An Inauguration ceremony for a project funded through the Japanese Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) took place in Gambella Zuria Woreda, Gambella National Regional State, on Thursday 2 September 2010. Dr. Kumiko Ito, Counselor of the Embassy of Japan, inaugurated the project together with the President of the Gambella National Regional State, His Excellency Ato Umed Ubong, Executive Director of the implementing NGO and members of the community.

The main purpose of the project is to improve agricultural production and the marketing system in Gambella Zuria Woreda and Itang Woreda through the provision of agricultural training and equipment for the newly established four agricultural cooperative groups and the two dairy cooperative groups in those woredas. For the execution of the project, Japan has extended an amount of USD 89,485 and it is being implemented by the Action for Environmental Protection and Livelihood Diversification (AEPLD).

In spite of the fact that Gambella is one of the naturally endowed parts of Ethiopia in terms of human and natural resources, the majority of its people still live in abject poverty. The reasons for this were cited by the President as backward agricultural modes of production resulting in a high level of food insecurity, and lack of practical skills and knowledge to conduct business and management at village levels.

AEPLDhas provided agricultural training and business training for newly established cooperative groups for several months. At the inauguration ceremony, it handed over tractors, dairy cattle and related equipment to these groups. It expects that the newly established cooperative groups will enjoy high productivity and provide agricultural products to these areas through this project. AEPLD was established in 2005 and carried out social development projects in Gambella,

At the ceremony, Dr. Kumiko Ito, in her remarks said that many farmers in these areas have not maximized their productivity due to lack of access to modern agricultural technology and related equipment. Therefore, the Government of Japan has supported this project financially to enhance the agricultural productivity and promote social welfare through the GGP.

Finally, she expressed her conviction that the government of the Regional State and local governments will support these cooperative groups to continuously enjoy good quality agricultural production and social welfare.

In this Japanese Fiscal Year from April 2010 to March 2011, the Government of Japan has planned to launch twenty GGP projects in Ethiopia at grassroot level, as well as human security related projects.