On August 15, 2025, the Ethiopian Center for Disability and Development (ECDD) successfully hosted a national dissemination workshop to launch the Disability Inclusion Guideline for Food Security at Sefiert International Hotel in Bishoftu. The event marked a key milestone in promoting disability-inclusive development within Ethiopia’s food security programs.
The workshop brought together stakeholders from federal ministries including the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs and the Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure, regional representatives, and Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs). High-level participation underscored the importance of the guideline, with the Disability Affairs CEO, (Mr. Sisay Tilahun) from the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs delivering the opening address. He emphasized the guideline’s role in ensuring equitable access to food security for persons with disabilities and called for its integration into sectoral policies and operations.
The National coordinator Urban productive safety net and Jobs project from the ministry of Urban and Infrastructure and Ministry of Agriculture also affirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive food systems.At the conclusion of the workshop, ECDD formally handed over the guideline to key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, the Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure , the Federation of Ethiopian Associations of Persons with Disabilities (FEAPD), and the Addis Ababa City Administration Associations of Persons with Disabilities. This handover signaled a shared commitment to operationalizing disability inclusive practices across government and civil society. The guideline provides practical tools to strengthen the capacity of OPDs, CSOs, and government actors, promoting advocacy, inclusive planning, and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in food security interventions.