A Module Review and Validation Workshop, organized by the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA), was held in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, bringing together stakeholders from universities and the Amhara Bureau of Agriculture, where twenty-three new modules reviewed by twenty module reviewers. The event reviewed 23 new modules with input form 20 module reviewers and was attended by Vice Presidents and Heads of Education Departments from Gondar, Wollo and Bahir Dar Universities. Additional participants included the Economic Advisor to the Amhara Region President, Senior Leaders and Directorates of the Amhara Region Bureau of Agriculture, the Civil Service Commission, media and other relevant partners.

Dr. Deres Sahilu while officially opening_closing the workshop.

Dr. Deres Sahelu, Deputy Head of the Rural Cluster and Head of the Agriculture Bureau, opened and concluded the workshop. In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of developing a skilled and knowledgeable human resource base to advance the agriculture sector. He assured attendees of the Bureau’s commitment to collaborating with relevant partners to ensure the program’s success.

Dr. Ermias Abate, Deputy Country Director of SAA Ethiopia, delivered a keynote address highlighting the significance of harmonized teaching materials and its impact on the national agricultural education development.

Dr. Tesfaye Worku, CB-TC, while presenting his paper.

Dr. Tesfaye Worku, Coordinator for Capacity Building at SAA, provided an overview of SAA’s role and contribution in Ethiopia through its long-term Extension Agents’ (EAs’) training program. He noted that, in response to employer needs, SAA has supported universities in developing four new curricula: Crop Extension, Livestock Extension, Natural Resource Extension, and Horticulture Extension, which are currently implemented by the three universities present in the workshop. Meanwhile, the remaining seven universities continue to offer existing curriculum in Rural Development and Agricultural Extension.

Dr. Fentahun Mengistu, SAA Ethiopia CD, while presenting the inititives of midcareer program of SAA.

Dr. Tesfaye and SAA Ethiopia Country Director Dr. Fentahun Mengistu, presented on the overall objective of the program and the initiation of midcareer education as a vital contribution to the agriculture sector. They emphasized the importance of this initiative in addressing skills gaps and enhancing the capacity of Extension Agents. Ato Kegnazmach Mesfin, Director of the Extension Communication Directorate at the Amhara Agriculture Bureau, presented an assessment of the training needs of kebele-level professionals. His presentation identified the successes and challenges of the region’s extension services, providing valuable insights for curriculum development.

Dr. Daniel Nigusse from the University of Gondar presented a background paper detailing the design of the midcareer education curriculum and its benefits for agricultural extension services. His presentation underscored the program’s potential to improve the effectiveness of extension professionals in addressing the needs of farmers and communities

The workshop concluded with an interactive discussion, during which participants provided suggestions and comments to refine the program. Recommendations focused on ensuring proper implementation, documentation and dissemination of best practices. The collaborative efforts between SAA, universities, and the Amhara Bureau of Agriculture were reaffirmed as critical to the program’s success in enhancing agricultural extension services and contributing to sustainable agricultural development in Ethiopia.