Leading researchers and policy makers particularly interested in improving livestock production in Eritrea, on the dry ‘Horn’ of Africa, will visit agricultural research institutes in Wagga Wagga this week.

 

The group, which includes the Eritrean Minister for Agriculture, Mr Arefaine Berhane, the Australian Ambassador for Eritrea, Dr Andeab Ghebremeskel, and Mr Peter Grist from the federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, will inspect research facilities and speak with leading agricultural researchers on Wednesday 25 June as part of a week-long national study tour.

 

Director General of Eritrea’s National Agricultural Research Institute, Dr Iyassu Ghebretatios, and Dean of the Hamelmalo College of Agriculture, Mr Semere Amlesom, will also visit Charles Sturt University (CSU) and the Wagga Agricultural Research Institute (WARI).

 

The visitors will be welcomed by WARI Director, Dr Alison Bowman, and CSU’s Professor Ted Wolfe, both of whom have visited Eritrea three times since 2005, where they supervise projects to enhance the capacity of agricultural research in Eritrea.

 

The international visitors will tour the joint facilities at NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and CSU, as well as discuss the continuation of collaborative projects with local agricultural research officers, extension specialists and veterinarians.

 

“The links that we have established provide a number of two-way benefits”, said Professor Wolfe. “We are following in the footsteps of people like Professor Fred Hollows, who understood the importance of building capacity in developing countries and acquiring a better understanding of world needs.”

 

Dr Bowman said the projects supervised by DPI and CSU staff focussed on testing a range of tropical and temperate livestock forage species and on training in livestock nutrition.

 

“In the near future, we want to move toward enhancing research-extension networks in Eritrea and provide guidance for training professionals in animal science and veterinary science”, Dr Bowman concluded.