Experience and Scientific Knowledge sharing workshop has been Held

The OFAB Ethiopia chapter has conducted an experience-sharing workshop at JUCAVM hall today. OFAB is an open Forum on agricultural biotechnology that promotes evidence-based science solutions to African agriculture.
Dr. Netsanet Workineh, vice president for research and community service has opened the workshop officially. In her remarks, Dr. Netsanet stressed the importance of OFAB for the economic development of Ethiopia by impacting food security and expressed the strong commitment of Jimma University towards the realization of OFAB initiatives.

Dr. Fikremariam Geda, Delegate Dean of Jimma University College of Veterinary Medicine (JUCAVM), and Prof. Sultan Suleiman, Director for Research and Grants at Jimma University and OFAB-Ethiopia West-Node Secretariat welcomed the guests.
In his welcoming address, Prof. Sultan highlighted that different initiatives are being undertaken by Jimma University to support biotechnology in general and agricultural biotechnology in particular, in line with the strategic directions set as one of the research universities in Ethiopia.

Dr. Melaku Alemu (OFAB-ET secretariat) introduced about OFAB project and added OFAB-Ethiopia was launched in 2014 with the aim to enhance knowledge-sharing and awareness on biotechnology that will raise understanding and appreciation of agricultural biotechnology and contribute to building an enabling environment for decision making.

Dr. Tadesse Daba (OFAB-ET PI) presented OFAB-Ethiopia chapters and the annual plan for 2022. Prof Kassahun Bantte (JUCAVM, OFAB-ET West node secretariat) highlighted biotechnology research activities done at Jimma University, whereas Prof Firew Mekibib (Haramaya University, President of Ethiopian Society of Biotechnology) spoke the importance of biotechnology for Ethiopian agriculture particularly related to food security.
The purpose of the meeting is to share scientific knowledge, network with relevant stakeholders, and capacity building for positive support of the policy environment. The workshop is conducted with the objective of updating stakeholders on biotech progress, confirming to 2022 plan. and to activate the node after CoVID. The workshop was organized by the OFAB Ethiopia chapter in collaboration with OFAB-West Node Secretariat and Jimma University. Agricultural Research Center,

Jimma zone Agriculture and Natural Resources Office; Jimma zone Livestock and Fisheries Development Office; and a representative from the private sector participated in the workshop