04.06.2024

To kick-off the new partnership with the ETH-Soil project, the Oromia Bureau of Agriculture (BoA) organised a meeting with project leader Kerstin Wilde and the existing project partners, on 27^th May, 2024 in Adama, Dire International Hotel. The event’s objective was to create a common understanding of the cooperation aims among Woreda, Zonal and central officials involved and prepare for effective and efficient coordination with research partners (IQQO, Jimma University – JUCAVM).

The opening was effected by BoA representative Mr. Eshetu Legesse on behalf of Mr. Elias Kadir, Deputy Head of the Bureau and Head of Natural Resources & Food Security Sector. Kerstin Wilde (DBFZ) introduced the participants to the overall ETH-Soil project logic and highlighted the challenges ahead, namely fast distribution of biochar to smallholder farmers with sufficient compost or vermicompost in the three pilot Woredas. Tilahun Abera Ishete (IQQO, Batu Soil Research Center) reported on the production and packaging of of 40 t of biochar for AT/J/Kombolcha in East Shoa. His colleague, Getachew Hailu (IQQO, Asella Agricultural Engineering Research Centre) explained the construction of Kon-Tikis and reported on biomass collection, the production, grinding, weighing and packaging of 20 t of biochar for Kofele, West Arsi. Dr. Abebe Niguissie, Jimma University (JUCAVM), participated online and shared experience with the production of 33 t of biochar, half of which is currently in a co-composting process. The resulting 56 t of biochar-based biofertiliser (BBF) and pure biochar shall be distributed to smallholder farmers in Dedo, Jimma Zone.

On behalf of the BoA Oromia, Mr. Eshetu Legesse highlighted the region’s challenges in terms of soil erosion, soil degradation with loss of organic matter, nutrient depletion, soil acidification and salinization. He also explained the measures that are and shall be taken by farmers in order to protect and rehabilitate soil vitality. The large variety of awareness raising and support in the ISFM framework (continuously supported by Germany) was explained. Thereafter, Mr. Bacha Mekonnen outlined the activities planned within the ETH-Soil context, namely the production of information materials for farmers, awareness raising, selection of food-insecure beneficiaries for biochar and BBF distribution, and training in BBF application. Farmers’ Days and Exchange visits will be organised by the BoA during the growing and harvesting season.

Attending online, Dr. Bethlehem Muluneh (DBFZ) highlighted the main properties of biochar and contributed recommendations for the production and application of BBF. After lunch, Dr. Annett Pollex (DBFZ) gave an outlook to the process of preparing and organising the certification of carbon credits for BBF application via Artisan C-Sink by Carbon Standards International.

Mr. Kefyalew Eshetu (IQQO, Director Natural Resources) and Dr. Getachew Eshete (DBFZ/GIZ-InS) made a great effort to accommodate all questions arising from the development agents (DAs) of the pilot Woredas, Zonal Officers, the Ministry of Agriculture representative, Mr. Mulugeta Abera and online participants. The IQQO Director, Teshome Sobala Soboka, closed the Kick-Off Meeting with strong encouragement for swift action by all parties concerned in view of BBF application and the mobilisation of new resources (carbon credits) for soil rehabilitation in Oromia. All participants expressed their full satisfaction with the event.