Agribusiness and Trade Expansion Program - Fintrac Inc.

Monthly update – February 2008
Agribusiness and Trade Expansion Program
“Increasing Rural Incomes and Employment”
NOTE FROM
THE PROJECT DIRECTOR
A lot happened this month in the coffee sector.
The second group of Q graders graduated, most
of these cuppers are from the government’s
Central Liquoring Units (CLU) in Addis Ababa and
Dire Dawa. This is a tremendous boost to the
coffee industry and Ethiopia now has more Q
graders than any other African country. We also
held the 9 th Coffee Forum, and the second Coffee
Round Table Conference in Jimma, which
attracted new international buyers from the US,
Canada and the Netherlands.
Training and technical assistance in agronomy
continues for our clients in the horticulture and
oilseed/pulse sectors. The hides, skins and
leather (HSL) team covered many kilometers
doing training-of-trainers work on ectoparasite
control and improved methods of skinning and
flaying.
At the end of the February, we were delighted
to welcome Fintrac President Claire Starkey
back to USAID-ATEP. She attended our
quarterly staff meeting and visited clients in
the Rift Valley.
Steve Humphreys, Chief of Party,
Ethiopia Agribusiness and Trade Expansion
Program
Photos by Fintrac Inc.
Women hand pick black haricot beans in Ziway at
warehouse of ATEP client Dawit Kidane, for export to Italy
USAID Agribusiness and Trade Expansion Program
“Increasing Rural Incomes and Employment”
This project is implemented by Fintrac Inc., a US agribusiness
consulting firm. Consortium members include Boot Coffee Consulting &
Training, the Economic Competitiveness Group, Manchester Trade and
the Rainforest Alliance. It covers four agricultural production sectors in
four regions of Ethiopia. There is also a Trade and Investment activity
on the program. For more information, contact USAID-ATEP at:
Ki-Ab Building, 4th Floor Alexander Pushkin Street | [Opposite South
African Embassy] | PO Box 70696 | Kirkos Subcity | Kebele 23, House
#1123 | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Tel: 251-11-3720060 | Fax: 251-11-3720102
atep@fintrac.com
HORTICULTURE
The main focus throughout February was technical training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs). Follow-up visits
were made to leading grape growers by USAID-ATEP consultant, Emil van Wyk from South Africa. The field trainings
covered grape trellising, pruning and nutrition. The farm visits included Luna Farm, Almeta Farm, Elfora and Negatu
Farm. A half-day workshop on grape agronomy at the Genesis Farm training facility rounded up the successful field
visits.
A second consultancy visit was made to leading strawberry growers including Almeta Farm and Wonchi Farm by Bob
Rouse, a strawberry production expert from Maryland. It concentrated on field practices for fruit production, nutrition
and water quality issues. A half-day workshop on strawberry agronomy provided valuable training to strawberry
growers.
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Seminis East Africa continued its partnership
with USAID-ATEP for hybrid tomato
production for the local market. Seminis’
regional agronomist, Peter Randa, visited
Teppo Farm, Ethio-Flora Farm, Luna Farm,
Upper Awash Agro enterprise and Robani
Agricultural Enterprise. In addition, a brief visit
from Dick Visser, of Pop Vriend Seeds, in
conjunction with its local agent, General
Chemicals, identified new opportunities for
pear and bean trials in the coming season.
Dr. Clive Kaiser of Oregon State University
provided technical training on fruit tree crops
funded through the Farmer to Farmer
Volunteer Program. His expertise in grapes,
cherries, mangoes and avocados identified
new opportunities for clients going forward.
Technical assistance was also carried out by
USAID-ATEP agronomists Eskinder Kebede
and Hiwot Menbere for smallholder farmers in
Harerghe. This activity is part of a partnership
program with Harerge Catholic Service (HCS)
to improve crop production and income for
smallholders growing vegetables for the local
market.
The field training for GAPs was
complemented when the Ethiopian
Horticulture Producers and Exporters
Association (EHPEA) and USAID-ATEP
received a draft of the GLOBALGAP protocol
in Amharic.
