Foodborne diseases caused by contamination at various stages of food production, delivery, and consumption pose significant public health challenges. These illnesses, stemming from bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemical substances like heavy metals, account for over 200 diseases ranging from diarrhoea to cancer. Beyond their immediate effects, foodborne diseases can exacerbate undernutrition due to symptoms such … Continue reading Short course on food safety
Institutionalising the Scaling Readiness Approach in RAISE-FS Intervention areas
The national research system in Ethiopia has made significant strides in developing various technologies; however, many of these innovations have struggled to reach end users and deliver the desired impact. Experts attribute this challenge to the current scaling approaches employed by research institutions and the extension systems, which often focus on isolated components of innovation. … Continue reading Institutionalising the Scaling Readiness Approach in RAISE-FS Intervention areas
From awareness to action: Community-drivengender transformation in focus
The Social Analysis and Action (SAA) dialogue has demonstrated significant progress in promoting gender equality and empowerment, as evidenced during a monitoring visit conducted from December 2–12, 2024. This impactful community-driven initiative is facilitating meaningful transformations in Ethiopia’s South, Oromia, and Tigray regions by addressing entrenched gender roles and social norms. The initiative, which engaged … Continue reading From awareness to action: Community-drivengender transformation in focus
Faba Bean and Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato innovation packages visit at Boloso Bombe woreda
Areka Agricultural Research Centre, in collaboration with the SWR Ethiopia RAISE-FS project, organized a field visit to showcase the promising results of faba bean and Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato innovation packages. The event was held at Zaba and Fara Ocha kebeles in Boloso Bombe woreda and brought together farmers, agricultural experts, and researchers to share … Continue reading Faba Bean and Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato innovation packages visit at Boloso Bombe woreda
Beating climate change with sorghum & mung beans intercropping
Farmers in Mahbere Genet kebele, Enderta woreda, are experiencing a shift in their farming system with the introduction of sorghum-mung bean intercropping. This innovative farming technique is helping them adapt to climate change while improving yields, soil health, and overall profitability. Traditionally, farmers in the area relied on long-maturing local sorghum varieties. However, delayed rainfall … Continue reading Beating climate change with sorghum & mung beans intercropping
A meeting held to establish a regional food safety technical working group platform
In an effort to improve food safety issues in the region, Bahir Dar University (BDU), in partnership with the Bahir Dar Branch of the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA) and RAISE-FS project of SWR Ethiopia, organized a one-day meeting to establish a regional food safety technical working group platform. This initiative aims to enhance … Continue reading A meeting held to establish a regional food safety technical working group platform
Empowering youth: Transformingideas into sustainable ventures
Some of the most transformative and lucrative business ideas come from the young generation of Ethiopia. It is for this reason that the SWR Ethiopia project, Resilient Agriculture for Inclusive and Sustainable Ethiopian Food Systems (RAISE-FS), ran a competition for food system solution concepts within the four partner universities of Mekelle, Bahirdar, Hawassa and Haramaya. … Continue reading Empowering youth: Transformingideas into sustainable ventures
Promoting consumption of nutrient dense food in Kofale woreda through recipe demonstrations
Kofale woreda, is one of the areas with abundant natural resources and production potential in the Oromia region of the West Arsi zone. However, the areas face a paradox of nutrition insecurity despite the availability of diverse and nutritious food crops. Many reasons can be attributed to this, but the knowledge gap in preparing balanced … Continue reading Promoting consumption of nutrient dense food in Kofale woreda through recipe demonstrations
Efforts to tackle improved faba bean seed shortages in Wolmera woreda
Farmers in Wolmera woreda have long been grappling with challenges in accessing quality faba bean seeds, a critical issue that has significantly impacted their productivity and food security in the area. Faba beans, a staple crop in the area, play a vital role in both local diets and as a source of income for farming … Continue reading Efforts to tackle improved faba bean seed shortages in Wolmera woreda
Revitalizing lentil production in Ada’a and Gimbichu woredas: Promising results and new momentum
In a concerted effort to revitalize lentil production in Ethiopia's Ada’a and Gimbichu woredas, recent field days at Keteba kebele and Habru Seftu kebele have underscored significant progress and generated renewed interest among local farmers. The initiative was designed to reestablish lentils as a viable and profitable crop, following a period of disruption in its … Continue reading Revitalizing lentil production in Ada’a and Gimbichu woredas: Promising results and new momentum
Exploring progress and collaboration in implementing EFBDGs pilot: A collaborative effort for a healthier nation
