•Holds consultative meeting on agricultural research findings
ADDIS ABABA -The Gudina Tumsa Foundation (GTF) said that it is significantly contributing evidence-based policy advocacy to enhance agricultural production and productivity.
The Foundation held a consultative meeting on research findings on the current state of agricultural production and productivity in Oromia yesterday with stakeholders.
Speaking at the occasion, GTF Managing Director Lensa Gudina said that the GTF made a strategic shift from a merely service delivery to evidence-based policy advocacy focusing on enhancing agricultural production and productivity.
The research findings would shed light on the current state of agriculture production and productivity in the region and identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities where policy reforms can make a meaningful difference, she stated.
“While service delivery addresses immediate needs, policy advocacy tackles the root causes of inequality. We recognize that lasting impact requires evidence, not assumptions. For this reason, one of our most critical activities under the Healthcare and Livelihood Improvement Advocacy Project in Oromia (HaLIAPO) has been research and evidence generation,” she said.
Agriculture is the heartbeat of Oromia’s economy. It sustains families, fuels markets, and holds the key to food security and economic prosperity. However, climate change, traditional farming practices, financial inadequacies, and gender inequalities continue to hinder the progress, she added.
HaLIAPO focuses on key pillars essential to development such as health, nutrition, agriculture, financial inclusion and women’s economic empowerment. It is a movement towards systemic change. The GTF has been also forwarding agricultural inclusiveness and others inputs to concerned bodies, the Director underscored.
For his part, Oromia President’s Office Deputy Head Faji Chala said that the state has been exerting efforts to improve livelihoods, especially it has been focusing on boosting agricultural production and productivity.
As a result, the implementation of proper policies have immensely contributed to transform a country’s overall development, he mentioned.
Since its establishment in 1992, the foundation has embraced communities across Ethiopia delivering impactful projects that empower individuals and uplift entire communities focusing on women and children support, health, education, water and environment, livelihoods enhancement and policy advocacy.
BY TSEGAYE TILAHUN
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 20 DECEMBER 2024
