Addis_Welcome


 * Sustainable intensification of crop-livestock systems to improve food security and farm income diversification in the Ethiopian highlands **
 * Project Design Workshop **
 * 30 January - 2 February 2012, Addis Ababa Ethiopia **

**Welcome session**

This workshop provides an opportunity for a broad group of important stakeholders to both learn about the project plans and to share their views on expectations from and opportunities for synergies with the project (days 1 and 2) and for the core project team to finalize the project details (days 3 and 4).


 * Dr. Rob (Bertram) USAid address**:
 * Sustainable intensification is a key aspect of the 'Feed the Future' strategy;
 * It frames research and development agenda;
 * It is complex because very integrative, is related to farmers' and businesses' decisions;
 * A lot has changed in farming systems: new tools (GIS, ICT, mobile phones) and also a changed context in terms of the investments by donors;
 * The Ethiopian highlands are a very important system - off which 16 million people live. Ethiopia has taken a lead in the CAADP process and we're happy to work in this country too;
 * There is a tremendous wealth of knowledge available - it includes our national partners, regional groups, AID partners, CG centers, private sectors and NGOs, other donors etc.
 * Thank you to all and to Peter for his work across the three workshops.


 * Adefris Teklewold, EIAR**
 * Welcome to Ethiopia and apologies from m. Solomon Assefa;
 * It's the first time that we are fully involved in the development of such a program;
 * Sustainable intensification is crucial in our work and we deem this program very important;
 * We are partnering with various CG centers (ILRI, CIMMYT, ICRISAT etc.);
 * Thank you for the US Government and people for this interest in Ethiopia;


 * Dr. Shirley Tarawali, ILRI**
 * Thank you to CIMMYT, ICARDA, ICRISAT, IFPRI, IWMI and ILRI for this joint work;
 * We hope you will find this a rewarding investment of your time;
 * Our task is to make sure that this project contributes to the livelihood dimension of the people we work for and that we do good research combined with major development efforts;
 * Globally, in Ethiopia, crop-livestock systems are one of the major challenges. On behalf of the centers who have cooperated, we welcome you and wish you every success;


 * Dr. Edmalem, Ministry of Agriculture**
 * In relation with CAADP, Ethiopia has committed to 6% growth and 10% increased investment in agriculture;
 * Our strategy options for pro-poor growth: provide appropriate support to policies and strategies.
 * 4 options: improving natural resource management, rural infrastructure/market access and trade capacities, food security and disaster risk management, improving the agricultural research and development system;
 * This project is a great opportunity to bring together various actors and to fill gaps at research and development level;
 * Thank you all for participating - have a very successful workshop.