Sesame Business Network Newsletter Issue 11 July 2016

Amhara and BoAs to boost sesame production About this newsletter The Amhara and Tigray Regional Bureaus production package and marketing of of Agriculture (BoA) are making determined sesame. The training sessions were cascaded The purpose of the SBN newsletter is to efforts to boost the productivity and quality of down to woreda and kebele levels. The trained provide relevant and timely information sesame by rolling-out the 20 Steps sesame professionals trained over 22,600 farmers. on the Sesame Business Network and production technologies in their respective After the training, farmers took Competency its support project- BENEFIT - SBN. regional Agricultural Commercialisation Occupational Certificate (CoC) test and more than Clusters (ACCs). The ACCs in the two regions half of the trainees passed the test. include twelve sesame producing woredas, In this issue we highlight the major namely, Quara, Metema, , In the same vein, the Tigray BoA organised activities that have been taken place , Tegede and in Amhara training sessions in a cascaded system. First, between April and June 2016. region and Kafta , , Wolkaiet, over 50 agricultural professionals were trained , and Asegede as trainers on sesame, sorghum and mung bean Tsimbla woredas in Tigray region. production packages at regional level. Then the professionals provided the training for about Rolling out ‘20 Steps’: Massive trainings 340 development agents. The training was Regional BoAs have started the ‘20 further given to 1,588 farmers at kebele level. Steps’ rolling out activities by organising Furthermore, 350 investor farmers were trained massive training sessions for their on sesame, soy and mung bean production in agricultural professionals. In May 2016, Humera and 65 others were trained on sesame the Amhara BoA organised ToT for over production in Tahtay Adiyabo woreda. 300 professionals on improved sesame Continued on page 2

Inside this issue

Amhara and Tigray region BoAs to boost sesame production...... 2

Financing the sesame sector’...... 2

ARARI and TARI to improve the productivity and quality of sesame...... 3

ToT on rotation crops...... 3

7 Benefits of eating sorghum...... 4

Sesame investor farmers discuss with officials and stakeholders ...... 5

ToT on financial literacy Adeday Microfinance Kafta-Humera About 50 members of selected sesame included in the training were: cost recording branch...... 6 producer primary cooperatives from north using logbook; calculating interest costs, total and western Tigray zones participated cost, total income, profit or loss; purchase of Financing the sesame sector...... 7 in training of trainers’(ToT) workshops expensive assets and making decisions for next organised on ‘cost recording and basic cost sessions. Trainees will go back to their primary Women and young sesame farmers calculations’. The ToTs were organised at cooperatives and each will provide training to 20 trained on ‘20 Steps’ ...... 8 Gondar on 21st and 22nd ; and at Humera on members of their cooperatives. It is planned to the 24th and 25th, of June 2016. The topics train about 1,100 farmers in this season. Upcoming activities...... 8 Feedback from ToT participants on page 2 Issue 11 July 2016 Sesame Business Network Newsletter Page 2 Running the ‘20 Steps’ at FTC and Amhara BoA, underlined the importance farmers’ fields of rolling out sesame production The BoA planned to package. He said as one of the six implement the ‘20 Steps’ at least in commodity crops in the region, in the 75% of farmers’ fields and 41 Farmer 2016 cropping season, the regional Training Centers (FTCs). In Tigray government gives especial attention the regional government wants all to sesame. “BoA together with ARARI, sesame farmers to implement the Agricultural Transformation Agency ‘20 Steps’. However, with the support (ATA) and BENEFIT-SBN designed a of BENEFIT-SBN, in western and comprehensive plan and currently northwestern zones of Tigray ‘20 Steps’ we are in the implementing stage. At demonstration is being conducted in present, planting is undergoing in all Dr. Shemelash Yeshanew, from Amhara region 1,588 model farmers and 38 FTCs. areas” He added lack of modern row BoA and Dr. Geremew Terefe from BENEFIT - SBN planter and some farmers’ resistance signing collaboration agreement to accept the technology are the Mr. Kiros Bitew, head of Tigray BoA, said rolling-out activity is being conducted in challenges observed thus far.” the regional government gives special cost sharing. attention to the production of sesame and rotation crops. He added in the Collaboration agreement The major stakeholders in the Humera area, farmers produce sesame The two regional BoA signed implementation of the rolling and rotational crops using the traditional collaboration agreements with out of ‘20 Steps’ are regional, way. Nowadays the regional government, BENEFIT-SBN support project to roll-out zonal and woreda bureaus, depart- together with stakeholders, is working improved sesame and rotational crops ments and offices of agriculture; hard to support farmers so that they can production technologies and improve regional Agricultural Research Institutes use improved production technologies. yields, quality and marketing and through Gondar Agricultural thereby increase farmers’ income. The Research Center (GARC) and Humera Likewise, Mr. Worku Awde, Senior Crop collaboration agreement builds on the Agricultural Research Center (HuARC) Production and Protection Expert in experiences of the last two years. The and BENEFIT-SBN.

