Adventure In Ethiopia: One Phone To Rule Them All

Today was the first of presentations at the International Conference of Post-Harvest Management & Technology for Food Security. The timing was perfect since Suzie and I have gotten settled and are looking for some perspective as to our role in the PHMIL project. There is an eclectic group of conference attendees on JUCAVM campus this week. Some of our professors from NSAC, professors from McGill, Dalhousie, UC Davies, Industry Represenatitves and Entrepreneurs from all over Ethiopia, and researchers from India and across the world.

A page of discussed Post-Harvest topics could be listed, but some included handling techniques, processing for value-added products, economic impacts and influences, and bio-technologies. What struck me most was the statistics regarding Post-Harvest losses of some foods. Some reported losses of upto 20% from crop harvest to reaching the consumer. These are huge numbers and seem particularly relevant given the recent population estimate of 7 billion humans on Earth. In some cases, lecturers argued that Post-Harvest management may be as cost-effective (if not more) as pre-planting strategies such as genetic work and pesticide research. The conference will continue through Thursday so Suzie will delve deeper into the details soon.

In other news, I’ve acquired my first cell phone. Those that know me might appreciate my long time resistance to the mobile world, though it is (understandably) useful for safety and communication. Suzie has taken a great joy in seeing me fumble and curse through menus trying to set alarms, add contacts and other cell-phone related tasks that I’ve avoided until now. Also, most people in Ethiopia have the same ringtone so I feel like a fool frantically digging through my backpack or pockets only to discover the call is for someone across the street. You’d be over-estimating my abilities if you think

I have the first clue as to how to change the ringtone. I feel like I can relate to the burden carried by Frodo and Samwise to Mordor.

We had quite the cultural experience this Saturday night past. The Champions League Final (football or soccer depending where you’re reading this) was shown outdoors due to an overflow of people in the Student Lounge (which was holding at least 200). There was a huge crowd of people gathered around a TV outside, most of them very emotional Chelsea fans. Some tied up their sweaters over their face or hid behind trees as Bayern took their penalties. It was hilarious to see how excited they were. The crowd was as loud as a rock concert and I received many a hug from total strangers when Chelsea took the cup. They love their football as much as Canadians love hockey.

Well, that’s all for now.

Ciao,

Manny

Comfy Seats at a JUCAVM Lecture Hall