Arba Minch University (AMU) in partnership with the Arba Minch Polytechnic Satellite Institute and Lucy Enset P.L.C kicked-off a workshop on the "Job Opportunity for Female Employability through the Adoption of Proven Enset Technologies" (JOB-FEET) project at Haile Resort - Arba Minch on September 21, 2024. The workshop gathered key stakeholders to explore the economic empowerment potential of the enset plant, particularly for women, youth and individuals with disabilities. Click here to see more photos.
Dr. Alemayehu Chufamo, Vice President for Academic Affairs and delegate for the president of AMU, underscored the project's immense importance in promoting self-reliance through innovative technologies and human resource development. "Universities must not only teach but also innovate and create job opportunities," he said. Further adding on the topic, he noted that the project will significantly reduce the burdens of women, particularly mothers, and highlighted AMU’s pride in enset technologies which has garnered national and international recognitions.
Behailu Merdekios (Assoc. Prof.), Vice President for Research and Community Engagement at AMU, expressed his gratitude for the support from the German government through the EU-SIFA Innovation Fund. The project has comprehensive approach to enhance food security and economic stability in the regions in particular and in national level in general, he said.
Dr. Wondwossen Jerene, the Project Coordinator and Principal Investigator, outlined the project’s objectives while Dr. Addisu Fekadu, a project member and innovator, gave details of the innovative enset technologies that will be utilized. According Dr. Addisu the project will include four enterprise models: Disease - Free Enset Seedlings Propagation, Enset Food Processing, Enset Processing Machine Manufacturing, and Non-Food Enset Production. These models aim to equip participants with skills and resources for diverse economic opportunities, he ceased.
Dr. Ayele Gizachew, SIFA Country Director, highlighted the collaborative efforts required for the project's success, emphasizing its potential benefits not only in Africa but also in Asian countries and other parts of the world. H.E. Mr. Abdella Negash, from the Ministry of Agriculture, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to support projects that empower women, youth and people with disabilities.
This ambitious 18-month project, funded by AUDA-NEPAD through the Skills Initiatives for Africa Funding Window III, aims to create direct employment opportunities for approximately 1,500 individuals focusing on empowering women, youth and individuals with disabilities while enhancing food security across the South and Central Ethiopia and Sidama regions. The stakeholders appreciated the efforts being made by AMU along with the partners to improve livelihoods and solve community problems; they also confirmed to support the project till its end.
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