The forum was held in collaboration with a partner organization Feed the Future focused on the contract farming implementation, value chain agreement and market system.

Chairman of the Board of Sidama Region Industrial Parks Development Corporation and Head of the Regional Finance Bureau Ararso Geremew (D/r) who gave the opening speech said, Yirgalem Integrated Agro Industry Park is an effective pearl resource of the region focusing on may projects.

Discussing the challenges faced in the sector will help to set a solution and noted that it helps to work with determination to secure the contract between the suppliers and buyers.

The CEO of the Regional Industrial Parks Development Corporation Mr. Hailu Yetera explained that, the park has been operating for four years in coordination with the government and other partners. The park is bringing the desired results; he added.

There has been a deep discussion on the need to strengthen ties with associations to avoid product shortages, and emphasis on the implementation of contractual agreements between input suppliers and buyers.

It was pointed out in the discussion that there should be a focus on improving avocado varieties. It’s also pointed out that a number of research projects are also being carried out by the University of Hawassa to increase the availability of resources.