Experiences of household nutrition gardening in KDP were shared at UoG
Kossoye Development Program (KDP) was established in 2005 in the village of Kossoye. The founder of KDP, Prof. Dens Carlson who has lived in Gondar for over 40 years, has made it a goal of his to improve nutrition and to cover vegetable gardening. He was the director of the health center at UoG. The program has been running for nearly two decades by cultivating vegetables in the community.
An event concentrating on the university to university household nutrition gardening program took place at UoGs’ HDP hall on Feb, 23 and 24, 2018 in collaboration with KDP.
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The coordinator of community service in the Business and Economics College Mr. Engdu G/wold after his welcoming speech gave the floor to Prof. Mersha Chanie UoGs’ Research and Community Service v/president. He as explained in his opening speech that, “it is a great time to promote household nutrition security, which is directly related with the issue of development.” He also stated “that UoG has been working with Kossoye Development Program for a long period of time.” As a result, the nutrition status of households in the concerned areas have been improving as a result of this he said.
Finally, Prof. Mersha put his message strongly by affirming, “in order to apply the program, it is better to do it with stakeholders collaboratively.” He also affirmed “the office of the v/president for Research and Community Service will continue to work with KDP and other partners in Household Nutrition in Amhara region.”
Dr. Asmamaw Alemu v/ Dean of the Agriculture and rural transformation college, in his keynote speech, referenced that “the CART is expanding its programs and contributed the knowledge to the Regional and National Agricultural and Rural development in various aspects.” He also explained that “the training is progressing, because of its 6 undergraduate programs, 9 MSC and 3 PHD programs. The CART is actively engaged in research, community service and knowledge transfer.” According to Dr. Asmamaw Alemu “the CART has now 16 ongoing research projects, 3 community engagements and 1 technology transfer project funded by UoG and external funds.”
The training aims to improve nutrition of all people, women and children, promote market demand for vegetables and seeds and to promote household nutrition gardening as widely and effectively as possible.
In the training, Prof. Andrew Carlson Professor of History, Capital University of America and Director of KDP (UoG), Mr. Genanew Agtew, Assistant Prof. of Livelihoods and Development CART(UoG) and Mr. Solomon Fentaw, Community Service Director, and who is KDP taskforce chair person presented various projects about malnutrition, and KDP achievement what was presented illustrated in depth goals of household nutrition and gardening and teaching strategies. In addition, Prof. Andrew Carlson explained experiences in vegetable production in foreign countries and how it compares.
In the training, including Prof. Amsalu Feleke, Professor of public health and KDP management (chair person) of UoG, Amhara reign Universities delegates, UoG Deans, Directors and coordinators were participants. Among the participants of the training, Mr. Amare Tariku, assistant Prof. of Health Science College, at UoG and Mr. Woretaw Motbayinor, Woldiya Universities community service coordinator explained in depth about the workshop. A first of its kind, it was the first to involve 9 Amhara region Universities. It is expected for universities to solve the malnutrition scientifically though. Finally, after a big, group discussion and sharing of ideas the program ended with success.
Reported by Belay Mesfin |Public and International Relation|
Edited by Samuel Malede |Public and International Relation|
