During the monitoring window from November 2025 to January 2026, Ethiopia’s agricultural sector was in the transition from the late harvest to the post-harvest stage of the Meher season crops.

According to CropWatch agrometeorological indicators, widespread water stress prevailed across the country, with precipitation 63% below the 15-year average for the same period.

CropWatch monitoring data indicate that the overall production situation of Ethiopia’s main-season maize in 2025 was favorable (Figure 2.7). The national maize harvested area reached approximately 2,744 thousand hectares, an increase of 12% year on year; the yield was about 3,277 kg per hectare, up 4% year on year; and the total output hit 8.99 million tonnes, 16% higher than the previous year.In terms of growing conditions, Meher season maize was less affected by drought, mainly due to abundant rainfall during the critical growth period from July to mid‑September. This ensured sufficient moisture for key yield‑formation stages such as tasseling, pollination, and grain filling, offsetting insufficient precipitation in some areas during the early period.

Nevertheless, the persistent water deficit during the monitoring period may pose potential constraints on sowing and seedling emergence for subsequent crops. Continued attention is required regarding its impact on production in the next growing season.

Figure 2.7 Maize Distribution Map of Ethiopia, 2025