Arba Minch University (AMU) researchers got awarded a £50,000 grant from the Endangered Material Knowledge Programme (EMKP) of the British Museum. This funding will support the documentation of the indigenous food system of enset focusing on the endangered material culture surrounding this vital crop.
The project led by principal investigator Dr. Addisu Fekadu, aims to fill a critical gap in the preservation of enset's socio-cultural aspects. While AMU has made significant strides in transforming enset processing through innovative technologies and diversifying enset-based foods, the social and cultural dimensions have been largely overlooked. Dr. Addisu emphasized that this project will ensure the permanent preservation and protection of the enset food system.
Co-applicant & Director for Internationalization and Collaboration Directorate, Dr. Yihenew Wubu highlighted that the project will focus on documenting the socio-cultural aspects of enset cultivation, processing, and consumption. He noted that the project will produce extensive and high-quality digital data, complementing previous interventions and projects on enset.
A multi-disciplinary team of researchers from different departments and colleges will collaborate on this project. This cross-departmental involvement is expected to facilitate experience sharing and provide valuable lessons in designing and executing collaborative projects.
As part of the project, Dr. Addisu Fekadu will receive hands-on training in cultural heritage documentation at the British Museum in London in September 2024. The project is set to run for two years with preparations underway for its implementation in the coming months.
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