An Inauguration ceremony for ‘the Project for Establishing Milk Processing Center in Haramaya Woreda, East Harerge Zone, Oromia’ was held on 3 December 2011. The project was funded by the Japanese Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP), amounting to USD 86,581. The implementing partner for the project was the Haramaya Woreda Administrative Office.

Mr. Hajime KITAOKA, Minister, Economic Affairs Division, the Embassy of Japan in Ethiopia, celebrated the completion of the project, together with Ato Mohamed Ali Ebrahim, Head, Haramaya Woreda Administrative Office and the representatives of Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA/SG2000 Ethiopia), an international agricultural development Non-Governmental Organization.

In this project, the Embassy of Japan supported the construction of a milk processing center and warehouse, and provided equipment for milk processing and a new cafeteria to be used by one of the biggest cooperatives in the Woreda, Jiru Siresa Milk Production and Processing Cooperative. Due to drought which frequently occurs in the project area, people are suffering from chronic malnutrition. Hence, the project aims to increase the production of milk and dairy products of high nutritional value which would consequently enhance the nutritional status of the residents. With a well-equipped milk processing center, it is expected that the Cooperative would be able to produce 4.7 times as much milk as previously, which covers 32 percent of demand in the project area.

In addition, with the financial support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), SAA/SG2000 Ethiopia has provided trainings for the members of the Cooperative in processing of diary products such as pasteurized milk, cheese, butter and yogurt and preparing snacks for cafeteria. This will significantly contribute to the development of their ability to produce better quality daily products in a more efficient way and to satisfy customers who visit the cafeteria. Furthermore, they will receive training in nutrition and basic business skills, which will also contribute to increasing the quality of life for the members of the Cooperative. 

Since 1997, the Embassy of Japan in Ethiopia has supported around 300 GGPs with various not-for-profit organizations and local governments throughout Ethiopia in the area of basic human needs. The Government of Japan will continue to support a variety of projects at grassroots level which are directly beneficial to marginalized and vulnerable people in Ethiopia.