Feedback from the financial literacy trainees ...Continued from page 1 Muluwork Tigabu, a young accountant my area do not usually calculate from Jansuma their costs but if they want to multipurpose know whether they are mak- cooperative, Tach ing profit or not, they need to Armachiho woreda register their costs and do cost said: “Farmers in benefit analysis.” He added; “I our area often do like the training very much. I their agricultural have got important lessons. I am activities randomly. ready to go and capacitate the They do not do cost benefit analysis. 20 farmers in my cooperative.” They give attention to their income not to their cost. They need to predict Mr. Zeleke Mamo, marketing Participants working in groups beforehand whether the cost that they manager of Metema Multipurpose incur can be profitable or not. I am Farmers’ Cooperative Union, stated ready to train 20 farmers. I will use the that the financial literacy training is Setit and Lemelem Wolkaiet Farmer convenient time for farmers and give very important for farmers. Recording Cooperative Unions. BENEFIT-SBN training using different methods.” She and calculating their costs will help staff members are closely following up added: “the training is a bit late; farmers them learn which the training sessions and supporting already spened some money; I will go activities cost cooperative members. help them write the costs that they much and have already incurred; I will also help which ones cost In order to further strengthen the them record their future expenses and less; and then economic and marketing activities in calculate their costs.” make informed the SBN, BENEFIT- SBN employed a decisions on their senior economist Mr. Abraha Gebre- Mr. Mekonnen farm activities. mariam recently. Mr. Abraha has many Mebrhatu, is an Zeleke believes that many farmers will years’ experience in the sesame sector accountant from learn from the trained fellow farmers in as a union manager. He is one of the Kulemeday primary their areas. organisers and trainers of financial cooperative, literacy training. Mr. Abraha will engage May-dele Kebele, Support from projects more in the coordination of marketing Tsegede woreda. The training sessions have been and economic activities such as He feels that he is organised by BENEFIT-SBN, C4C/ farmers’ access to input and marketing capable of training farmers based on SNV and Agriterra in collaboration credit, collaboration with cooperatives what he has learnt. He said; “farmers in with Metema, Selam, Aurora, and unions, value addition activities etc. Issue 11 July 2016 Sesame Business Network Newsletter Page 3 ARARI and TARI striving to improve the productivity and quality of sesame Amhara Region Agricultural Research Institute (ARARI) and Tigray Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), through their Gondar and Humera Agricultural Research Centres (GARC and HuARC) are striving to generate and scale up improved agricultural technologies of sesame and other rotation crops that contribute to sustainable agricultural productivity, economic growth, food security and overall poverty reduction efforts in the country.

