Ethiopia

The Importance of Ethiopia

SMIL works closely with the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) based at the Melkassa Agricultural Research Center (MARC). SMIL also works with universities, regional research programs, and scientists based at other EIAR centers. Ethiopia is considered one of the centers of genetic origin of sorghum and is home to thousands of diverse landraces and improved varieties. Sorghum is a multi-use crop providing grain for consumption to a population of 115 million, of which 41% are under the age of 15. Sorghum is a key source of feed and fodder for Ethiopia’s livestock population, which is the largest in the African continent.

SMIL Partners in Ethiopia

SMIL in Ethiopia

February 20, 2023

In Ethiopia, we are creating innovative ideas to use sorghum and millet. Cookies have been developed with sorghum, wheat, and sweet potato. These are the types of innovations our younger scientists need to be working on.
Dr. Abadi Gebre Mezgebe
SMIL Researcher
Our first goal is to support smallholder farmers to get a better yield and support their families. If we are able to support our smallholder farmers, public and private partners, we are succeeding and that is what SMIL does. SMIL helps us be capable to support our different partners and keep us strong and competent in Ethiopia and the region as well. The other thing we have seen is that the SMIL project has published good science in peer-reviewed journals. The output is not only for us, it is for all the sorghum and millet community.
Dr. Alemu Tirfessa
SMIL Country Coordinator - Ethiopia
A project in Ethiopia with a large collection of sorghum was an efficient means to adapt sorghum to stressful environments. It's a genetic resource that we were able to make available to other breeding programs.
Dr. Bettina Haussmann
SMIL External Advisory Board Member

Ethiopia

The Importance of Ethiopia

SMIL in Ethiopia

Research and Collaboration on Sorghum at Annual Meetings in Ethiopia

Training Focused on African Women in Agricultural Research Positions

Conference Hosted in Senegal Focused on Addressing Water Accessibility

Genetic Enhancement of Sorghum to Promote Commercial Seed Supply and Grain Market Development

Economists study impact of international agricultural research at U.S. universities

The World Finds Itself at the Brink of a Food Crisis Yet Again. We Shouldn’t be Surprised.

SMIL Celebrates International Women’s Day

New technology helps Ethiopian farmers increase sorghum yields

Genetic Improvement of Sorghum for Resistance to Fungal Pathogens

Advancing Improved Functionality and Protein Quality Sorghum Hybrids for Food Applications in Ethiopia

Dr. Abadi Gebre Mezgebe

Dr. Alemu Tirfessa

Dr. Bettina Haussmann

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