FAO Regional Office for Africa

Initiative launched to promote agricultural innovation in Ethiopia

New partnership between FAO, AGRINATURA and EIAR on capacity development to drive sustainable agricultural growth

Participants from the Government, FAO, EU, NGOs and Farmer Cooperatives attended the project launch event (Photo: ©FAO/Ethiopia)

13 April 2016, Addis Ababa - A three-year project promoting capacity development in agricultural innovation systems in support of a more productive and sustainable agricultural sector was launched in Addis today by the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), AGRINATURA and FAO.

The Capacity Development for Agricultural Innovation Systems (CDAIS) which is a global partnership between AGRINATURA-EEIG and FAO with financial support from the European Union aims at making agricultural innovation systems (AIS) more efficient and sustainable in meeting the demands of farmers, agri-business and consumers.

“Ethiopia attaches great importance to agriculture as a key driver for transforming its economy,” said Dr. Fentahun Mengistu, the Director General of EIAR to a wide range of stakeholders involved in agricultural innovation during the inception workshop of the CDAIS project.

“The project will contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of Ethiopia’s agricultural innovation systems through advocacy and policy dialogues,” added Dr Mengistu. “In this regard innovations in the maize and sesame sectors already demonstrated the potential for improvement in agricultural production and productivity, and their contribution to the livelihoods of Ethiopian farmers”.

Welcoming the participants at the inception workshop, Mr. Amadou Allahoury, FAO Representative in Ethiopia indicated that agricultural innovation systems require interaction, collaboration, partnership and joint endeavor among the different actors of the system.

“Ethiopia is one of the eight pilot countries (other countries are Angola, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Guatemala, Honduras, Laos and Rwanda) who is benefiting from this project. The project will build on the rich experience and success stories on agricultural innovation system in the country. It fits well with national initiatives and government priorities and will contribute to enhancing AIS to meet the demands of farmers. FAO Ethiopia, together with our partners will do all in our capacity to ensure the smooth and effective implementation of the planned project activities,” said Mr. Amadou Allahoury.

In explaining the project, Dr Richard Hawkins ICRA Director and representing AGRINATURA-EEIG said that the project aims to develop capacities for effective and efficient agricultural innovations that meet the demands of those that need them most. As well as continued investment in agricultural innovation, it is crucial that these innovation systems are effective and efficient.”

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