New sesame varieties released Recently, both GARC and HuARC have 2016 research activities of GARC areas are: improving sesame and released new and improved sesame and HuARC pertaining to sesame other important crops (producing varieties called Gondar 1 and Setit-2, Among the major activities that GARC improved pre-basic seeds in about 120 respectively. Gondar 1 is a high is working on the 2016 cropping hectare and breeder seed of the newly yielding than the standard check. It season are: sorghum, haricot released Setit-2 in two hectare of land); moderately resists water logging and bean and mung bean new variety multiplying pre-basic seed of mung withstand bacterial blight. Its colour adaptation trial; seed multiplication bean and breeder seed of sorghum; and oil content is similar to that of activity of sesame and rotational developing agro-ecology based new the Gondar- Humera brand. Setit-2 is crops; demonstration of new fertiliser improved sesame varieties that can also high yielding compared to other recommendations; soil analysis and tolerate drought and insect pests; varieties; it is early maturing and more interpretation; demonstration and improving soil fertility and enhanc- whitish than the existing varieties. It is practical training on pest identification ing sustainable sesame production released for western and north western and management options; (searching for best options of rotation Tigray. HuARC in collaboration with analyses of the performance of crops to sesame and estimating the Pawe and Assosa Research Centres sesame market channels in north most dominant blended fertiliser and Haramaya University, released Gondar zone; adoption of improved rates in western Tigray; working to three other varieties for Assosa and sesame technology packages in enable organic sesame production by Pawe, Afar and Babile areas. northwest Amhara; observation identifying appropriate rates of best of organic fertiliser and trials and organic fertilisers); demonstration of Aside from this, GARC has recommend- checking the marginal rate of return of improved sesame production technolo- ed three different improved soybean the sesame full package. gies (row planter, deep ploughing disc varieties. These varieties have been plows, sesame harvester and different taken up and are being rolled out HuARC, which is the national sesame packing materials etc.). in about 450 farmer fields with the research coordinator centre, is Both research centres are doing support of 2SCALE and BENEFIT- SBN conducting different research activities research activities in collaboration with support projects. on sesame. In the 2016 cropping BENEFIT- SBN and other partners and season the main focus research stakeholders in the SBN. ToT on rotation crops Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop scale farmers in to support farmers in was organised to increase agricultural Tach Armachiho, marketing their produce. experts knowledge on improved Tegede and Mirab We are negotiating sorghum and soybean production Armachiho woredas with factories for and management on the 28th and planted sorghum sorghum. We think the 29th of May 2016. The ToT hosted 22 and soybean as soybean can be sold in the professionals convened from woreda rotation crops. ECX market. We are also offices of agriculture of the north He said in this trying to communicate with Gondar and western Tigray zones. The production season, some Indian companies for training cascaded down to woredas small-scale farmers, soybean market.” and kebeles of . who are members Accordingly, 94 development agents of the cooperatives The ToT was organised by and over 990 farmers were trained. under Selam union, Mr. Asnakew Zewdu GARC in collaboration with cover a total of 304 BENEFIT- SBN and 2SCALE. Mr. Asnakew Zewdu, Selm union hectare land with sorghum and 252 Training sessions at woreda and kebele manager, said, after taking the hectare with soybean. Regarding market, levels were organised by the woreda training, about 660 sesame small Mr. Asnakew said: “the union is working offices of agriculture. Issue 11 July 2016 Sesame Business Network Newsletter Page 4 7 Benefits of eating sorghum In this column we have been sharing with you important information on sesame cuisine and research findings about the important health benefits of sesame. We will keep on sharing with you what we have read about the benefits of sesame and major rotation crops.

BENEFIT- SBN supports sesame farmers to rotate sesame with other crops. Sorghum is one of the major crops that farmers produce in northwest . It is the fifth most commonly grown grain crop in the world after wheat, rice, corn and barley. With its wonderful, nutty taste, sorghum is a terrific substitute for traditional grains consumed in everyday diets. Sorghum is an excellent source of energy, containing about 75 percent complex carbohydrate. It is a source of iron and zinc and is rich in B complex vitamins. It has many health benefits that make it worth including in your diet. The following are the seven benefits of sorghum. We hope you will enjoy reading this piece. 1. High nutritional value Sorghum has a whopping 22 grams of protein in a 1 cup (192 gram) serving of the cooked, whole grain. A woman’s daily recommended protein intake is 46 grams and a man’s is 56 grams. On average, that means sorghum contains 43 percent of your daily protein intake. One serving also contains 47 percent of your daily recommended iron and 55 percent of your phosphorus intake. It’s also a good source of magnesium, copper, calcium, zinc and potassium. A serving of sorghum also contains around 30 percent of your recommended intake of both niacin and thiamin. These two B-vitamins help us to metabolise and properly absorb carbohydrates and nutrients.

