Growing to Survive
Tef Farm, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
"If the land is there, I want to be a farmer". On the outskirts of Addis Ababa, in Sefera area, Ashebir, his friends and family farm a small plot of land. They are proud farmers, growing tef, wheat, chickpeas and lentils. Visiting in February they were busy sorting the tef, ready for market.
Farming is the predominant source of employment, income and sustenance for around 80 percent of Ethiopians. Tef is the main staple, used to make the local sour pancake-like flatbread.
All land in Ethiopia is government owned and leased to tenants. The land Ashebir farms was passed down by his grandfather, but the government constantly requires new land to house more and more people coming to the already overpopulated and sprawling city. Ashebir and his family have already been moved once, ten years ago. He, like many other small family farmers are concerned about their future in farming and ability to feed their families.
Personal project in conjunction with the Year of Family Farming.
