ADDIS ABABA– Ministry of Agriculture said that it has given utmost priority to frontline extension workers to drive the agricultural modernization process with the required knowledge and skills.
While opening the Sasakawa Africa Fund for Education (SAFE) Continental Technical Workshop, Agriculture State Minister Dr. Gebregziabher Yohannes said that Ethiopia has the highest number of extension workers in Africa; and is one of the densest agricultural extension systems in the world.
With over 21 Development Agents (DAs) per 10,000 farmers on average, and even more in the high-potential areas, the extension workers drive the agricultural modernization process and it is important that they keep abreast with innovations and practices that can enhance farmer’s performances.
The State Minister indicated that SAFE, in partnership with other agents,has made commendable activities in providing trainings for extension workers in a view to enhancing their effectiveness in helping farmers, pastoralists and agro-pastoralists to develop the required knowledge and skills to grow businesses.
Dr. Gebregziabher further stated that Ethiopia has been among the pioneers of the BSc. program for mid-career extension professionals, second after Ghana and it has also the highest number of universities offering the BSc. program for mid-carrier extension professionals.
He added that SAFE helps the country to have a curriculum that has given more focus on pastoral and agro-pastoral issues in line with government’s plan to pay special attention to the sub-sector and currentlymany universities are offering courses to upgrade the knowledge and skills of DAs.
Ministry of Agriculture recognizes an important role SAFE played in the formation of the Ethiopian Society of Rural Development and Agricultural Extension and considers the Society as a key partner as it seeks ways of taking Ethiopia’s agriculture to greater heights, Dr. Gebregziabher remarked.
Sasakawa Global 2000 Country Director, Dr. Fentahun Mengistu on his part said that the organization has been playing an important role in supporting government’s agricultural development endeavors in particular financing agricultural extension system and introducing improved pre- and post-harvest technologies.
Dr. Fentahun claimed that Sasakawa’s 26 years operation in Ethiopia has also brought about commendable outcomes in enhancing the productivity and profitability of smallholder farmers and building the capacity of extension staff and other partners in the agriculture value chain.
“Ethiopian agriculture has indeed made a good stride and production and productivity are also increasing far from the desired transformation scenario,” he said, adding that government’s increased commitment and adoption of improved technologies and practices as well as support of development partners are factors for the success.
BY BILAL DERSO