2. Rich in antioxidants Sorghum contains a wide variety of beneficial phytochemicals that act as antioxidants in the body. In fact, the bran layer of sorghum has significantly higher amounts of antioxidants than fruits such as blueberries, strawberries and plums. Antioxidants help to slow down 6. Currently non-genetically modified aging, and antioxidant-rich foods have been linked to a Another benefit of sorghum is that it is a non-genetically lower risk of heart disease, cancer, type II diabetes and modified crop. Sorghum grains are grown from traditional some neurological diseases. Many studies indicate that hybrid seeds that combine several types of sorghum whole grain consumption significantly lowers mortality from grasses. Although, there are attempts to develop a cardiovascular disease, and antioxidant phytochemicals are genetically modified (GM) variety, thus far sorghum is a believed to be the main reason. They have been shown to non-genetically modified. Most plant genetic engineering to reduce blood cholesterol and prevent arterial clotting. date has been to improve a crop’s herbicide tolerance and resistance to pests. 3. Improves digestive health Sorghum is one of the best sources available for dietary 7. Many uses fiber. One serving contains 48 percent of your daily Sorghum is a very versatile grain. It is best eaten in its whole recommended intake of fiber. Fiber keeps your digestive grain form to get the most nutrition. It can be prepared tract moving and of course prevents constipation. But it also similar to rice. Try soaking whole sorghum for eight hours helps to regulate blood sugar, lower cholesterol, and prevent or overnight to first break down the enzymes and make it diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, gallstones and kidney stones. more digestible. Then boil it in three times as much water for about an hour or until tender. It can also be cooked in a rice 4. Inhibits cancer steamer or slow cooker. Certain phytochemicals in sorghum have also been shown to have cancer-inhibiting properties, particularly In some countries, sorghum is eaten as porridge or boiled in gastrointestinal and skin cancers. Studies have shown directly into various dishes. The Ethiopian bread injera that sorghum consumption is linked to lower incidences of can be made from sorghum, as well as many gluten-free esophageal cancer. beers and even biofuels. As its popularity rises, sorghum is becoming much more common in grocery stores and 5. Gluten-free markets. It’s definitely a grain that deserves a place at our Sorghum is also meeting gluten-free needs. It is safe to eat tables. for those with celiac disease or a gluten-intolerance. Studies confirmed that gluten is absent in all varieties of sorghum. Source Sorghum flour is becoming a popular gluten-free substitute By Zoe Blarowski for wheat flour in baked goods. http://www.care2.com/greenliving/7-benefits-of-eating-sor- ghum.html Issue 11 July 2016 Sesame Business Network Newsletter Page 5 Sesame investor farmers discuss with officials and other SBN stakeholders on major production and marketing challenges Representatives of investor farmers ‘crop production and marketing cooperatives’ at north Gondar zone discussed with higher officials drawn from government and private organisations in the workshop held at Gondar on the 7th of May 2016. The discussion was mainly held on sesame production and quality improvement, market development, credit facilitation and value addition. During the meeting, attention was given to the challenges pertaining to credit, marketing procedures at the ECX, technical support from woreda offices of agriculture, agricultural inputs etc. Partial view of the discussion at Gondar Participants were drawn from the challenges among investors of Kafta 2014 and shortage of rain in 2015; four newly formed investor farmers’ Humera and main stakeholders of production cost increment and market cooperatives from Quara, Metema, the sesame sector in western Tigray price decline are major challenges. Mirab Armachiho and Tegede woredas; zone. During the discussion, head of higher officials including H.E. Mr. Tefera the western Tigray zone Mr. Tesfaye Different stakeholders such as Derbew, Minister of the Ministry of Yeebyo presented the work plan Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE), Agriculture (MoA); Mr. Shumuye Alemu, of 2016 agricultural activities and Development Bank of Ethiopia deputy head of Amhara BoA; Mr. major challenges of 2015. In his (DBE), microfinance institutions, Mulugeta Worku, north Gondar zone presentation, Mr. Tesfaye pointed out ECX, insurances and machinery administrator and regional, zonal and that drought; limited use of input; suppliers presented opportunities woreda representatives from trade, limited infrastructure; investors and technologies they have. transport, Cooperative Promotion reluctance of employing agricultural Afterwards, participants visited Agency (CPA), ACSI, banks, GARC, ECX, experts; pest and disease and failure new technologies at the exhibition unions and BENEFIT- SBN. The work- to repay loans on time were the main organised by HuARC, BENEFIT- shop was organised by Amhara BoA in challenges in the production of sesame SBN and four machinery supplier collaboration with the regions CPA. and rotation crops. In the discussion, companies. Participants were able to investor farmers mentioned that see raw planters, ploughing machines, Meanwhile, from the 5th -7th of May finance is still their number one improved seed, production guides, 2016, similar discussions were challenge. Also, they mentioned posters etc. held on production and marketing that the weather - excess rain fall in “...Increasing labour cost; lack of technical support from the offices of agriculture; shortage of finance; lack of collateral are among the major challenges that affect our farm activities” Mr. Ejargachew Mulu, 45, an investor cover about 75 hectares of land farmer in Delelo, Metema woreda, and the 200 kg sorghum cover has been producing different crops about 20 hectares. Despite his including sesame, cotton and sorghum interest to buy and use quality seeds since he started farming in 2013. He he could not find enough. Therefore, has 250 hectares of land. In 2015, he the remaining part of his land has been planted sesame in 220 hectares and covered with the local seed varieties. harvested 66,600 kg; he also planted Mr. Ejargachew said: “Apart from the sorghum in 30 hectares but he had no problems of input such as improved harvest due to shortage of rain. In this seed, there are other challenges production season, he is cultivating which affect our agricultural activities. sesame in 180 and sorghum in 70 Increasing labour cost; lack of techni- hectares of his land. He said; “due to cal support from the woreda office of the sesame market decline in 2015, I agriculture; shortage of finance; lack l cultivate sesame in a relatively lesser of collateral for getting credit from the area than last year”. He added: “since Mr. Ejargachew Mulu banks are among the major challenges the rain started early this production He has purchased 300 kg sesame that affect our farm activities.” season, I decided to cover a relatively and 200 kg sorghum quality seed wide area in sorghum” from GARC. The 300 kg sesame Continued on page 6 Issue 11 July 2016 Sesame Business Network Newsletter Page 6 In the picture In the picture entertains the profile of individuals, cooperatives, unions, and/or any other service provider organisation for the sesame business clusters in northwest Ethiopia. For this edition, we cover a story on the activities of Adeday Microfinance, Western Tigray zone. Adeday Microfinance supporting women sesame farmers Launched under the Tigray Womens’ agriculture, cooperative promotion Association in June 2014, the Kafta agencies and other governmental Humera branch of Adeday Microfinance and non-governmental organisations. has been providing credit and saving To capacitate women in service to women in western Tigray agriculture activities and make zone. What makes Adeday saving and them participate in small and micro credit institution special is the fact enterprises, the institution has that it gives particular attention to created strong linkage with Technical women. Currently, the microfinance and Vocational Education and Training. has started providing its service to men It is after taking training that women too; yet 70% of its beneficiaries are still get credit services from Adeday women . Microfinance.

