Identifying workforce needs in Ethiopia’s horticulture sector for future MOBILISE expansion
As part of the ongoing efforts to explore the potential for expanding the MOBILISE project, a feasibility study has been conducted in Ethiopia. This study aims to assess the relevance and demand for a second phase of the project, one that would not only involve international students but also actively engage employees working in the local horticulture sector.
On the weekend of 22 March up to 24 March, the MOBILISE team travelled to the southern part of the Sidama region in Sodo, where many horticulture companies are based. Together with project director Huub Mudde, country coordinator Alemfrie Derese and research intern Maryam Diallo, the team travelled to visit horticulture companies. The feasibility study included company visits, interviews, and assessments to assess their eligibility to participate in the project and to identify specific workforce needs, skills gaps, and training opportunities. The first company visited was Vegbox PLC, a horticulture company specialised in the crops of fresh fruit and vegetables. Similarly, the second company was from a smaller farming group, called Mulualem, who also specialized in fruit and vegetable crops.
The team remained satisfied with the local partnership of the companies for Hawassa University. More specifically, it was quite insightful to see the farming conditions and talking about it to the farm managers. Various topics were mentioned and discussed, such as the company’s current challenges and opportunities. One challenge which stood out from the conversations was the issue of cold-rooms and containers. Many horticulture companies, like Vegbox PLC, struggle with the acquisition and storage of a cold-room in their company. Hence, this may influence the quality of the crops being exported or transported abroad or across the country. On the other side, the companies remained positive about the expansion of their lands and expanding their products to the international market.
The next steps will guide the project team in developing a new pilot program that also targets employees and recent graduates. This initiative aims to expand participation and strengthen the link between education and the horticulture industry.
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The Migration Partnership Facility
This news item has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union, contracted by ICMPD through the Migration Partnership Facility. The contents of this news item are the sole responsibility of the Maastricht School of Management, Maastricht University and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union and the one of ICMPD.
MSM's Expert Centre on Emerging Economies
The MOBILISE project is part of MSM’s Expert Centre on Emerging Economies (ECEE) and exemplifies MSM's commitment to fostering international collaboration and developing sustainable solutions in climate-smart agriculture. By bridging the gap between education and industry, the project contributes to the creation of a skilled workforce capable of addressing the challenges of modern agriculture.
The ECEE department is an expert centre on sustainable private sector development in emerging and developing markets. We capacitate managers and professionals from government, private sector, NGOs, and post-secondary education in Africa, Asia, Middle East, and Latin America. We offer consultancy and customized training programs, and we manage complex projects in key sectors, e.g. water, agriculture and health. For more information click here.
