Introduction of Fruit Value Chain in Ethiopia

PROJECT INFORMATION

Project Implementer: Mendel University in Brno

Donor: Czech Development Cooperation

Implementation period: 2020-2023

BASELINE STATE

thiopia is one of the countries with the highest incidence of hunger due to its climate vulnerability and rapid population growth. The country is dependent on food aid. Food security of the rural population is one of the biggest challenges.

Critical factors in agriculture are high dependence on natural fluctuations (erratic rainfall), low productivity, lack of development of sustainable agricultural methods (including livestock rearing). Unsustainable technological practices in agriculture cause erosion and degradation of agricultural land, and the improper handling and storage of harvested products and the lack of further processing methods result in high post-harvest losses of up to ¼ of production in the case of fruit.

The Arba Minch Zuria district is an important fruit-growing area in Ethiopia (10-15 % of total Ethiopian fruit production), and its potential is significantly higher due to the natural and soil conditions near Lake Abaya.

PROJECT AIM AND DEVELOPMENT ASPECTS

The main objective of the project was to develop and stabilize a fruit production, processing and commercialization system to improve nutrition, health and business opportunities in Arba Minch Zuria District, Southern Ethiopia.

The development objective of the project was towards food security, improved nutrition and economic situation of the rural population. 

ROLE OF HOLISTIC SOLUTIONS S.R.O. IN THE PROJECT

HS team developed the technical design of temporary fruit storage facilities for direct sale.

It also developed a design for the rehabilitation of existing irrigation systems and the clearance of secondary canals in the fruit plantations. In addition, the firm undertook the construction of model community rooftop rainwater harvesting systems.

Furthermore, HS analyzed and selected suitable technologies for innovative fruit processing and also analyzed and selected suitable entities (farmer cooperatives/entrepreneurs) for the production of new fruit products together with local officials.

HS also provided space for storage, production and demonstration purposes of innovative fruit processing (rent, plan and modification of premises for hygienic operation).

HS team then assisted in linking the producers to existing distribution channels and agricultural and food extension services, finding suitable buyers and securing Ethiopian marketing experts who then trained the selected project fruit producers in Ethiopian market requirements and sales practices.

HS eventually started selling the dried fruits produced by the project in the Czech market under the brand name tibibiri (www.tibibiri.cz).