Human capital is the bedrock on which companies build their success. In Ethiopia's food-processing industry, the capacity and skill of its workforce and entrepreneurs determine the trajectory of the sector. GAIN Ethiopia works to cultivate conditions conducive to private sector growth, from farm to point of sale – by supporting the development of a capable workforce.
The focus extends beyond profitability, to recognising that availability and demand are not the only determinants of better diets for all within the food systems – affordability is critical.
GAIN's Economic Growth Through Fruit Transformation project, has undertaken a comprehensive analysis of the market for a Vitamin-A rich papaya snack. This project spans the entire value chain, from farm to potential marketplace while opening up income-generating opportunities . Improving one’s nutritional status is often dependent on income –therefore, by increasing employability and entrepreneurship, GAIN and partners support youth improve affordability of nutritious foods.
“Nutrition is not a single entity, it takes a multisectoral approach. Work on livelihood improvement creates opportunities to achieve a food security and nutrition. Because its only when individuals have money that they have the chance to spend it on nutritious food.” Says Moges Yilma, the project’s Food Processing Technical Specialist – adding “Purchasing power is fundamental for better quality nutrition. “
The project pinpointed hurdles in securing a skilled workforce within agro-processing companies, in terms of the training capacity of institutions like Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centers. One such obstacle is misalignment between the skills imparted by TVET institutions and the evolving needs of agro-processors. .
GAIN conducted a skill gap assessment on such institutions in Addis Ababa, Oromiya, Sidama and South Ethiopia region that provide agro-Processing program. The ensuing report identified some key issues from the perspective of the 14 TVET institutions and 13 private sector agro-processors:
- While many TVET organisations do have a guide about how to collaborate with private sector companies for practical training, it is not consistent nor sufficient.
- The theoretical courses provided by TVET do not emphasize nutrition as a competency.
The practical training received by students while in apprenticeship do not adequately equip students with knowledge and skills they need for the job market. - Agro-processors felt that students graduating from these institutions were not sufficiently skilled, yet required higher pay than those who did not undergo the training.
As a result, many of them chose inexperienced and unskilled workers – who they later capacitate on the job. - Agro -processing diplomas do not equip students with skills in entrepreneurship or business training, discouraging innovative students to establish start-ups in food processing
- As it offers less employment opportunities, a TVET diploma in Agro-processing is perceived as a less desirable than other fields by potential students. Hence students are not interested to attend agro -processing program as field of study.
- These challenges extend beyond the agro-processing sector, with the practical training and apprenticeship partnerships in particular seen as a weak spot in TVET training programs.
GAIN’s Economic Growth Through Fruit Transformation project, orchestrated a linkage sensitisation workshop, bringing together governmental entities and private sector counterparts to strengthen existing ties, between TVET to Industry linkage, and chart a pragmatic course of action.
Relevant recommendations were made, as follows:
strengthen the linkage between TVET institutions and agro-processor industries including SMEs .
Increase awareness about agro-processing TVET program to students
capacity building programs for TVET trainers and practical demonstration session
Improve the quality of agro-processing training with practical skill,
Develop Training manuals on agro processing in specific skill with Nutrition concept and business
An experience sharing visit to Tanzania, the project team identified a strong apprenticeship program more focused on practical ways of learning.
“The most relevant best practice that Ethiopia would benefit from adopting from our visit” said project manager Meseret Assegid “is the role of the Association of Tanzanian Employers ATE in furthering the private-public link when it comes to skill development.” The association an Employers’ Association formed in 1960s to more broadly represent and protect the interest of Employers on Labour and Employment issues, and specifically champions Tanzania’s apprenticeship programme.
A great deal of enthusiasm towards working together was expressed both by the participating TVET and private sectors – signalling great potential for the future.
In line with the above recommendations, the project since capacitated more than 70 TVET trainers and Industry / SMS staffs by provide practical training in Nutrition under agro processing . The session included fruit and vegetable drying technology and practical skill transfer.
Basic entrepreneurship skill training given to the participants ( TVET trainers), anticipating the trainers will transfer the entrepreneurship knowledge and skill and bring attitude changes to trainees. GAIN also continues to advocate for nutrition competency strengthening in the next iteration of the agro-processing programme TVET curriculum.