Haramaya University Commended for Successful Technology Transfer under “MyControl-ET” Project in East Hararghe
Haramaya University, in collaboration with international research partners, recently conducted a comprehensive field evaluation and workshop for the “MyControl-ET” project across the Babile and Fedis districts of the East Hararghe Zone.
During the review, stakeholders highlighted that the university’s achievements in practical technology transfer serve as an exemplary model for other academic and research institutions.
The “MyControl-ET” project has been active over the past two years to combat mycotoxin contamination in groundnuts and sorghum, with the primary objective of enhancing food security and safety. The project is funded by the Austrian Development Cooperation through the Austrian Partnership Programme in Higher Education & Research for Development (APPEAR). It is coordinated by the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), in partnership with Haramaya University and Oda Bultum University.
Speaking to Haramaya University Community Radio (FM 91.5), Professor Chipund Nicholas Esquel, the project’s East Africa Coordinator from the University of Vienna, expressed high satisfaction after field visits to farmers’ plots in Babile and Fedis. He confirmed that the systemic approach implemented by Haramaya University, ranging from capacity-building training to post-harvest storage provision, has yielded tangible success. Professor Chipund extended his appreciation to project coordinators, agricultural extension workers, and local farmers for their exemplary efforts.
Local farmers from Bishan Babile and Abdulqadir kebeles, including Adem Mohamed, Kimiya Hassen, and Mohamed Hassen, reported significantly improved crop yields following training provided by Haramaya University and the distribution of improved sorghum and groundnut seed varieties.
The project has also driven positive dietary and health improvements within households. Female farmers Kemia Ismail from Fedis and Hamdiya Amin from Babile shared that specialized food preparation training enabled them to blend groundnuts with maize and sorghum to prepare nutritious family meals, such as bread, soup, and porridge.
Development Agent Mr. Ibsa Mohamed Ahmed noted that continuous technical support from university and district extension staff, covering the entire cycle from sowing to harvest, was pivotal to the project’s success. He added that direct field visits by international researchers provided significant encouragement for the local farming community.
Dr. Abdi Mohamed, Vice President for Administration and Development at Haramaya University and Project Coordinator, affirmed that the joint review with international partners verified the project’s effectiveness in mitigating fungal toxins and bolstering food security in both districts. Based on farmer feedback, practical post-harvest management training was also delivered to ensure harvested crops are properly handled and utilized. To prevent post-harvest losses and contamination, hermetic storage bags worth 3.4 million ETB were distributed to participating farmers.
Highlighting the technical rigour, Mr. Abdisha Abrahim, Project Technical Staff and Microbiology Lecturer, explained that local and international laboratory tests verified the effectiveness of mycotoxin reduction measures as well as the improved nutritional quality of the crops.
Additionally, Dr. Ketema Bekele, the project’s Socioeconomic Coordinator, detailed the broader socioeconomic and institutional benefits. He highlighted that the initiative has effectively raised farm household incomes, improved food security, lowered healthcare costs, and enhanced overall benefits for women and children.
The project also builds institutional capacity by providing scholarships for Master’s degree students and expanding laboratory infrastructure at Haramaya and Oda Bultum Universities.
Reporter: Sisay Wake
Photographer: Foad Ahmed
Tags: Agricultural Innovation, Community Outreach, East Hararghe, Ethiopia, Ethiopian Agriculture, Haramaya University, MyControl-ET, Rural Development, Technology Transfer, university news
