The Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) has initiated a new urban vertical farming intervention aimed at promoting horticulture-based food production in cities while building the technical and business capacity of urban farmers and interested investors. The initiative responds to the growing demand for fresh, safe, and high-quality fruits and vegetables, while supporting sustainable food systems and income generation.
Through this initiative, aimed in equipping participants particularly youth and women with practical skills in vertical horticulture farming as an efficient, affordable and scalable solution. Protected cultivation, efficient water use, quality input management, post-harvest handling, entrepreneurship, market linkages, and investment readiness are also among others anticipated initiatives.
As part of the effort, EHPEA’s technical team visited an indoor fruit and vegetable production project in Kirkos Sub-City, implemented under the Addis Ababa City Administration farmers and urban agriculture development commission piloting at Abiyot Kirs Secondary School. The visit highlighted innovative hydroponics and floating technologies that efficiently utilize limited urban space and demonstrated the potential of urban horticulture to supply fresh produce year-round while conserving land and water.
EHPEA remains committed to inclusive and sustainable horticulture development by supporting innovative urban solutions that strengthen food security, create jobs, and empower communities across Ethiopia.
