Arba Minch University (AMU) hosted the 3rd International Enset Symposium at its Main Campus from November 5–6, 2026, bringing together national and international researchers, scholars, and stakeholders to explore the potential of enset as a strategic crop for food security, income generation, and climate resilience. The two-day symposium featured 14 research papers presented by participants from universities and research institutions. Click here to see more photos.
Despite its importance as a staple food and source of livelihood for millions of people, enset remains underutilized and under-researched. The symposium aimed to strengthen scientific engagement, share research findings, and promote greater recognition and utilization of this indigenous crop.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Ing. Abdella Kemal, AMU President, described the symposium as particularly significant following Dr. Addis Fekadu’s receipt of the FAO Achievement Award 2026 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to enset research and innovative processing technologies. He noted that these innovations demonstrate the potential of scientific research to improve livelihoods and strengthen food security in Ethiopia and beyond.
Dr. Ing. Abdella highlighted enset’s importance as an indigenous staple crop supporting the livelihoods of more than 20 million people, particularly in Southern Ethiopia. He emphasized its exceptional drought tolerance and adaptability to diverse climatic conditions, making it vital for food security, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods. He commended Dr. Addis for addressing longstanding challenges in enset production and processing and expressed hope that his achievement would inspire AMU researchers and future generations of Ethiopian innovators to pursue impactful research and contribute to global progress.
Dr. Teklu Wegayehu, AMU Vice President for Research and Cooperation, described the symposium as particularly timely, following Dr. Addis Fekadu's recognition through the FAO Achievement Award 2026. Dr. Teklu noted that despite its enormous potential, enset has historically received limited research attention. He also highlighted challenges in traditional processing, which can take several months, and the underutilization of substantial portions of the harvested biomass. He also commended Dr. Addisu Fekadu and his research team for developing innovative approaches that are transforming enset processing and utilization, offering promising solutions to longstanding challenges faced by enset-producing communities, particularly women. He finally called for collaborative efforts to bring the crop to greater recognition and utilization.
Dr. Simon Derkee, Director of AMU Research Affairs Directorate, highlighted the university’s role in hosting national and international research symposia on various fields, including science, sustainable development, water, and social sciences. He described the event as an important opportunity to disseminate AMU’s research findings on enset and promote knowledge exchange among experienced researchers, emerging scholars, and other stakeholders. He added that research and innovation in enset could significantly improve the livelihoods of rural communities that depend on the crop.
Dr. Addisu Fekadu, an AMU distinguished researcher and recipient of the FAO Achievement Award 2026, delivered the keynote address briefing participants on AMU’s enset research and community outreach activities. He highlighted Africa’s abundant natural resources and emphasized the need to harness underutilized indigenous crops such as enset, noting that a single plant can yield more than 120 kilograms of food. He also called for collective efforts to promote enset as a strategic resource for food security, income generation, and climate resilience in Ethiopia and beyond.
The symposium featured research presentations and a panel discussion involving representatives of key stakeholders to hold discussion. The participants formally established the Enset Consortium and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) among its members. The consortium brings together eight universities, including universities from across Southern Ethiopia and Debark University from Northern Ethiopia. The agreement also designated Wolaita Sodo University to host the next International Enset Symposium.
Participants further visited exhibitions organized by AMU, tissue culture laboratories, and food technology facilities.
The symposium was sponsored by Ayuda en Acción, the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Wolaita Sodo University, and Lucy Enset. The participants included researchers from Japan and Kenya, representatives of Ethiopian universities and agricultural research institutes, regional agricultural bureaus, and sponsoring organizations. Keynote speakers, sponsors, and paper presenters received certificates of appreciation.
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