The Ethiopia Netherlands Seed Partnership (ENSP) internship program has yielded promising results, contributing to the development of skilled manpower in the Ethiopian seed sector. This initiative has focused on empowering fresh graduates in seed-related fields, facilitating their entry into the job market, and nurturing potential young entrepreneurs.
The primary goal of the internship is to attract and engage young graduates, providing them with valuable exposure to the seed sector. By offering practical learning experiences, the program aims to equip these young professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue employment opportunities or even establish their own ventures. Moreover, the interns bring their expertise from various fields of study to the host organizations, fostering a dynamic exchange of knowledge and ideas.
ENSP has played a pivotal role in providing technical and economic support to talented and motivated young graduates throughout their internship period. This support is designed to advance their careers and establish connections within the labour market. The project has facilitated the identification of host seed companies and placement of interns, ensuring a structured and beneficial experience for all parties involved. Prior to their placements, interns also received training in personal development and business management, laying a strong theoretical foundation for their practical experiences.
The internship program, which has been conducted in two rounds, engaged 53 fresh graduates with educational backgrounds in plant science, horticulture, rural development, agricultural extension, agribusiness, crop production, and accounting. These interns were hosted by international/ local private seed companies, public seed enterprises, and agricultural research centres across five regions, providing them with a comprehensive understanding of the seed value chain.
Throughout the program, interns gained hands-on experience in various aspects of seed production, processing, and marketing. This exposure allowed them to witness the intricacies of the seed value chain, from input to seed marketing, thereby broadening their understanding of the sector.
The impact of the internship is evident in the success stories that have emerged. Participants and individuals from hosting companies have attested to its positive outcomes. Interns have expressed gratitude for the eye-opening experience, recognizing the employment opportunities available within the Ethiopian seed sector. Notably, some interns in Southern Ethiopia have already seized these opportunities, exemplifying the tangible impact of the program.
One such success story is that of Gumalaal Input Supply PLC, a startup established by seven young professionals who participated in the ENSP internship program. Hosted by South Seed Enterprise for six months of on-the-job training, they identified challenges within the seed value chain in the region and promptly leveraged this insight to establish their own input supply PLC. This new venture aims to supply seeds and related agro-inputs in the area, demonstrating how the internship program has spurred entrepreneurial initiatives among its participants.
Testimonials from industry professionals further affirm the program’s effectiveness. Mr. Lema Mulu, the head of the Seed Processing and Marketing Department at South Seed Enterprise, commended the high motivation and active participation displayed by the interns. He highlighted how the enterprise provided practical experience across various aspects of the seed sector, ultimately leading to the establishment of licensed seed businesses. The interns identified the business opportunity in the seed sector while they are on the job training. “Accordingly, I advised them to group themselves and get a business license certification. They prepared a business plan, received the business license and secured their business centre and progressing very well” said Mr. Lema. Furthermore, Mr. Lema highlighted that in the subsequent round also, other interns have established licensed seed businesses, rented a store, and entered into a contract agreement with IDPC to supply forage seed.
and secretary of Gumalaal Input Supply PLC
Mintesenot Worku, an intern and secretary of Gumalaal Input Supply PLC, shared his experience: “After graduation I was looking for a job when I came across this internship program opportunity. It was the most significant change that happened to me. It enabled me to gain theoretical and practical experience of the seed business and allowed me to introduce my friends along the way. With them we established the business based on the practical experience we got”. He emphasized that as agricultural professionals with more than six months of on-the-job experience, they will not only sell seeds and other agro-inputs but also provide evidence-based technical advisory services to farmers.
Rediet Shiferaw, a fresh graduate from Hawassa University and member of the Gumalaal- Input Supply PLC, also expressed her gratitude for the internship program: “One of the most significant changes that happened in my life is my participation in the ENSP internship program which helped me get theoretical training and practical experiences. Leading me to have two job opportunities simultaneously, at ENZA seed company and start a seed business with my friends.”
PLC
So far from the interns who completed their on-the-job training (a total of 17 in first round), nine got permanent employment opportunities, apart from the seven interns who established Gumalaal Input Supply PLC. The program is an ongoing initiative and is expected to enable younger professionals to be attracted to the seed sector. In doing so, the project will contribute in the creating of employment opportunities for young professionals and enhance the availability of skilled man power in the Ethiopian seed sector.
The success stories emerging from this program serve as a testament to its effectiveness in nurturing talent and fostering entrepreneurship within the Ethiopian seed sector. As the program continues to yield promising results, it is evident that investing in the development of skilled manpower is instrumental in propelling the Ethiopian seed sector towards greater heights of success and sustainability.
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