Empowering Farmers through Innovation: Ethiopia HostsWATDEV Capacity Building and Roadshow Event

The Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA), the International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies – Institute of Bari (CIHEAM Bari), and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) joined Ethiopian partner Water and Land Resource Centre (WLRC) in co-hosting a capacity building workshop and innovation roadshow on Best Management Practices (BMPs) in Debre Zeit on 31 March and 1 April. 

Held at the Bishoftu Agricultural Research Centre (BARC), the event was designed to disseminate knowledge gained by Trainers of Trainers (ToTs) during two earlier trainings in Bari, Italy, and to identify promising scenarios for scaling innovations across Ethiopia. More than 60 participants attended, including smallholder farmers, researchers, start-ups, decision-makers, and extension agents. 

During the roadshow, 15 kits of organic fertilizer were distributed to selected farmers to pilot new innovations developed by private sector partners. Moses Odeke, Acting Head of Programmes at ASARECA, and Dr. Tena Alamirew, Deputy Director General of WLRC, emphasized the importance of farmer feedback for improving these products. “Your experience is essential to refining these innovations and sharing them within your communities,” Mr. Odeke stated. 

ASARECA Ag. Head of Programmes, Moses Odeke and Dr. Tena Alamirew, Deputy Director General WLRC asked the farmers to provide feedback on the performance of the bio-fertilizers. 

Strengthening Multi-Actor Engagement 

Representing CIHEAM Bari, Dr. Gaetano Ladisa, WATDEV Project Manager, praised the participatory approach, noting the significance of farmer involvement in research processes. “This initiative empowers farmers with the tools and knowledge they need to enhance sustainable agricultural development,” he remarked. “It aligns with our philosophy of bridging gaps between farmers, researchers, and policymakers.” 

Selected farmers, extension agents, policy and decision makers, private sector actors and researchers undergo a follow-up training on BMPs. 

A Commitment to Impactful Collaboration 

In a message delivered by Mr. Odeke, ASARECA Executive Director Dr. Sylvester Dickson Baguma reaffirmed ASARECA’s commitment to leveraging partnerships to support smallholders. He recognized the contributions of CIHEAM Bari and WLRC, and thanked the EU and AICS for supporting WATDEV. “This roadshow demonstrates the transformative potential of BMPs in improving livelihoods,” Dr. Baguma stated, citing practices such as agroforestry, composting, and soil and water management. 

The Director General WLRC, Dr. Gete Zeleke, underscored WLRC’s commitment to ensuring sustainable land and water management. 

Promoting Innovation for Land and Water Sustainability 

Dr. Gete Zeleke, Director General of WLRC, highlighted the success of learning watersheds established across Ethiopia. These community-led initiatives apply sustainable land and water practices that combat soil degradation and improve productivity. “Our collaboration with farmers and local actors is restoring ecosystems and transforming barren landscapes into productive farmland,” he said. 

Local Research Institutions Lend Support 

Welcoming WATDEV to BARC, Centre Director Dr. Dagne Mojo expressed readiness to contribute further expertise in soil and water management. “We are eager to support this initiative by reaching more farmers with practical and science-based solutions,” he said. 

Showcasing Scalable Technologies 

On 1 April, participants visited innovation exhibits featuring technologies such as solar-powered irrigation systems, manual water pumps, and soil fertility solutions. The delegation also toured Ethio Vegetable Farm, a model enterprise using BMPs on eight acres leased from the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR). The farm produces high-value crops for domestic and export markets and demonstrates advanced soil and water use efficiency practices. 

Further visits included the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Development and Social Services Commission, where farmers observed integrated aquaculture systems and learned how to produce and apply liquid fertilizers. At a vermi-compost facility operated by BARC, farmers received hands-on training in compost production techniques for local application. 

The farmers received training on integrated aquaculture and soil management through establishment of vermi-compost for organic fertilizer at Ethiopia Evangelical Church Development and Social Services Commission. 

The two-day event reinforced WATDEV’s mission to promote sustainable agricultural innovation and demonstrated the power of partnerships in bringing research to life on the ground.