The branch Adeday Mr. Negasi Gebrewahd Before the 2016 production season Microfinance is formed with the than 1,300 women got credit using starts, Adeday Microfinance together objective of facilitating credit service property collateral and about 650 with BENEFIT-SBN organised training and providing technical supports women take loan on group collateral. for 100 women from Kafta Humera for women farmers so that they can Those who get credit in group collateral and Tsegedie woredas on ‘20 Steps’ develop their saving culture and took up to 10,000 birr per individual improved sesame technologies. The be successful in their agricultural while those who have used their house institute will support them by providing activities. The institution not only works or other property as collateral took credit services (up to 10,000 birr for to increase women’s participation up to 100,000 birr. Customers of the one hectare) to apply the ‘20 Steps’. in the agricultural sector but it also institution are mainly public servants, Additionally, the institution will follow encourages women to engage in other farmers, women’s group and primary up the progress and provide technical small and micro enterprise aspects cooperatives. support for women associations. and improve their living conditions; it thereby contributes to the reduction of Mr. Negasi said: “The interest rate Mr Negasi believed that Adeday poverty in the country. of the institution is 12.5% and 14% Microfinance institution is for the group and material collateral, contributing to the improvement of the Mr. Negasi Gebrewahd, manager of respectively. Women farmers are working and living conditions of women Adeday Microfinance, Kafta Humera interested to take credit from Adeday from different walks of life. He said branch, said: “The capital of the because they get technical support the performance of the institution, has branch is over 14 million birr and near their home through women social been recognised by different bodies. the transaction of credit services affairs office and their associations.” It has been awarded certificate of reaches more than 20 million birr.” The In addition to these organisations, appreciation from the zone’s women institute provides loan service for its Adeday Microfinance has been working association, women affair office, Kafta beneficiaries using property and group in close collaboration with the woreda Humera town municipality, administra- collateral (group surety). In 2015, more and zone administrations, office of tion and other governmental offices.

