreed that sustaining these interventions is critical to maintaining food security and social stability across the Central Rift Valley. The lessons learned and knowledge generated will serve as a foundation for future initiatives, ensuring that communities continue to build resilience in the face of climate change and resource challenges.   

Read more about the project here. 

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