New Project Aims to Tackle Mycotoxin Contamination and Boost Food Security in Eastern Ethiopia
HARAMAYA, Ethiopia — Haramaya University hosted a three-day workshop from April 7 to 9, 2025, focused on “Integrated Multi-approach towards MYCOTXIN Control for Improved Food Security and Nutrition in Eastern Ethiopia (MYCONTROL-ET).” The workshop gathered representatives from collaborative universities and various stakeholders to discuss strategies for enhancing food security and nutrition in the region.
Dr.Abdi Mohamed, Vice President for Administration and Development at Haramaya University and the project leader in Ethiopia, announced that the initiative represents a two-year academic partnership funded by the Austrian Partnership Program in Higher Education and Research for Development (APPEAR). This collaboration includes BOKU University from Austria, as well as Haramaya and Oda Bultum Universities from Ethiopia.
The MyControl-ET project aims to improve food security and nutrition through a community-targeted, integrated approach to mycotoxin control. It will be implemented in four districts: Babile and Fedis in East Hararghe, and Habro and Darolebu in West Hararghe, engaging 160 households and 1,600 farmers in 19 specific activities. These efforts align with sustainable development goals such as Zero Hunger, Good Health, Gender Equality, and Decent Work.
In addition to institutional capacity building, the project will support one MSc student specializing in plant pathology at Haramaya University and provide short-term training for laboratory technicians at both Haramaya and OdaBultum Universities. Dr.Abdi emphasized that this project exemplifies successful collaborative initiatives at Haramaya University.
Dr. Derbachew Bekana, Director of the Research Directorate, in his workshop opening speech highlighted the university’s extensive experience in partnerships across teaching, research, and community engagement. He noted that Haramaya University has several years of experience in collaborations and partnerships in the area of teaching-learning, research and community engagement in order to realize the quality of education undertake joint research projects and enhance community empowerment programs. The university itself is a testament of the power of partnership which was established through agreement made between Imperial Ethiopian government and the Government of the United States of America with its first partnership being with Oklahama state university, which played vital role in establishing and lead the university.
Since its inception, the university has continued to build on its legacy by forging collaborations and partnerships with diverse range of local, national, regional and international organizations in the public private, NGO and civil society sectors. In this regard, HU has a proven track record in co-designed and successfully implemented mega-projects funded by national and international funding organizations. Such collaborative partnerships are crucial to the realization of the university’s vision and mission, finally he expressed his confident that the project will be among successful collaborative projects of HU, added Dr. Derbachew.
Professor Chibundu N. Ezekiel, Project Coordinator from BOKU University in Vienna, elaborated on the project’s specific focus. “Our research will concentrate on key staple crops in the region, including Peanuts, Corn, Sorghum, and Teff, to identify and prevent diseases that lead to the production of mycotoxins,” he said. He also underscored the severe health implications of mycotoxins, particularly liver cancer, which disproportionately affects women and children. To combat this, the project will present mycotoxin detection materials to relevant authorities and enhance linkages between the two countries.
Dr. Amin Mehamed from Oda Bultum University highlighted the lack of awareness regarding mycotoxins and their health impacts. This project will focus on creating awareness about prevention mechanisms, addressing the vulnerabilities of over 30% of women and children in Ethiopia who are at risk from mycotoxin produced harmful chemicals.
Field visits were also conducted by project leaders and participants to view Haramaya University’s research centre sites in Babile district (Woreda) and the surrounding areas.
