EIAR, May 15, 2025/Addis Ababa
Research is a difficult endeavor that requires teamwork and diligence. In particular, research in agriculture results in cutting-edge technology that helps nation and society, ensures food security, enhances the nation’s economy, and has strong power to create prosperity and wisdom.
Due to this, the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Chinese scientists from the Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences (BAAFS) on May 12, 2025, at EIAR in Addis Ababa. The objective was to promote science diplomacy and strengthen research, development, and innovation capacity building. Professors and high-level officials from EIAR, and BAAFS delivered presentations during the event held at Hiruy Hall, EIAR.
Following the arrival of the guests, the MoU signing and the visit were organized Coordinator of the Research System Coordination Office (RSCO) of EIAR (Dr. Mekuria Tadesse). He stated that the RSCO comprises three Research Coordination Directorates, established to effectively execute its assigned tasks and responsibilities. These include institutional Strategic Partnerships Directorate (ISPD); Research Capacity Building Enhancement Directorate (RCBED); and Research Centers Coordination Directorate (RCCD).
Representatives from the BAAFS stayed at our institute for three days. On May 13, 2025, they toured various research activities at the Melkasa and Bishoftu Research Centers. On May 14, 2025, they visited the Holleta Agricultural Research Center (HARC) including improved heifer distribution events of the center.
Dr. Gemechu Keneni, the Center Director of HARC, warmly welcomed them and delivered a speech providing an overview of the center’s activities, accompanied by research center insight presentation. He highlighted HARC’s historical background, its sub-centers, notable achievements, and ongoing challenges.
Subsequently, the Director General of EIAR, Professor Nigusse Dechassa, delivered a speech. He emphasized that the delegation from the BAAFS, which intends to visit the research center, is interested in areas such as animal health, soil and water laboratories, hybrids wheat and vegetable seeds technology, potato tissue culture, and biotechnology research. Professor Nigusse also highlighted ongoing activities and potential cooperation opportunities with BAAFS, including training programs and experience sharing across various agricultural research fields. Following the conclusion of their visit, the BAAFS representatives returned to China on the same day. The collaboration process has been well established and specific project activities recommended to be prepared and launched very soon.
