Soft fruit in Ethiopia: introducing new technologies for the strawberry industry
Problem
The production of strawberries in Ethiopia is growing rapidly, with a significant proportion destined for the export market. On the world market, Ethiopia is facing serious competition from countries such as Egypt and Morocco, increasing the need for innovation and professionalisation to allow the sector to grow. Currently, strawberries are produced in the soil, resulting in lower yields and higher needs for crop protection chemicals.
Solution
Producing strawberries in raised trays with roofs can increase production by up to 500%, decreasing the need for chemicals and fertiliser through precision agriculture. In addition, the roofs create a micro climate, which makes production less dependent on the season and allows producers to “time” the market.
Resilience has developed a demonstration farm, together with several partners, to introduce the new technology and accompanying new strawberry varieties to Ethiopia. Resilience will organise several demonstration days, inviting interested strawberry producers, universities and other stakeholders to further promote the new production method.
Impact
The goal of the project is to demonstrate the new technology and support its implementation at different production locations. The project is currently being implemented and the first results are expected in 2025.
