In rural Arba Minch, southern Ethiopia, a quiet scientific breakthrough is transforming lives.
Prof. Addisu Fekadu Andeta of Arba Minch University, recipient of an ICGEB CRP Grant, developed an innovative fermentation method for enset – a staple food that supports millions of Ethiopians. His approach makes the process faster, safer, and more reliable, strengthening food security in communities where enset is essential to daily life.
At the heart of this transformation is a women-led industry. Traditionally, enset fermentation and processing have been managed by women. By improving the safety and efficiency of this process, Dr. Addisu’s innovation empowers women entrepreneurs and strengthens their role in local economies.
What began as a local scientific solution has quickly grown into a powerful engine for economic development. Dr. Addisu’s innovation has enabled the creation of multiple start-ups dedicated to improved enset processing. These new enterprises are generating jobs, boosting local incomes, and encouraging families to return to their villages to establish shops and small businesses. Across southern Ethiopia, communities are rediscovering opportunity in a traditional crop – powered by modern science.
The global community has taken notice. After receiving the STI Forum Innovator Prize, Dr. Addisu’s work gained international recognition. In 2025 alone, he received several honors, including the Japan International Young Agricultural Researcher Award, the African Planet Prize from the African Academy of Sciences, the Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture Special Award, the Innovation of the Year Award from the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Office, and the Best Enterprise Award for Lucy Enset.
Dr. Addisu’s journey shows how science rooted in local challenges can spark transformative change. By improving a traditional food system, he has strengthened food security, created economic opportunities, and inspired communities to build a more resilient future.
His story reminds us that innovation, when grounded in community needs, can truly change lives.
ICGEB continues to support funding and training opportunities in the field through the B-INOC project to accelerate innovation, technology transfer, and development of microbial bioinoculants for resilient agricultural production and affordable food processing.
Our goal is to enhance food security in Africa and create economic opportunities by supporting capacity building initiatives, research, entrepreneurship, international collaborations and large scale upward initiatives. The project is supported by the Italian Ministry for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) under the Mattei Plan for Africa.
For further information:
ICGEB Research Grants – CRP & Fellowship Programmes
Tel: +39-040-3757382
Email: [email protected]
