The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) conducted a project review workshop in Ethiopia from October 9 to 11, 2024. The event hosted by the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research took place at the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) in Hiruy Hall.
The workshop focused on “Faba Bean in Ethiopia – Mitigating Disease Constraints to Improve Productivity and Sustainability.” The project, which has been supported by ACIAR from 2017 to 2024, aims to address significant challenges faced by faba bean farmers in Ethiopia, particularly concerning faba bean gall diseases caused by Physoderma vacia that impact faba bean production .In this workshop partners of the project from Australia, ICARDA and Ethiopia (both from National and regional research centers), MOA extension directorate, governmental and non-governmental institutes, exporters, farmers from seed producer unions and stalkholders from diferent institutes were participated.
Dr. Asnakech Tekalign Co-PI of the project welcomed participants to the workshop and provided an overview of the 3-day final project review. The event is crucial for presenting key project achievements to stakeholders and the review panel, with sessions available both face-to-face and online. She highlighted the project’s four main objectives aimed at addressing the challenges posed by Faba Bean Gall (FBG) disease in Ethiopia.
During the workshop, Dr. Feto Esimo, Director General of EIAR, emphasized the importance of the event in evaluating the research outcomes of the Faba Bean project in Ethiopia. Evan Clifford, the Second Secretary at the Australian Embassy in Addis Ababa, delivered a remarkable speech highlighting the ongoing collaboration between Ethiopia and Australia. He emphasized that this partnership extends beyond the current project to include other significant commodities, and stressed the importance of continuing this cooperation. Other distinguished speakers included Dr. Mandefro Nigussie, CEO of the Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI), Prof. Martin Barbetti PI of the project from the University Of Western Australia (UWA), Dr. Zewdie Bishaw from the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), and Dr. Richard Brettell, Acting Research Program Manager for ACIAR. Each of these experts shared insights on the significance of the project’s objectives, particularly in addressing disease constraints to enhance productivity and sustainability in faba bean cultivation.
Dr. Feto emphasized that the event aims to evaluate the research outcomes of the Faba Bean project in Ethiopia, which is designed to address disease constraints and enhance productivity and sustainability. He highlighted the project’s objectives, including mapping the spread of Faba Bean Gall (FBG) disease, identifying its causal agent, studying the pathogen’s epidemiology, and exploring potential control options, including the development of disease-resistant varieties.
With gratitude, Dr. Feto acknowledged ACIAR’s financial support for the project from 2017 to 2024. He noted that while some faba bean materials exhibiting partial resistance have been discovered, a fully resistant genotype has yet to be identified. Dr. Feto expressed hope that ACIAR would continue supporting the breeding program to create resistant varieties for the long-term management of FBG and other significant biotic challenges confronting faba bean production in Ethiopia.
The discussions included a thorough evaluation of the progress made in mapping the spread of Faba Bean Gall disease, identifying causal agents, studying the pathogen’s epidemiology, and exploring effective control options. Although some progress has been made in identifying partially resistant faba bean materials, the search for completely resistant genotypes continues. The collaboration and support from ACIAR have been vital, and there is hope for continued investment in breeding programs to develop resistant varieties, ensuring sustainable management of biotic challenges in faba bean production.
The workshop also provided a platform for follow-up discussions with ACIAR Research Program staff and an external reviewer, allowing participants to engage in meaningful dialogue about future directions and collaborations. The final review wrap-up and closing remarks were delivered by Dr. Richard Brettell, summarizing the key takeaways and outlining the next steps in the initiative. The event saw active participation from researchers across various institutions, stakeholders, and other key players in the agricultural research sector, fostering a spirit of collaboration and shared commitment to advancing faba bean production in Ethiopia.
