Ethiopia: Italy Agree On New Initiative to Support Rural Development

Italy said it approved 3 million Euros contribution in favor of CIHEAM/ Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari (MAIB), in order to provide assistance to the Ethiopian Government in strengthening rural development.

 

Following allocation of this fund, in the period November 17th -21st a MAIB high level delegation headed by the Director Cosimo Lacirignola visited Ethiopia to meet local authorities and institutions and proceed with the joint identification of the project according to the country priorities, the Embassy of Italy here said in a statement.

 

Accordingly, the delegation, accompanied by the Ambassador of Italy in Ethiopia, Raffaele de Lutio, was received by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Tefera Deribew, and met several specialized agencies operating in the sector.

 

"Following this joint identification exercise, a first Project Concept Note has been prepared and the related agreement signed on Friday, by Dr. Berhe Gebre Egziabher, acting State Minister of MOARD and by Mr. Andrea Senatori, director of the Italian Development Cooperation in Ethiopia.

 

" The embassy said the project will focus on the extension service and research, in order to enhance the Agricultural growth within the PASDEP framework and sustain the Improvement of productivity and quality of selected crop production chains.