The Integrated Soybean Value Chain Development Project, funded by AGRA, was officially launched in Jimma City, Oromia Region on December 28, 2024.  This project, implemented by the Soy-Link Consortium, comprising the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA), Lersha-Green Agro Solution PLC, and Farm Radio International (FRI), aims to enhance soybean production and value chain development in Jimma and Bunno-Bedele Zones of Oromia Region. 

In his welcoming speech, SAA Ethiopia Country Director, Dr. Fentahun Mengistu underlined the critical role of soybeans in restoring soil fertility and improving agricultural sustainability. Highlighting the region’s declining soil productivity due to degradation, he noted that soybeans can act as a “natural fertilizer” enhancing soil and preserving the ecosystem. 
Dr. Fentahun also reflected on lessons from Jimma, government-led initiative to scale-up maize production evolved into the Ethiopian public extension system. He stressed the importance of adopting a similar approach to establishing a robust system for soybean production. Dr. Fentahun encouraged consortium members to collaborate with partners and stakeholders to achieve the projects’ goals successfully.

Mr. Kedir Nefo, Agriculture Value Chains Delivery Unit Coordinator from the Oromia Region President Office, delivered the opening remarks. He noted that the region prioritized increasing the productivity of 30 key crops, including soybean making this project both timely and relevant. 

Mr. Kedir Nefo (right) and Dr. Fentahun Mengistu (left)

Historically, soybean production in the region has been limited to small-scale, scattered efforts for household consumption, yielding minimal benefits. However, the region’s favorable conditions for soybean production present an opportunity for growth through capacity building, variety introduction, and seed multiplication. 

Mr. Kedir assured participants that the region would integrate the project into the broader agricultural initiatives and provide consistent monitoring, including weekly performance evaluations. He also stressed the importance of establishing sustainable markets for farmers’ soybean products and commended AGRA and implementing  partners for their coordinated efforts. 

Five presentations on various aspects of the project were delivered by Mr. Melese Liyhe (Coordinator for Regenerative Agriculture, SAA), Mrs. Yalemzewd Teshome (Coordinator for Market-oriented Agriculture, SAA), Lersha’s Senior Agribusiness Development Associate Mr. Kinfu Mamo, FRI’s Program Coordinator Mr. Aklilu Tafa, and SAA’s Deputy Country Director Dr. Ermias Abate. 

Key stakeholders, including representatives from government offices, research centers, universities, the private sector and other organizations, engaged in productive discussions. They raised critical concerns, shared insights, and posed questions that sparked meaningful dialogue. 

Participants of the workshop

The workshop concluded with remarks from Mr. Kedir Nefo and Dr. Fentahun. Each speaker reiterated the importance of collaboration, strong coordination, and sustained efforts to realize the project’s objectives. The launch marks a significant step toward strengthening the soybean value chain in the region, with the potential to transform livelihoods and contribute to sustainable agricultural development.