In a collaborative effort to promote a healthier nation, the Ministry of Agriculture, in partnership with the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), FAO, and the Ministry of Education, recently organized a workshop and field visit to evaluate the progress of the Ethiopian Food Based Dietary Guidelines (EFBDGs) implementation pilot program in selected woreda of the … Continue reading Exploring progress and collaboration in implementing EFBDGs pilot: A collaborative effort for a healthier nation
Hawassa University and SWR Ethiopia RAISE-FS Project collaborate to scale out soybean innovation
Hawassa University, in partnership with the SWR Ethiopia RAISE-FS project, organized a field visit to Hawassa Zuria woreda with the aim of promoting the soybean innovation tested and validated by the university on a wider scale. The event also provided a platform for key stakeholders to engage in discussions on strategic issues on the scaling and … Continue reading Hawassa University and SWR Ethiopia RAISE-FS Project collaborate to scale out soybean innovation
Women and youth farmers involved in poultry production have shown promising results
"Despite challenges, the small business model is demonstrating promising results, with farmers benefiting from both household consumption and selling eggs to generate income." Ademe Miheretu Twenty youth and women farmers in Zequala woreda are making strides in their small-scale business model, thanks to an initiative led by RAISE-FS in partnership with the Sequota Dry Land … Continue reading Women and youth farmers involved in poultry production have shown promising results
From Pot to Field: Potato innovation bundles showcase at Kersa woreda of East Hararghe Zone
The collaborative efforts between RAISE-FS and Haramaya University have yielded significant progress in the validation, demonstration, and scaling of potato innovation bundles in Kersa woreda of East Hararghe Zone. These innovation bundles, which encompass Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM), Gudane potato variety with full agronomic packages, quality mini-tuber seed production, warehouse, and Diffuse Light Storage … Continue reading From Pot to Field: Potato innovation bundles showcase at Kersa woreda of East Hararghe Zone
Farmers in Adet praise the success of the improved teff varieties
“This Hibir 1 teff variety’s loose and long panicle distinguish it from others that I know. It is also resistant to the unexpected rainfall we are currently experiencing. If scaled up further, this variety has the potential to greatly benefit the local community.” Farmer Habtamu Feleke. Adet Agricultural Research Center of Amhara Agricultural Research Institute … Continue reading Farmers in Adet praise the success of the improved teff varieties
Intercropping sorghum with common beans: An alternative solution for smallholder farmers
In a recent collaboration between Haramaya University, the RAISE-FS project, and the Babile woreda Agricultural Office, a successful field day was organized in Babile woreda to showcase the benefits of intercropping sorghum with common beans using Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) practices. In contrast to the conventional sorghum monoculture commonly practiced in Babile woreda through … Continue reading Intercropping sorghum with common beans: An alternative solution for smallholder farmers
Promoting Orphan Crops: Introducing Amaranthus for food and nutrition security in Sire woreda
Orphan crops, also known as neglected or underutilized crops, have historically been overshadowed by staple crops like wheat, rice, and maize. However, these lesser-known crops offer significant potential for improving agricultural resilience, nutrition, and promoting crop diversification. Amaranths, commonly known as amaranth, is a standout among these orphan crops due to its versatility and resilience. … Continue reading Promoting Orphan Crops: Introducing Amaranthus for food and nutrition security in Sire woreda
Revolving Seed Schemes: A promising path to a resilient seed sector in Tigray
Following the conflict and the drought, Tigray’s farming communities have had a difficult time continuing their livelihoods in agriculture. These hardships have caused agricultural and livestock farming to drastically decline, putting the region on the verge of famine. A revolving seed scheme has been implemented in recognition of the urgent need of these communities, providing … Continue reading Revolving Seed Schemes: A promising path to a resilient seed sector in Tigray
Enhancing Agricultural Communication in Ethiopia: Addressing challenges and charting a way forward
Science communication is indeed for disseminating knowledge and information to the public. In the context of agriculture, effective communication through mass media is vital for the success of the agricultural sector. A recent assessment conducted by RAISE-FS and Farm Radio International focused on the agricultural message content by mainstream media in Ethiopia. The findings of … Continue reading Enhancing Agricultural Communication in Ethiopia: Addressing challenges and charting a way forward
Youth Challenge Fund: Training on entrepreneurship and business plan development
In an effort towards promoting youth entrepreneurship in agriculture and transforming the country’s food system, Resilient Agriculture for Inclusive and Sustainable Ethiopian Food Systems (RAISE-FS) Programme in collaboration with Shayashone (SYS) and Bahir Dar University (BDU) successfully ran a five-day intensive training programme focused on entrepreneurship, design thinking, business plan development and pitching. Twenty-three final-year … Continue reading Youth Challenge Fund: Training on entrepreneurship and business plan development
