Nine kebele farmers’ members who were displaced and have returned to their places of origin in the last three months have harvested improved maize and sorghum varieties donated by Haramaya University. The internally displaced persons (IDPs) were from Babile Woreda.
Haramaya University, in addition to teaching-learning, research and extension works, has been supporting communities who have suffered from natural and man-made disasters, according to Mr. Admkew Haile, Delegated Vice-president for Research Affairs Office. “The University bought 266Q improved maize and sorghum crop varieties worth more than 750,000 birr from Melkassa Agricultural Research to help 2128 IDPs in nine kebele farmer in Babile Woreda.” Mr. Admkew added, “The community support will continue through research and extensions as much as the University can.”
Gemechu Kebele member farmer Shemsedin Mohammed said even though there was not enough rain in the area, the maize and sorghum varieties the University provided were drought resistant and mature early, they “not only saved our lives, but we used them as animal feed as well”.
Awsherif Kebele member farmer Abdi Reshid also said the crop varieties they used previously were not of good quality, drought and disease resistant, and did not give good harvest, but the varieties they received from the University are not only superior in yield but also taste better too.
In Errer Ebada, of those farmers who have returned to their places of origin those working with irrigation, farmer Abdi Yassin Shikur said he expects to harvest five times more with the improved crop varieties.
Mr. Ayub Iman, Babile Woreda development agent (DA) and Mr. Edao Ambomsa, Babile Woreda Agriculture & Natural Resource and Development Office, Agricultural Input Supply and Distribution Team Leader said Haramaya University has been supporting the IDPs’ restoration work through several donations and supports on various occasions. Mr. Edao added, “On behalf of the office, I would like to express our gratitude to Haramaya University and would like to further the collaborative work we have done so far.”