Ornithopia tours
Agriculture is the mainstay for more than 80% of Ethiopia's population. It is also economically the most important as it accounts for 40% of the GDP and 80% of the nation's exports.
Ethiopia is the origin of the Arabica Coffee
Home gardens in the south are dominated by the Enset plant.
Agriculture is the mainstay for more than 80% of Ethiopia's population. It is also economically the most important as it accounts for 40% of the GDP and 80% of the nation's exports.
Subsistence farming is still an important livelihood strategy for many Ethiopians. For many coming from the west, this mode of livelihood is exotic and forms a new experience. Many who come to Ethiopia may be awe-stricken by the penury but are also impressed by the dignity and simplicity of life in rural Ethiopia. The day to day life of a subsistence farmer or pastoralist of rural Ethiopia is at the heart of the rural economy. We have coined the routines of rural life as "Agrilife" and it includes but is not restricted to arable agriculture only. It includes what rural households do for work and leisure. It also includes their social and religious lives, markets, ceremonies and festivities, housing, clothing and cuisine. Gender is a very important element in rural households and is an aspect that raises lots of questions and interest from visitors. Almost all kinds of activities are governed by gender in rural Ethiopia. Rural Ethiopia's Agrilife is unique because it has been around for thousands of years. As an example, farmers still make use of the "Ard", a primitive tool for breaking the land. The Ard is a plough that is drawn by oxen or horses.
The highlands in the north and central favour mixed farming livelihoods where they keep small herds of livestock and grow cereals and legumes. The south-central, and southwestern regions have home gardens and smaller farms where they grow the versatile "false banana" or Enset to provide their staple diet. These cultures also grow various tubers, fruits and maize to supplement their diet. On the other hand the lowlands in the northwest, west, northeast, east, southeast and south are dominated by pastoralist societies including the Afar, Somali, Borana, Anuak, Nuer and Benishangul (to name a few) that predominantly rely on milk production from their vast herds of cattle, goats and camels. The diversity of ethnic groups is the richest in the Omo valley where not less than 42 languages are spoken.
The objective of this venture will be to introduce the visitor to rural life of Ethiopia which in many cases has been intact for thousands of years. While Agritourism is not new on the continent, it is a novel idea in Ethiopia. The main idea in this venture is two pronged. It will generate income for the communities that will host visitors and in return the visitor will learn and appreciate the life of an farm household in rural Ethiopia. Ultimately visitors would visit a community for a specified time partaking in daily routines including work, play, festivals and ceremonies.
Important Note - Accommodation at Agrisites
While the long term plan will be for rural communities to develop their visitor centers where guests can stay within a community, at the moment this will be possible at Guassa where a community visitor center is available. Sites in south of Addis and in southern Ethiopia will make use of local hotels in the evening. This however will not detract the visitor from interacting with local communities at all times when they are actively engaged in daily activities.
Visits to agritour areas will take place at the moment in central and southern Ethiopia attempting to cover different types of agriculture/pastorlist lifestyle of rural Ethiopia. Itineraries are provided for combined bird and culture tours or exclusive culture tours covering all sites. As a new venture that is relevant to pro-poor and community tourism, it provides exciting opportunities for partnerships with interested entities. I would be glad to provide you with additional information on this venture as per your request. Our different itineraries will provide an excellent opportunity to knowing Ethiopia intimately.
Mobile: + 251911 400636
P. O. Box 18112, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia