By Betselot Elias, GIZ S2RAI II. Originally published March 24, 2025.
On March 7, 2024, GIZ Ethiopia and Djibouti Country Director, Miss Dorothee Hutter , visited Gambella to observe the implementation of the Support to Responsible Agriculture Investments (S2RAI II) project and engage with key stakeholders. The visit provided a comprehensive look at the project’s impact on agricultural investment, digital land management, and community engagement.
The delegation began with a visit to an agricultural investment site, where they were welcomed by the Commissioner of the Gambela Investment Commission. In discussions with investors, including Deputy Bureau Heads, they explored the cultivation of key crops such as maize, sesame, and beans. Farmers highlighted improvements in productivity due to better land management practices and investment in modern techniques. However, challenges such as export logistics and transport constrain continue to limit market access, preserving these crops from reaching their full economical potential. This exchange reinforced the need for improved infrastructure and policy support to facilitate investment and market access.
Building on this, the team visited the Commercial Agricultural Management Information System (CAMIS), a digital platform designed to streamline land investment registration and enhance transparency. The system has become a vital tool in improving agricultural investment processes and facilitating investor confidence. Further emphasizing the project’s role in strengthening investment structures, the team also visited the Gambela Investors’ Crop Production Association office, an institution that was initially established with support from S2RAI I. The association now serves as a critical link between investors and policymakers, ensuring that investment policies align with local needs and drive sustainable growth.
The engagement continued with participation in the Community-Investor-Government Forum (CIGF) training, where representatives from Green Love Appreciated Development (GLAD) and other stakeholders discussed sustainable agricultural practices, investment opportunities, and strategies for local economic development. This platform fostered valuable dialogue between communities, investors, and government representatives, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in addressing sector challenges.
Through these site visits and discussions, the delegation witnessed firsthand how S2RAI II is strengthening agricultural investment, enhancing governance, and fostering partnerships that drive long-term development in the region.
For more information visit: Global Programme Responsible Land Policy | Land Portal and Responsible Land Policy in Ethiopia | Land Portal.
Source: Betselot Elias, GIZ S2RAI II, Land Portal, March 24, 2025. Republished with attribution.
Featured image: A coffee farmer in Ethiopia, used as a contextual image; USAID Africa Bureau, public domain in the United States. Image source.
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