Ethiopia’s poultry sector making steps in biosecurity measures
Poultry production in Ethiopia is a crucial aspect of the country’s agriculture, with significant potential to contribute to poverty alleviation, nutrition, and food security. The government, particularly the Ministry of Agriculture, has been actively working to address challenges in the sector through collaboration with partner organizations like RAISE-FS. However, issues such as disease management, lack … Continue reading Ethiopia’s poultry sector making steps in biosecurity measures
Food safety control system landscape assessment finding validation workshop
RAISE-FS has recently undertaken a significant initiative by commissioning a comprehensive Food Safety Control System Landscape Assessment at the regional level. This assessment represents a crucial step towards identifying and analysing the key stakeholders involved in the food safety control landscape, as well as the associated challenges, per FAO guidelines. The findings of this assessment … Continue reading Food safety control system landscape assessment finding validation workshop
From Grassroots to Changemakers: Empowering local leaders to tackle gender inequality
In today's society, promoting gender equality and inclusion is of utmost importance. One effective way to achieve this is through staff training on gender transformative approaches. Equipping staff members with the knowledge and skills to address the root causes of gender inequality can create a more inclusive and empowering environment for everyone. As part of … Continue reading From Grassroots to Changemakers: Empowering local leaders to tackle gender inequality
Revitalizing the Seed System in Tigray: Post-War Recovery and Transformation
Tigray's economy heavily relied on crop production and cattle fattening before the war. The majority of the rural population in Tigray was engaged in small-scale agriculture and crop production, which played a crucial role in ensuring food, feed, and nutritional security. Despite notable advancements in land restoration, agricultural input utilization, and water security, the agricultural … Continue reading Revitalizing the Seed System in Tigray: Post-War Recovery and Transformation
Announcement for consulting services
The RAISE-FS project is a four-year initiative aimed at transforming Ethiopia's food system by championing demand-driven and interdisciplinary research. The project envisions a future where Ethiopia's food system is resilient to environmental and economic shocks and inclusive of all stakeholders, particularly women, youth, smallholder farmers, and marginalized groups. It focuses on empowering rural communities to … Continue reading Announcement for consulting services
Cultivating healthier diet habits in RAISE-FS intervention areas
Armed with key messages from the Ethiopian Food-Based Dietary Guidelines, participants are now better equipped to promote dietary diversity, health and well-being within their communities RAISE-FS is embarking on an action research project aimed at implementing the Ethiopian Food-Based Dietary Guideline (EFBDG) through the piloting of Social Behavioural Change Communication (SBCC) strategies. By promoting the … Continue reading Cultivating healthier diet habits in RAISE-FS intervention areas
Empowering Gender Transformation: Insights from SAA training in Oromia
Gender inequality continues to be a significant issue with far-reaching implications for various aspects of society, including economic participation, access to resources, and overall economic development. These disparities are particularly pronounced within the context of agriculture and food systems, perpetuating cycles of poverty and food insecurity. In response to this challenge, the RAISE-FS project has … Continue reading Empowering Gender Transformation: Insights from SAA training in Oromia
Empowering Communities in Amhara Region: A step forward in the face of security Challenges
The RAISE-FS project continues to make significant strides despite the prevailing security challenges in the Amhara region. A recent training program on Social Analysis and Action (SAA) marked a crucial step towards the social and economic empowerment of women and youth. Fourteen participants from Angot and Gazo woredas, in collaboration with the Sirinka Agricultural Research … Continue reading Empowering Communities in Amhara Region: A step forward in the face of security Challenges
Empowering Small-Scale Farmers through Vegetable Seed Production in Haramaya Woreda
In the agricultural landscape of Haramaya woreda in the East Hararghe Zone, the cultivation of vegetables plays a pivotal role in the livelihoods of local farmers. Among these vegetables, carrot and shallot seed production has emerged as a promising avenue for income generation and economic empowerment. The small landholding size, typical of the area necessitates … Continue reading Empowering Small-Scale Farmers through Vegetable Seed Production in Haramaya Woreda
Revitalizing Tigray’s Seed System: A step towards transforming the food system
The agricultural sector in Tigray, Ethiopia, has long been the backbone of the region's economy, with a focus on crop production and cattle fattening. However, recent years have brought unprecedented challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, desert locust infestations, and the outbreak of conflict in November 2020. The cumulative effect of these adversities has created a … Continue reading Revitalizing Tigray’s Seed System: A step towards transforming the food system
Addressing Mycotoxin Contamination in Ethiopian Food System: A Call to Action
