Israel is presently working with Ethiopia as well as other East African countries to improve agriculture. The initiative includes developing new technologies. Computer drip irrigation is one of such technologies. Furthermore, among the projects underway, other than the computer drip irrigation includes early warning systems and thermal imaging.
In Ethiopia, farming solely accounts for half of the country’s GDP and 83.9% of total employment. As such, improving productivity takes the center stage among the country’s priorities. The drip irrigation method, once introduced in Ethiopia is expected to massively increase production. Currently, only 5% of the arable land in Ethiopia is cultivated through irrigation. However, this is gradually increasing year in year out.
Israel, as a country, boasts of high level technologies and their involvement will benefit both small and large scale farmers. The Natural Resources Minister, Dr. Eyasu Abrha said that the new technologies and developments will go a long way to improving efficiency in the country.
Israel’s Agri-Tech sector has recently gained strong ground in the global competition for funding. The nation has a population of 8.5m and over 400 start-ups. It’s dry and desert climate make it a natural source for innovation. The country has been gradually working toward greening their desert since the 1950s. They have since been sharing their discoveries through channels such as MASHAV, Israel’s Agency for International Development.
MASHAV is responsible for changing the lives of many people in that time by introducing new products and technologies. The agency has helped in the introduction of quality varieties of highly exportable avocado seed. They also brought computer drip irrigation to the country. Raphael Morav, the Israeli ambassador to Ethiopia, said that MASHAV will train people on the best farming techniques and technologies.
Drip Irrigation and Computer Drip Irrigation is an effective way to ensure an all year round harvest. This system works by pulling water from rivers and lakes using lifting pumps. The water is then pumped through a hose with holes that will have been placed along crop rows. This helps save both time and money. There are also governmental programs available to help farmers and suppliers who want to invest in the same.
