From October 11-13, 2024, the College of Agriculture and Environmental Science at Arsi University hosted a tailor-made Capacity Building Training for leaders of the Awash Olana Farmers’ Irrigation Cooperative Union. This initiative, organized by the TOMATO Project in collaboration with Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences (HSWT), Germany, aimed to equip cooperative leaders with essential skills to enhance operational efficiency and boost market competitiveness.
The training encompassed a variety of critical areas designed to address the challenges faced by cooperative leaders:
- Cooperative Business Management: Strengthening leadership and organizational effectiveness.
- Marketing and Market Linkages: Expanding access to both local and international markets.
- Post Harvest Technology: Focusing on reducing losses and extending product shelf life.
- Quality and Standards Compliance: Ensuring adherence to export requirements.
- Technology and Innovation: Modernizing agricultural practices for improved outcomes.
- Entrepreneurial Skills: Fostering innovation and promoting business growth.
- Hands-on Experience: Operation of the newly built vegetable packinghouse, providing practical training with advanced infrastructure.
This training was funded by DAAD and is part of the TOMATO Project’s broader efforts to promote sustainable agricultural development through education and practical solutions. Participants included cooperative leaders from four districts within the Arsi Zone, who left the training armed with valuable knowledge to enhance cooperative efficiency, make the most of the new packinghouse, and improve farm productivity and market integration.
At the conclusion of the training, participants were awarded Certificates of Participation. The closing remarks were delivered by distinguished guests, including Dr. Gebi Husen, Community Service and university industry linkage Director of Arsi University; Mr. Abdulahi Jima, representative of the Arsi Zone Cooperative Promotion Agency; and Mr. Sisay Yefru, Coordinator of the TOMATO Project