SPECIALTY COFFEE
Thirteen cuppers graduated and are now
qualified as ‘Q’ graders, the internationallyrecognized
cupping standard incorporating
standards set by the Specialty Coffee
Association of America (SCAA). The trainees
were from Addis Ababa Coffee Liquoring Unit
(CLU), Dire Dawa CLU, Oromiya, SNNPR
Agricultural Bureaus and private exporters.
So far, 25 Q graders have been trained in
Ethiopia by USAID-ATEP in partnership with
Boot Coffee Consulting, CQI, and the
Ethiopian Coffee Exporters Association
(ECEA). Currently, Ethiopia has more Q
graders than any other coffee producing
country in Africa.
Monthly Update – February 2008
Agribusiness and Trade Expansion Program
USAID-ATEP Agronomist Semret Kifleyesus and grape
consultant Emil Van Wyk provide table grape training for
Luna Fruit Farm Manager Genenew Mekonnen.
USAID-ATEP horticulture agronomists and fruit consultant
Clive Kaiser visit smallholder farmers in the outskirts of
Nazret, Oromia.
In addition to Q grader training, USAID-ATEP and its partners organized the 9 th Coffee Stakeholders and Coffee
Buyer Forum. The forum was aimed at promoting the concept of Q-graded coffee in Ethiopia and assisted the actual
start of Q coffee trade in Ethiopia.
At the end of February, the second Roundtable Coffee Conference was held in Jimma, Oromiya Region. There were
55 participants including researchers, producers, processors, exporters, coffee buyers and roasters (from the US,
Canada and Europe). The conference was organized as a forum to exchange ideas and information concerning the
requirements of the international (specialty) coffee markets. Field visits created the opportunity to establish new
market linkages among coffee buyers and exporters in a relatively informal atmosphere. Conference participants have
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visited Jimma Coffee Research
Center, state farms, large
private and smallholder coffee
farms and processing mills. A
coffee cupping session was held
in the Jimma research
laboratory, and 29 coffee
samples were cupped by local
and international Q graders. The
cupping result was encouraging,
especially for coffee coming
from our lead client at Teppi
Union. This shows that the mini
cupping lab we installed there is
providing growers the
opportunity to check quality at
the source.
Major field activities such as
pruning and stumping have
been conducted on beneficiary
farmers of clients IPS and DTC.
Nearly 205 coffee trees have
been stumped for demonstration
purposes. Technical advice was
provided to clients on sucker
Monthly Update – February 2008
Agribusiness and Trade Expansion Program
One of the hides and skins collection centers that has started operations
in Addis Ababa, Megenagna area.
growth thinning as well. Two training events were held on coffee production and processing for 167 beneficiary
farmers of SA Bagerish at Kochere wet mill area. The trainings are important to enhance coffee quality in the area.
HIV/AIDS awareness training was also conducted in partnership with Pathfinder for beneficiary farmers.
Coffee Sector Manager Ato Abayneh Alemu attended the East African Fine Coffee Association Conference and
Exhibition (EAFCA) in Kampala, Uganda. Ethiopian coffee samples got some of the top cupping quality ranks at the
cupping completion. Lead client Wzo Asnaketch Thomas of Amaro Gayo’s sample received one of the top ranks.
More than 400 participants attended the event.
HIDES, SKINS AND LEATHER
For hides and skins collection centers in Tigray, we agreed on basic principles with The Relief Society of Tigray
(REST) to advance microfinance support from Dedebit Institution. A needs assessment will be conducted in the region
during the 2 nd week of March. The establishment of region-wide collection centers is estimated to result in raw material
value increases of 8.6 million birr, creating direct employment opportunities for 340 individuals who run the centers
and indirectly improve the sales of thousands of small farmer suppliers.
As per the request of the SNNPR region, more than 367 technicians and trainers of trainers (TOTs) received training
in postharvest management. Of the trainees 101 were from the regional Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Development
(BoARD). This and previous trainings reached the entire staff of BoARD. In addition, 187 hides and skins traders
were trained in proper curing and logistics for handling raw stock, and 79 abattoir workers in proper flaying techniques.
