Month: August 2025

The Confederation of Norwegian Enterprises (NHO), in partnership with the EHPEA TVET Center, has successfully trained over 236 farm employees through its Apprenticeship Program, implemented in alignment with Ethiopia’s national Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) standards.

This initiative marks a significant milestone in enhancing practical competencies, workplace safety, and overall productivity within the horticulture sector. The training focused on key areas, including:
• Basic chemical safety protocols
• Core horticultural production tasks
• Sustainable horticultural practices

Participants acquired essential skills to perform nursery operations and apply safety measures, contributing to improved farm operations and compliance with national standards.

This program highlights the importance of international collaboration and local capacity building. By leveraging EHPEA’s technical expertise and aligning with the TVET framework, it supports the development of a skilled workforce capable of meeting both domestic and global market demands.

With continued support from NHO, the Apprenticeship Program is expected to expand further empowering youth and women, and driving long-term transformation across Ethiopia’s horticulture value chain.

The Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) is actively promoting awareness about avocado postharvest losses through a series of training programs focused on a recent study titled “Assessment of Post-harvest Losses across the Avocado Value Chain in Ethiopia.”

In the most recent session, 71 horticulture extension experts from South and Central Ethiopia convened to explore effective strategies for minimizing postharvest losses and maximizing the export potential of avocados.

Ato Admasu Aweke, Deputy Head of the South Ethiopia Regional State Bureau of Agriculture and distinguished guest, emphasized the significance of avocados as a priority export crop for Ethiopia. He stressed the urgent need to tackle the alarming postharvest loss rates identified in the study, which range from 39% to 43%.

The training also highlighted the benefits of cluster farming as a means to boost productivity and improve market access. Participants were provided with detailed, actionable steps for attaining GlobalGAP certification, a crucial accomplishment for Ethiopian avocado producers. Achieving this certification will help them meet international standards, enhance traceability, and command better market prices.