June 20, 2025, Adama
The Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) hosts a one-day workshop aimed at highlighting updates and future directions for digital activities. Dr. Temesgen Desalegn, Director of Soil and Water Management Research Directorate, emphasized that a key focus of the workshop is the development of data portals designed to enhance institutional operations. He highlighted plans to strengthen with key partners such as Addis Ababa University, GIZ, CIAT and ILRI to digitize various research and
administrative wings across EAIR.
In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Diriba Geleti, Deputy Director General of EIAR, highlighted the importance of collaboration in advancing digital research activities. He referenced existing digital projects such as CoW, DST, and MERCI, noting that these efforts have contributed significantly to institutional development.
Professor Nigussie Dechasa, Director General of EIAR, delivered the opening speech, framing the workshop as a pivotal moment for both EIAR and Ethiopia’s national agricultural transformation agenda. He pointed out that the global digital revolution is transforming all sectors, including agriculture, with advancements in information analysis, decision-making systems, and technological innovation. Professor Nigussie highlighted EIAR’s proactive steps over recent years in integrating digital solutions to modernize agricultural research and development.
He stated that the workshop will cover the following three points:
- What achievements have been realized so far within EIAR, and what improvements have
introduced in the agricultural sector? - What areas require further enhancement and evaluation regarding the digital services already
implemented and those planned for future deployment? - How can we better integrate and institutionalize digital innovation and its implementation within EIAR and extend these practices beyond, ensuring sustainability and broader impact?
Finally, EIAR Directors utilizing digital systems, in collaboration with experts from AAU, GIZ, ILRI, and CIAT, delivered presentations on their digital experiences. The workshop concluded with discussions on sustainability initiatives and the development of a wheat rust forecast hub, emphasizing EIAR’s commitment to addressing critical agricultural challenges through digital solutions.