There is a need to train more traders and flayers in the private sector.
USAID-ATEP continued follow-up and facilitation activities to support the sector by soliciting the USAID loan
guarantee scheme. Loan applications for project finance of Jonzo Leather, Wondi Leather and Cro Leather were
submitted to their respective banks. Total investment in the three projects is about 6.7 million birr and is expected to
generate direct employment for about 450 individuals.
USAID-ATEP supported TAYTU’s participation in the New York Trade Fair in February to showcase its fall 2008
collection and secure additional market opportunities to complement its summer collection. USAID-ATEP is also
working with Pittards Limited UK to retail TAYTU products in their global outlets.
One of the new action initiatives identified in CWG (Cluster Working Group) V was designing an effective
university/industry linkage. A training needs assessment for the industry is structured and agreed upon for action in
March.
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OILSEEDS AND PULSES
To facilitate USAID-ATEP’s activities and
further our assistance to sesame growers in
Tigray, meetings were held with members of
Tigray Agricultural Marketing Promotion
Agency (TAMPA) and Setit Humera Farmers
Cooperative Union. An agreement was made
to organize a field visit and conduct “training of
trainers” for all stakeholders in Mekele and
Humera areas in the coming months. We have
continued training 45 extension agents and
agricultural experts in Kafta Humera, Welkayit
– Tsedgede and Tahitay Adiabo woredas in
the region. The training is focused on Good
Agricultural Practices (GAPs), pest and
disease management, and quality control. The
trainers are expected to train nearly 2,250
farmers in turn.
Monthly Update – February 2008
Agribusiness and Trade Expansion Program
USAID-ATEP prepared a webworm control
Willem Boot, David Roche of CQI, USAID-ATEP agronomist
bulletin. Webworm is the major sesame pest.
Getachew Zeleke discuss coffee pruning methods at ATEP
The bulletin will be distributed for training
client Ato Gidey's farm in Limu, Western Ethiopia
purposes after being translated to Amharic and
Tigregna. USAID-ATEP has been providing
trainings and technical assistance to counter
the problem in collaboration with the Woreda Agriculture and Rural Development Office.
Technical assistance was given to potential lead client, Oral Agro Industry, which owns a farm of about 1,080 hectares
in Mizan Teferi, SNNPR. Currently the farm has grown sesame seed on a trial, and has planned to supply the export
market in the future. In addition, we have continued providing technical assistance to Agro Prom International, which
produces safflower for the European market. The company has planned to export edible safflower oil, which is in high
demand and earns a premium. The company has forwarded its business plan and comments were given for
technology fund assistance.
A field visit and evaluation was held to promote haricot bean production and business development for farmers in
Eastern Harerghe. The extension agents assigned in the three woredas (Meta, Kersa and Gorogutu) are working with
seven small farmer associations, 43 villages, 104 contract farmers and more than 2,000 households. We will continue
our assistance to farmers to access good quality haricot bean seeds.
We have met with the Ethiopian Pulses, Oilseeds, Spices Processors and Exporters Association (EPOSPEA). The
discussion was aimed at identifying areas for assistance to the association and agreement was reached to help with
the organization’s current re-organization, upgrade its website, and provide staff training.
TRADE AND INVESTMENT
The preparation of gross margin analyses for 10 varieties of field flowers have been finalized and provided to our lead
client, Yalkone Flowers. It will be available for new potential clients that are interested in summer flower production.
The cost margin analyses facilitate decision-making and make known specific issues and challenges. We have also
assisted a new potential client, Demaag Flower Farm, which is establishing a summer flower and fruit and vegetable
farm. The farm is planning to allocate 40 hectares of land to summer flowers and 13.5 hectares for fruit and
vegetables. The project team visited the farm site and organized a field visit for the owner and farm manager to
Yalkone Flowers and Magical Flower Farms to help get them started. Besides giving feedback on their business plan,
valuable advice was given on land preparation and water drilling.
