Innovative Enset Processing Machine Unveiled in Ethiopia

ADDIS ABABA – The Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture has announced the development of an innovative machine for processing Enset, a staple food crop in the country. This advancement comes as a collaborative effort involving the Feed the Future Ethiopia Transforming Agriculture Activity, Arba Minch University, and local private sector companies. The unveiling of this machine marks a significant milestone in agricultural technology and food security within the region.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, the new Enset processing machine directly addresses critical challenges outlined in the National Enset Development Flagship Program (NEDFaP). Initiated under the “Sodo Declaration” in 2021, the program aims to enhance the Enset value chain through strategic interventions planned from 2023 to 2030. Its primary goal is to elevate Enset research, production, processing, and marketing to a level that is competitive, commercially viable, and sustainable.

Enset, often referred to as “false banana,” is integral to food security in various Ethiopian regions, including Sidama, Central, South West, and the Southern part of the country. Its resilience against drought and climate change underscores its importance amidst growing environmental concerns. However, traditional Enset processing methods are labor-intensive and disproportionately burden women and girls, who are typically responsible for these tasks.

The introduction of the Enset processing machine by the Feed the Future Ethiopia Transforming Agriculture Activity represents a transformative step towards alleviating these burdens and enhancing food security. This initiative is part of a broader five-year, 67 million USD project aimed at improving the nutrition and diets of 7 million Ethiopians, with a focus on women and children in 132 target districts across the nation.