ETHIOPIA
Q-Point B.V. implements, together with IPC Groene Ruimte and Gender2Connect, a series of training sessions with a focus on technical skills for staff, teachers and colleges of both Agarfa ATVET College and regional stakeholders, through short training sessions, using the training-of-trainers approach.
APPROACH
A blended learning environment is included in the development of the courses. The sessions are based on the training needs of Agarfa ATVET College:
- Management of irrigation systems
- Post-harvest management
- Incubation and entrepreneurial skills targeting girls and women
FOLLOW-UP ON EARLIER PROJECT
Since the start of the NICHE project (ETH178, running until 2017) in 2013, Agarfa ATVET College has been structurally working on the capacity development of their staff in fields of small-scale and micro-irrigation and other related subjects to agriculture in Ethiopia. Although there now is extra human capacity and training infrastructure available (irrigation demonstration field, computer lab), there is still a need for improvement of training quality and employability of graduates to be more successful in outreach and extension, considering the demand of industries and further practical support and skills development.
BLENDED LEARNING
During the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of developing and offering blended training courses (both classroom and online) on irrigation, water, post-harvest management and entrepreneurship has become more visible. In critical periods (e.g., political instability and diseases), students, farmers in the area and other stakeholders can thus still access the services of Agarfa ATVET College.
END GOAL
The college works in line with the Ethiopian government’s plan to improve agricultural production and productivity. Agarfa ATVET College graduates are expected to be the first line of contact with the community and the skilled workforce that industries need for the day-to-day management of investments. In this regard, the Agarfa ATVET College aims to deliver highly qualified technical graduates who can support farmers and industries.
CLIENT
Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and managed by Nuffic, as part of the Orange Knowledge Programme.
REQUESTING PARTY
Agarfa ATVET College
CONSORTIUM PARTNERS Q-POINT
- IPC Groene Ruimte (Netherlands)
- Gender2Connect
DURATION
January 2022 – March 2023
See also SMALL-SCALE AND MICRO IRRIGATION PROJECT