Investor farmer- interview organised for investor farmers’ to employ the 20 steps improved ...Continued from page 5 at Gondar. He appreciated the sesame production technologies. To meet these and other key endeavours made by the government For this, demonstration activities are challenges Mr. Ejargachew and and other bodies in supporting sesame being conducted in 14 (4 in North his friends organised an investor farmers in particular and the SBN in Gondar and 10 in Western Tigray farmers’ cooperative which has about general. “Attention has been given zones) investor farmers’ plots. In 425 members at Gendewuha town. to investment farming; efforts have collaboration with HuARC and GARC, Currently, Mr. Ejargachew is a chair been made to meet the challeng- BENEFIT- SBN avails row planter for person for this cooperative. He said es of repayment and current credit investor farmers. In north Gondar, the they formed their cooperative to: problems; renewing agreement papers four investor farmers each planted “solve social and individual problems; etc. However major challenges such five hectares of land using improved meet challenges which could not be as lack of credit, shortage of improved technologies. The 10 farmers in addressed individually; get better seed and marketing problems are yet western Tigray, planted from two to access to market and improved tech- to be addressed.” He said. four hectares of their land using the nologies; get support from government improved package. The support project and non-government organisations.” BENEFIT- SBN’s support will also work with investor farmers on In 2016 production season, organic sesame production, marketing Representing his cooperative Mr. BENEFIT- SBN is supporting and value addition activities. Ejargachew attended a workshop sesame investor farmers’ efforts Issue 11 July 2016 Sesame Business Network Newsletter Page 7 Financing the sesame sector Meeting on financing the sector on the three pillar-approach of RIAS. concepts presented in the training. The Microfinance and bank managers The approach, which includes business challenge, he said, is that the banking from northwest Ethiopia had a two- analysis, financial analysis and position industry is somewhat infant and banks day meeting on ‘financing the sesame of the banks, is believed to strongly often averse to take risks. sector’ with Rabobank International promote a cash flow based lending. Advisory Services (RIAS), Terrafina It will help bankers assess whether Mr. Frank Bakx, one of the trainers Microfinance (TMF) and BENEFIT-SBN a credit request should be answered from RIAS said some of the trainees at on March 31 and April 01, positively or not. have made very good progress in 2016. 18 participants convened from business analysis for larger farmers Amhara Credit and Saving Institution In addition to the formal training and cooperatives. They also improved (ACSI), Dedebit Credit and Saving session, the training includes a field their interviewing techniques and Institution(DCSI), Adeday Microfinance, visit. Participants of the training from implicitly learn about customer CBO, CBE and Addis International Bank CBO Metema, Humera and Gondar relationship management. (AIB) attended the meeting. branch together with BENEFIT-SBN

The meeting was organised with the objective of sharing and discussing current activities and orientations of financial institutions; debriefing and discussing the results of the RIAS and TMF analysis and proposals for action; formulating common medium term vision for financing the sesame sector and prioritising and planning of practical actions.

