Arba Minch University (AMU) - SIFA JOB FEET project rendered a five-day hands-on training on enset fiber products to boost female employability and entrepreneurship from October 6 – 11, 2025 at Abaya Campus; 20 beneficiaries from four local SMEs participated. Click here to see more photos.
Wondwossen Jerene (PhD), the Project Coordinator and Principal Investigator, outlining the JOB-FEET project's objectives and the stakeholders emphasized that the initiative’s goal is to empower approximately 1,500 unemployed women and individuals with disabilities through skill development and the promotion of enset-based businesses. He highlighted the potential of enset as a solution to global food security challenges while also contributing to local socioeconomic development. Dr. Wondwossen acknowledged the progress made in previous training sessions and encouraged trainees to diligently apply their new skills to maximize the economic benefits of enset crafting. The collaborative efforts would be vital in addressing challenges related to market connectivity, sales outlets, and sustainable enterprise growth, he asserted.
Ayele Gizachew (PhD), the SIFA Country Director for Ethiopia, commended the collaborative effort and said the project is a catalyst for change directly addressing food security while empowering women and improving livelihoods. Dr. Ayele emphasized the importance of continued hard work and monitoring to ensure the project's long-term success and reaffirmed enset's status as a potential super-food.
Tolera Seda (PhD), Director of Community Engagement and Industry Linkage at AMU, stressed the university's role in bridging academic knowledge and community service. This training exemplifies how we use knowledge to serve the community and combat unemployment being committed to strengthening such impactful projects, he said.
Mr. Gubla Walo, Director of the Market Development Directorate at the Southern Regional Labor and Skills Bureau, elaborating the dual approach taken by regional and federal governments to support SMEs said, this strategy combines the development of physical infrastructure with digital platforms aimed at promoting products online and addressing existing market challenges. He shared plans for creating physical spaces and establishing digital platforms to further promote fiber products crafted by SMEs.
The Urban Food Security Coordinator for the Arba Minch City Administration Office, Mr. Mesfin Moche, highlighted key initiatives that enhance food security and employment opportunities in the area. He pointed out that there are currently 127 fiber product associations among SMEs in Arba Minch and detailed ongoing efforts to improve working conditions and market linkages for these enterprises, including the establishment of 30 sheds and four product sales areas specifically for fiber product creators.
Addisu Fekadu (PhD), a project member and innovator, shed light on the initiative’s broader goal of establishing multiple enterprises across regions. That skill enhancement and entrepreneurial mindset development were pivotal components of the project, Dr. Addisu assured. The university is committed to support to create suitable workspaces and accessible sales venues, ensuring that SMEs can scale their businesses effectively in the market while urging them to work diligently to achieve sustainable entrepreneurship, he noted.
Mr. Gemechu Chala from the Arba Minch Polytechnic Satellite Institute, a key project partner, explained about their active participations; participant Mrs. Fatuma Endris & Mrs. Wubitu Godelo both shared their experience stating that they have gained sufficient skills and knowledge on various designs through this hands-on training. They are now committed to improving their lives, growing their capacity, and solving market problems accordingly.
The unwavering commitment from stakeholders including AMU, Lucy Enset P.L.C, the Southern Regional Employment and Skills Bureau, and others ensures the project's lasting impact in empowering SMEs and driving innovation. This training represents yet another milestone in unlocking the economic, environmental, and social value of enset affirming its role as both a staple crop and a critical element in addressing global challenges such as poverty and unemployment.
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Public and International Relations Executive
