Growing Food in the City

Addis Ababa is one of Africa's fastest-growing cities, with a population exceeding 5 million. As the city expands, access to fresh, affordable produce has become a challenge for many residents—particularly women, veterans, and unemployed youth.

ALMI Ethiopia's Urban Agriculture Innovation program is addressing this challenge head-on by transforming underutilized urban spaces into productive gardens.

Innovative Approaches

Our urban agriculture projects employ several innovative techniques suited to city environments:

Container Farming

Using repurposed containers, old tires, and locally available materials, urban farmers are creating productive growing spaces on balconies, rooftops, and small plots of land.

Vertical Growing Systems

Vertical gardens maximize production in minimal space, using wall-mounted planters and tiered growing structures. These systems are ideal for leafy greens and herbs.

Hydroponics

In select locations, we are piloting small-scale hydroponic systems that grow crops without soil, using nutrient-rich water solutions. These systems use 90% less water than traditional farming.

Community Impact

Early results from our pilot projects have been encouraging:

• Participants report saving 30-40% on vegetable purchases

• Several women have started small businesses selling excess produce

• Youth participants are developing valuable agricultural skills

• Communities report improved nutrition and food security

Spotlight: Lideta Community Garden

The Lideta Community Garden serves as our flagship urban agriculture site. What was once a vacant lot is now a thriving garden that feeds 15 families and generates income for 8 women-led enterprises.

How to Get Involved

We are expanding our urban agriculture program to additional neighborhoods. If you represent a community in Addis Ababa interested in participating, please contact us.