Arba Minch University (AMU), in collaboration with U.S.-based humanitarian organization Alabaster International, has officially inaugurated a series of community-focused development projects in Chencha Woreda and Chencha Town Administration. The inauguration ceremony, held on April 8, 2025, brought together AMU officials, Gamo Zone administrators, and representatives from various woredas. Click here to see more photos.
The completed projects include a Dorze Craft Shop, a modern enset processing mill, and a maternity waiting home. These initiatives are located in Hayzo Dorze, Tsida, Shaye, and at the Dorze Health Center.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Teklu Wegayehu, Vice President for Research and Cooperation at Arba Minch University, emphasized that the projects aim to reduce post-harvest losses, improve product quality, and ease the labor burden on women through innovative technologies. “These community-centered interventions not only improve livelihoods but also create new economic opportunities for women and youth,” he noted.
Dr. Teklu highlighted the alignment of these initiatives with the broader enset and apple development movement in Gamo zone, in which the university plays a key research and implementation role. He also underscored a major hurdle in the sector: the scarcity of disease-free enset seedlings. In response, AMU, with support from Alabaster International, has introduced tissue culture technology, scheduled to begin operations by the end of the week.
Dr. Demse Admassu, Administrator of the Gamo Zone, lauded AMU’s role in implementing impactful community projects that go beyond traditional academic mandates. He stressed the importance of sustainability and reaffirmed the Zonal Government’s commitment to ongoing collaboration with the university.
Dr. Shannon Fernando, Founder and CEO of Alabaster International, reiterated the organization’s focus on rural women’s health, food security, job creation, and capacity building. She expressed pride in partnering with AMU and highlighted the tangible impacts of the newly inaugurated projects. “It is heartening to see women already benefiting from these initiatives. We are committed to scaling up similar efforts in the future,” Dr. Shannon stated.
Dr. Addisu Fekadu, Enset Project Coordinator and Lecturer and Resercher in Biotechnology, reported that the projects have created employment for 38 women and youth, with a strong emphasis on female empowerment. The enset processing mill in Shaye is the 34th of its kind nationwide, and AMU plans to establish more in partnership with development organizations. He added that enset fiber products are now being exported to the U.S., contributing to foreign currency earnings. The university has also trained and organized five cooperatives in this sector.
Misgun Shewangizaw, Lecturer and Researcher at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, who led the maternity waiting home project at Dorze Health Center, emphasized the critical role such facilities play in maternal and child health. He noted that while many existing centers face shortages and challenges, the newly constructed home is well-equipped and designed for both comfort and safety.
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