Arba Minch University has signed 2-year big-ticket project, ‘Bright Future in Agriculture South: Quality and Employability of Ethiopian ATVET Graduates in Horticulture’ with Netherlands based Maastricht School of Management with a view of strengthening Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education Training Colleges (ATVETs) by developing curriculum, imparting skill trainings and boosting food security in region in coordination with AMU’s College of Agricultural Sciences.

The agreement that was recently signed by AMU President, Dr Damtew Darza and MSM Chief Executive Officer, Mr Meinhard J Gans will focus on horticulture, value chain aspect, productivity in Rift Valley and water utilization in study belt. It has a provision to fund some Master or PhD research thesis in the framework of improving productivity in value chain aspects. ATVETs located in between Addis Ababa and Arba Minch are project’s partners, will earmark humongous € 1.7 Million (ETB 56,882,000) that’s funded by Nuffic - Netherlands Government. 

As per the project, MSM will operate as the lead implementing party on behalf of the consortium i.e. Hoc Scalda Groen College, Elsenberg ATVET College, Stellenbosch University, Q-Point BV, Jimma University, Ethiopian Horticulture Producers & Exporters Association and Acacia Water BV. Herein AMU is the lead partner and co-beneficiary along with consortium partners - Wolaiya Soddo University, Alage College and Bishoftu Polytechnic and SNNPR Bureau of Agriculture.

The project has laid down specific tasks for both partners where MSM will manage, coordinate and administer the project team engagement and input of the consortium partners. It will keep Dutch partners engage in bilateral contract and facilitate consultation with AMU’s involvement of short-term expertise of the project partners for project duration. It will also steer project operations, provide advice regarding the implementation of the project through MSM participation.

On other hand, AMU will manage, coordinate and administer project operation at Ethiopian side. It will engage in a bilateral contract with each partner as mentioned; it will also steer project operations, advise, arrange trainings, facilitate the engagement of international consortium staff.

This dynamic multi-stakeholder partnership will have a platform in the region, bring private and public sectors together to ramp up research that possibly will link water technology and specific needs in horticulture. It probably may encourage institutions to insert the agenda of women empowerment in their respective curriculums across the board.

(Corporate Communication Directorate)