The meeting was a follow-up event of the launching workshop and scoping mission which was conducted by RIAS, TMF and BENEFIT-SBN in October 2015. During the meeting the findings from the workshop and Trainees while practising at the field the scoping mission report and the representative and trainers from Training for MFI recommendations were presented to RIAS went to the field and assess Similarly, 44 individuals from ACSI, the participants. Discussions were the businesses and finances of two DECSI and Adeday microfinance made on major challenges in relation primary cooperatives (Maernet and institutions were trained on to finance in the sesame sector. Aydolla) and three investor farmers. sesame loan product concept and Savings, collateral, loan processing They discussed with investor agri-assessment tool at Gendewuha problems, informal moneylending farmers and managers, board chair- and Humera from the 13th -19th of practices etc. are among the major persons and other responsible bodies June 2016. Topics covered during issues discussed during the meeting. of the cooperatives on the basics of the training sessions were: the 20 their business (years of experience, Steps sesame production technology; Bilateral discussions were made member size, loan demand etc.). After relevance of developing client oriented between each of the three participating having discussions, visitors labelled loan products and the proposed new local banks and RIAS, BENEFIT- the businesses as average, good and loan products for sesame, including the SBN; and between ACSI, DECSI, excellent based on the theories they agri-assessment tool. Adeday and TMF; BENFIT-SBN. The get from the training. The training discussion focused on practical helped participants to identify the kind Mr. Abebo Ayalneh, manager of actions and possible collaboration of questions that they should ask and Gendewuha branch ACSI, said: “the areas. Discussants identified the areas the points in which they should look at training was very nice. It will add in which the participating parties when doing business analysis. in the efforts made to improve the can work together; they decided to sesame sector. We have learnt on how pilot agri-analysis tool and organise Trainees have very good impression to choose our customers; about the trainings to banks, MFI managers, about the training. Mr. Habtu Berihanu, importance of providing credit phase by credit officials, accountants etc. one of the participants from AIB, phase, following the steps of sesame Gondar branch manager, said the production. We have also discussed on Training for bankers training was very interesting and the major challenges in availing credit. Following the meeting, on the 24th and important for banks working in the To try the agri-assessment tool, we are 25th of May 2016, bankers from CBO, sesame sector. He believes banks about to choose 25 customers and AIB, CBE and DBE received a one and will be successful if they can take work with them based on the lessons half- day basic credit training course the risk and work in line with the that we have learnt.” Issue 11 July 2016 Sesame Business Network Newsletter Page 8 Women and young farmers trained on 20 Steps improved sesame production technologies Over 362 women and young farmers will help improve the were trained on 20 steps sesame living standard of production technologies from women and youth the 31st of May to the 3rd of June in the area. Trhas 2016 at Quara, Metema, Tegede learnt that the Humera, Tsegede, Wolkiet woredas. improved production The objective of the training was techniques will to create awareness on '20 Steps'; help get high yields improve the participation of women from a small area. and youth in sesame production; and “Here in our kebele, enhance and promote gender sensitive women and youth practices in the SBN. face challenges. The working environment During the training sessions, is difficult for women. trainees were made to see the Our farms are far Women sesame farmers attending the training ‘20 Steps’ movie which gave them from where we live. chance to see the practice while other Most of us apply traditional farming the training is women farmers like themselves are practices. This training will help us the fact that applying the different steps of sesame improve the productivity of sesame. It using improved production. This helps them believe also encourages women and youth to sesame that they too can adopt best practices. do their own job and thereby contribute varieties will to decrease the high migration of youth increase Trhas to other places.” production. Aregawi a young farmer Young farmer Leye Negussie, from BENEFIT- from kokit Kebele said: “the training was SBN, in Adebay, be- very good I was not wise previously; I collaboration with the woreda offices of lieves that the used local seed varieties. I used to sow agriculture and women affairs office, training on ‘20 using broadcasting. After I took the organised the training sessions. Steps’ is very training, I use row planting. At present, Gender analysis and young farmers’ important for I am doing the first weeding; my situation analysis will be carried out her and her sesame is very nice.” He said one of and these farmers will participate by friends. She said this kind of training the important lessons that he got from providing information.

Upcoming activities - Following up the ‘20 Steps’ rolling out activities - Monitoring the marginal rate of return experiment - Organising training on ‘Agronomic decision making using weather and climate information’ - Following up cascaded trainings on financial literacy by Farmer Cooperative Unions and Cooperatives - Action research on local processors - Organising field days

Contact us:

For more information, questions and comments you can contact us through: [email protected] More information about the SBN and its support project can also be found on the SBN website: http://www. sbnethiopia.org You can also find us on our facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SBNEthiopia Twitter: https://twitter.com/SBNEthiopia

Producer: Anteneh Mekuria Tesfaye

Inputs from: Hagos, W.; Aregawi, G.; Andualem, T.; Oscar, G.; Hagos, T.; Tewodros,T.; Fiseha,B,; and all BENEFIT- SBN team

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