Capacity Building Training for Dairy and Seed Producer Cooperatives (Women Members Target) Organized and held by WEFACE Project at Arsi University
Organized by WEFACE Project (funded by DAAD)-Arsi University, College of Agriculture and Environmental science, in collaboration with Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences, Germany, WEFACE Project hosted a two-day capacity building training. The training was designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of selected dairy and seed producers’ cooperatives, with a particular emphasis on empowering women participants.


WEFACE—Women Empowerment in Food and Agriculture Cooperatives through Enabling Market Access—is a collaborative initiative empowering women in Africa’s agricultural and food sectors. Mr. Degefu Kebede, WEFACE Project Coordinator at Arsi University, highlighted its mission: to equip women in cooperatives, SMEs, and local communities with practical skills, market access, and resources. By providing training, mentorship, and industry connections, WEFACE fosters sustainable growth and self-sufficiency in Ethiopia, Senegal, and Tunisia. Accordingly, the project organized and held two days training and covered vital topics that are tailor-made to the context of women dairy producer cooperatives and seed producer cooperatives. The training includes, Entrepreneurship, Business Management and Agricultural Marketing, Dairy production and Product Processing, and Seed Production and Management. This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen local agricultural practices and improve the livelihoods of cooperative members.

During the event, Dr. Mustefa Bati, delegate of President and Academic Vice President of Arsi University, welcomed the trainees and underscored the importance of such training for community development.

Mr. Gena Mohammed, Head of the Arsi Zone Agriculture Office, officially launched the training, highlighting the crucial role of capacity building for cooperative members in fostering the performance of agriculture sector, and thereby its role in national economy.



Facilitated by members of the WEFACE project team, the sessions provided participants with valuable insights and practical knowledge. In addition to theoretical training, the attendees visited seed quality control facilities of Oromia Agricultural Inputs and Product Regulatory Authority, Asella branch. Modern dairy farm, and the incubation center of Arsi university, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences were also visited during practical sessions. Throughout the training, participants expressed their gratitude for the trainers’ efforts and advocated for the continuation of such beneficial programs in the future.



By the end of the training, participants felt motivated and equipped with new skills to enhance their cooperative activities, strengthening their commitment to sustainable agricultural practices in their communities. Dr. Befekadu Chemere, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, delivered closing remarks, followed by awarding of certificates of participation.
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