Mycotoxin contamination poses a significant and growing challenge to food safety and public health, particularly in the context of export commodities. A recent validation workshop organized by RAISE-FS shed light on the assessment of Mycotoxin prevalence in selected commodities under farmer’s storage conditions in the Amhara region, Ethiopia, revealing concerning findings. The assessment specifically focused … Continue reading Addressing Mycotoxin Contamination in Ethiopian Food System: A Call to Action
Leveraging bottom-up planning and innovation recommendation mapping for evidence-based scaling of innovations
The RAISE-FS project remains steadfast in its commitment to transforming the Ethiopian food system. Through a dedicated focus on employing a demand-driven and interdisciplinary approach, the project aims to catalyse transformation within the food system. This approach is underpinned by the integration of grassroots planning tools, such as the Rapid Food System Appraisal (RFSA) and … Continue reading Leveraging bottom-up planning and innovation recommendation mapping for evidence-based scaling of innovations
Food System Resilience in Tigray: strengthening collaborative engagement
The RAISE-FS Ethiopia project has resumed its activities in Tigray, Ethiopia, signalling a renewed commitment to addressing the challenges facing the region’s food system. Following a baseline survey and Rapid Food System Appraisal (RFSA) conducted in collaboration with TARI and Mekelle University, the project has gained valuable insights into the dynamics of the food system … Continue reading Food System Resilience in Tigray: strengthening collaborative engagement
Empowering local communities to identify and address social issues through participatory approaches
The partners of RAISE-FS in Southern Ethiopia have been provided with crucial knowledge and skills through extensive training in Social Analysis and Action (SAA). The primary objective of this training was to familiarize participants with the fundamental concepts of SAA and enhance their facilitation skills, which they will utilize when cascading the training at the … Continue reading Empowering local communities to identify and address social issues through participatory approaches
Preparation is in progress ahead of the start date for EUDR implementation
As the EU’s new Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products (EUDR) comes closer to implementation, Ethiopian exporters find themselves at a critical juncture. The EUDR, aimed at promoting sustainable and climate-friendly trade practices, presents a significant challenge for Ethiopian products destined for the European market. With a focus on seven key commodities, including coffee and soya beans, … Continue reading Preparation is in progress ahead of the start date for EUDR implementation
Biannual meeting of the Ethiopian Network for Gender Equality in Agriculture
The Ethiopian Network for Gender Equality in Agriculture (ENGEA) is a national platform established by the Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture in 2015 to close the gender gap in Ethiopian agriculture through the exchange of experience and information, partnership and networking, research, advocacy, and services. In the past eight years, the network has been organizing regular … Continue reading Biannual meeting of the Ethiopian Network for Gender Equality in Agriculture
Enhancing supply of seed potato through farmer-managed mini-tuber production under screen houses
Potato production plays a vital role in ensuring food security, particularly during the critical period preceding the harvest of grain crops. However, the country faces challenges in achieving optimal potato yields, primarily due to the limited availability of high-quality seed potatoes. In response to this issue, initiatives have been undertaken to promote the production of … Continue reading Enhancing supply of seed potato through farmer-managed mini-tuber production under screen houses
Pearl millet-mung bean intercropping: a climate-smart and risk-aversion technique for Ziquala woreda
Intercropping has long been a common practice among smallholder farmers in areas with minimal and erratic rainfall, such as Ziquala woreda in Ethiopia. With limited livelihood opportunities and nutrition diversification, farmers in this area have been facing challenges related to recurrent drought and infertile soil. In response to these challenges, the Sekota Dry-Land Agricultural Research … Continue reading Pearl millet-mung bean intercropping: a climate-smart and risk-aversion technique for Ziquala woreda
Efforts to transform local food systems through promotion of nutritionally dense crops
The importance of dietary diversity in ensuring food and nutrition security cannot be overstated. In order to address this critical issue, the RAISE-FS project conducted a baseline survey and rapid food system appraisal (RFSA) in the selected kebeles of Boloso Bombe and Gumer woredas. The results of the survey revealed that the primary food sources … Continue reading Efforts to transform local food systems through promotion of nutritionally dense crops
A leap towards gender transformative research for development: it starts with us
In today’s society, promoting gender equality and inclusion is crucial. One effective approach is to provide staff training on gender transformative methods. By equipping staff with the knowledge and skills to address the root causes of gender inequality, a more inclusive and empowering environment can be created for all. As part of the effort to … Continue reading A leap towards gender transformative research for development: it starts with us
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