The Ministry of Economic Affairs has 48 departments at Dutch embassies where agricultural councellors and attaches are active. Meet the Agricultural Counsellor in Ethiopia, Niek Bosmans. He has been active since the summer of 2016, for Dutch companies in the agricultural sector who are interested in Ethiopia.
Niek Bosmans replaced Hans van den Heuvel as agricultural counsellor at the Dutch Embassy in Addis Ababa in the summer of 2016.
In recent years he gained extensive international experience at the Department of Rural Areas and RVO, including at the agricultural office of the Dutch Embassy in South Africa.
What role can you play for Dutch companies?
"An agricultural counsellor is primarily a connector. He mediates between the Dutch government, local government - in my case Ethiopia - and companies that potentially want to invest. I see it as my job to show Dutch companies the way, to inform them about local laws and regulations and put them in contact with possible partners in Ethiopia if they so desire. Ultimately entrepreneurs of course have to do things themselves, but I like to assist them in doing so.
The Ethiopian government also makes requests. For example, we have been asked to map out which rural areas are most suitable for agricultural production. In the back of our mind, we have a list of Dutch entrepreneurs who want to go to work in the most suitable areas. This is how we implement the strategy of the Dutch government to link aid and trade."
What is the state of the agricultural sector in Ethiopia?
"Ethiopia is known as a country where there is always famine everywhere. That is partly true. Some regions in the east and northeast have been severely affected by drought. At the same time, Ethiopia is a country with enormous agricultural potential. A large part of the land is very fertile and has an excellent climate.
"The diversity in the sector is high. There are millions of small growers and a group of large, modern companies of foreign investors. They work with local staff and are very important for employment in rural areas. In flower cultivation these are mainly Dutch entrepreneurs. They play a leading role here.
"Of the approximately 130 Dutch companies operating here, about a hundred are directly linked to the agricultural sector. The Ministry of Agriculture here in Addis Ababa is very positive about the contribution of the Dutch agricultural sector to developments in Ethiopia. The government cooperates with investors who want to be active here."
How is the political situation at the moment?
"The political situation has long been stable. In recent months there have been tensions, especially in the regions of Oromia and Amhara. The conflicts are about the distribution and use of land. For the future of this country, it is important that proper arrangements are made on the use of land by different population groups. If we can contribute to this representing the embassy, we will certainly do so.
Investing in a country like Ethiopia always brings risks with it. However, there are also often high returns. It is up to the entrepreneur whether he wants to get in there."
In which sectors are there opportunities?
"The Netherlands has been very active in the sectors of floriculture and food horticulture for years. The Dutch poultry chain is also widely present in Ethiopia. There are absolutely expansion opportunities in these sectors. Cattle and dairy farming and certainly also aquaculture are other sectors where there are opportunities. Incidentally, Dutch knowledge institutions can also make an important contribution to agricultural development in this country. That is in fact already happening a lot. The WUR and the agricultural colleges in the Netherlands have been closely involved in the improvement of agricultural education."
Is agrilogistics a theme in Ethiopia?
"Absolutely. A railway line connecting Addis Ababa with the port of Djibouti will soon be taken into service. That line represents a huge boost for the agricultural sector in Ethiopia. Dutch companies are now trying hard to also make refrigerated transport possible using this new railway line. The expectations are high."
Climate change has a negative impact on agriculture in Ethiopia. What can the Netherlands do?
"Climate smart agriculture is high on the agenda here. Adaptation of the agricultural sector is necessary. The Netherlands can certainly make a contribution, for example by providing drought-resistant seeds. The Netherlands is also a front runner when it comes to efficient water use.
"Much research is being done here in relation to climate adaptation and Dutch knowledge institutes are closely involved. In the coming years the research results should be implemented. Ultimately, of course, the impact in the field is what it's all about."
source: Agroberichten Ethiopië
