The Federation of Ethiopian Associations of Persons with Disabilities (FEAPD) is championing inclusive food security in Ethiopia by advocating for policies that integrate persons with disabilities into national food programmes. The recent Ethiopia Exchange Visit, highlights FEAPD’s commitment to collaboration and learning as well as contributing positively to disability-inclusive food security initiatives. With ongoing advocacy for the African Disability Protocol and a National Disability Act, FEAPD is paving the way for a more sustainable food security landscape in Ethiopia.
We had a conversation with the Executive Director of FEAPD Abayneh Gujo about his organisation’s role in fostering a more inclusive and equitable food system in Ethiopia, through policy reforms, capacity-building and awareness campaigns.
How is FEAPD advocating for inclusive food security in Ethiopia? How have you been raising awareness about the various challenges faced by persons with disabilities for inclusive food security.
The Federation of Ethiopian Associations of Persons with Disabilities (FEAPD) advocates for inclusive food security in Ethiopia by promoting policies and programs that ensure persons with disabilities are included in food security initiatives. FEAPD works to raise awareness about the unique challenges persons with disabilities face, such as limited access to agricultural resources, training and social protection programmes. They collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations to integrate disability-inclusive approaches into national food security strategies.
FEAPD has been raising awareness and advocating for inclusive food security through:
Policy Advocacy: FEAPD has successfully lobbied for the inclusion of disability-specific provisions in Ethiopia’s Food Security Strategy, ensuring persons with disabilities are recognized as a vulnerable group requiring targeted support.
Capacity Building: FEAPD has trained thousands of persons with disabilities and their families, enabling them to participate in food production and improve their livelihoods.
Awareness Campaigns: FEAPD has conducted nationwide campaigns to highlight the importance of inclusive food security, reducing stigma and promoting the rights of persons with disabilities.
Collaborative Programs: FEAPD has partnered with organizations to ensure persons with disabilities are included in food distribution programmes during emergencies.
These efforts have significantly improved the participation of persons with disabilities in Ethiopia’s food program.
What are the major challenges that persons with disabilities are facing in your country and what measures or advocacy-related activities your organization is involved in to prioritize the well-being of persons with disabilities?
In Ethiopia, persons with disabilities face significant challenges, including limited access to education, healthcare, employment and social services. Stigma and discrimination further marginalize persons with disabilities, while inadequate infrastructure and lack of assistive devices hinder their mobility and participation in society. Additionally, persons with disabilities are often excluded from decision-making processes and disaster response programs.
FEAPD addresses these challenges through advocacy and practical measures. We work to influence policy reforms, ensuring laws such as the Disability Proclamation are implemented effectively. It advocates for inclusive education, accessible healthcare and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. We also conduct awareness campaigns to combat stigma and promote disability rights.
Through capacity-building programs, FEAPD empowers persons with disabilities with skills and resources to improve their livelihoods. It collaborates with government and NGOs to ensure they are included in social protection programs and emergency responses. By prioritizing the well-being of persons with disabilities, FEAPD strives to create a more inclusive and equitable society.
Do you think ratifying the African Disability Protocol (ADP) and advocating for the endorsement of the National Disability Act in Ethiopia prove to be a game-changer for inclusive food security?
Yes, ratifying the ADP and advocating for the endorsement of a robust National Disability Act in Ethiopia could indeed be a game-changer for inclusive food security. Here’s why:
Legal Framework for Inclusion: The ADP and a National Disability Act would provide a strong legal foundation to ensure the rights of persons with disabilities are protected, including their right to food security. This would mandate the government and stakeholders to adopt disability-inclusive policies and programs.
Access to Resources: These legal instruments would enforce equitable access to agricultural resources, social protection programs, and financial services for persons with disabilities, enabling them to participate in food production and livelihood activities.
Accountability: Ratification and endorsement would create mechanisms for monitoring and accountability, ensuring that food security initiatives are inclusive and that persons with disabilities are not left behind.
Awareness and Advocacy: The process of ratification and endorsement would raise awareness about the challenges persons with disabilities face, reducing stigma and promoting their inclusion in food security efforts.
International Support: Ratifying the ADP would align Ethiopia with continental and international disability rights frameworks, potentially attracting funding and technical support for inclusive food security programs.
By addressing systemic barriers and promoting inclusivity, these legal measures could transform Ethiopia’s food security landscape, ensuring persons with disabilities are active participants and beneficiaries.
What was the outcome of the Ethiopia Exchange Visit and who were the participants? Please mention any key learnings or key takeaways from this exchange visit as well as the way forward.
The Ethiopia Exchange Visit to the Netherlands, organized under the “We Are Able” programme, brought together a diverse group of participants, including representatives from Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), government officials, and program partners. The visit aimed to explore inclusive practices and share knowledge on disability-inclusive development.
Participants visited various inclusive factories and organizations in the Netherlands, such as Ieder(in), a leading Dutch disability rights organization. These visits showcased innovative approaches to inclusivity in employment, accessibility, and social participation. Key takeaways included the importance of collaborative efforts between OPDs, governments and private sectors to create inclusive environments. The Dutch model emphasized the value of empowering persons with disabilities through meaningful employment and ensuring their active participation in decision-making processes.
A significant learning was the need for strong policy frameworks and enforcement mechanisms to support inclusivity. Participants also recognized the importance of awareness campaigns to shift societal attitudes towards disability.
The way forward involves adapting these insights to the Ethiopian context by strengthening partnerships, advocating for inclusive policies, and promoting disability-inclusive business practices. The exchange visit has laid a foundation for future collaboration and knowledge-sharing, aiming to create a more inclusive society for persons with disabilities in Ethiopia.