Oda Bultum University (OBU) participated in the launch workshop of the project titled “Integrated Multi-Approach Towards Mycotoxin Control for Improved Food Security and Nutrition in Eastern Ethiopia (MYCONTROL-ET)”, held at Haramaya University from April 7–9, 2025.
MYCONTROL-ET, a two year academic partnership between Oda Bultum University, Haramaya University, and BOKU University (Austria), is funded by the Austrian Partnership Program in Higher Education and Research for Development (APPEAR). The goal of the project is to reduce mycotoxin contamination in staple crops like teff, peanuts, sorghum, and maize in four districts: Habro, Oda Bultum, Babile and Fadis.
OBU was represented by Dr. Amin Mohammed (co project leader), Mr. Sultan Usman (Dean, College of Agriculture), and Ms. Etsubdink Eyasu (Project Member). The event also brought together key stakeholders from local districts and partner institutions.
The workshop featured presentations from project leaders. Dr. Abdi Mohammed outlined the project’s objectives, which include engaging 160 households and 1,600 farmers through 19 targeted activities. Prof. Chibundu N. Ezekiel (project coordinator) of BOKU University highlighted the health risks of mycotoxin exposure, particularly liver cancer among women and children, and underscored the project’s focus on capacity building, research collaboration, and mycotoxin detection. Dr. Amin Mohammed emphasized the urgent need to raise public awareness of mycotoxin risks and presented the project’s dissemination strategy. He also summarized the opening day’s discussions.
The workshop concluded with a field visit to research sites in Babile woreda, where participants observed trials of improved peanut and sorghum varieties and explored local market dynamics.
Public and International Relation Executive Office