Discussions were held with Ted Barber, a consultant from KfW Bank. The bank is setting up a new fund of €4 million
to finance agricultural investments, environmentally friendly and energy efficient equipment, and BDS support. We
reached an agreement with this new source of funding to link our clients from every sector of the project.
A Technology Fund award for US $15,000 has been prepared for lead client DFT and is awaiting approval. DFT
produces cardboard boxes for packing export horticulture products. The fund will be used to co-finance the purchase
of machinery to fabricate corrugated packing materials.
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Monthly Update – February 2008
Agribusiness and Trade Expansion Program
WAREHOUSE RECEIPTS SYSTEM
USAID-ATEP continues to provide technical assistance to the Ethiopian Commodity Exchange (ECX). This includes:
• Short-listing applicants, interviewing and selecting those with potential and relevant work experience for EGTE
warehouse staff (warehouse manager, quality and inventory technicians).
• Assisting the preparation of training topics and training materials.
• Providing training on grades and standards and procedures on receiving commodities for 84 signed up
members of the exchange.
• Visiting and holding discussions with Ethiopian Insurance Corporation, Niala and United insurance companies
on their policies and premiums for grain insurance.
• Conducting field visits to EGTE Nazareth warehouse to check the status of the maintenance and sampling of
pulses and oilseeds for demonstrations of the training plan.
• Reconciling the received laboratory equipment from the inventory import list.
• Participating in demonstrating IT systems showing different receipts and formats and providing comments and
suggestions.
Main office
Steve Humphreys, Chief of Party
shumphreys@fintrac.com
Atsede Yohannes, Project Accountant
atsede@fintrac.com
Meheret Mersia, Sector Activity Coordinator
meheret@fintrac.com
Tirsit Sisay, Office Manager
tirsit@fintrac.com
Liliana Murillo, M&E and Partner Fund Coordinator
liliana@fintrac.com
Asmare Melesse, M&E Specialist
asmare@fintrac.com
Tehetena Gezahegn, Cluster & Consortium
Partners Coordinator
tehetena@fintrac.com
Hiwote Tadesse, Accounting Assistant
hiwote@fintrac.com
Meseret Agenehu, Receptionist
meseret@fintrac.com
Semere Dargie, IT Specialist
semere@fintrac.com
Zelalem Mengistu, Logistics Coordinator/Driver
zelalem@fintrac.com
USAID-ATEP STAFF LIST
Horticulture sector
Ian Chesterman, Horticulture Manager
ichesterman@fintrac.com
Gebre Michael Habte, Trade and Investment
Assistant
gebremichael@fintrac.com
Melaku Tedla, Horticulture Field Adviser
melaku@fintrac.com
Semret Kifleyesus, Horticulture Agronomist
semret@fintrac.com
Eskinder Kebede, Horticulture Agronomist
eskinder@fintrac.com
Sinishaw Belay, Horticulture Agronomist
sinishaw@fintrac.com
Petros Kelbeso, Horticulture Agronomist
petros@fintrac.com
Coffee sector
Abayneh Alemu, Coffee Manager
abayneh@fintrac.com
Tesfaye Negash, Coffee Agronomist, Awassa
tesfaye@fintrac.com
Getachew Zeleke, Coffee Agronomist, Jimma
getachew@fintrac.com
Hides, Skins and Leather (HSL) Sector
Teshome Kebede, HSL Manager
teshome@fintrac.com
Dr. Kassa Bayou, HSL Veterinarian
kassa@fintrac.com
Alemayehu Tafesse, HSL Technician
alemayehu@fintrac.com
Oilseeds/Pulses Sector
Teka Redaa, Oilseeds/Pulses Manager
teka@fintrac.com
Yitbarek Liben, Oilseeds/Pulses Agronomist
yitbarek@fintrac.com
Trade and Investment Sector
Ian Sherry, International Investment Manager
isherry@fintrac.com
Bruck Fikru, Markets and Investment Advisor
bruck@fintrac.com
Beamlak Tesfaye, Communications Specialist
beamlak@fintrac.com
Etagene Geremew, Warehouse Receipts Specialist
and Ministry Liaison (Seconded to ECX)
etagene@fintrac.com
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