YADAM Foundation and Soka University Collaborate on Nutrition Solutions
Novermber 20,2025
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — H.E. Demeke Mekonnen of the YADAM Foundation met with Prof. Shinjiro Sato from Japan’s Soka University to discuss a partnership addressing malnutrition in Ethiopia through innovative nutrition solutions. The collaboration seeks to transform the challenges posed by invasive water hyacinth into valuable resources for energy and nutrition, while also focusing on ecological restoration.
The discussions centered on establishing a formal agreement to pilot and scale an integrated approach that converts water hyacinth into agricultural inputs. The aim is to empower communities, restore ecosystems, and enhance public health by leveraging smart nutrition strategies. This initiative directly supports local food production systems, particularly benefiting those most vulnerable to malnutrition.
H.E. Demeke underscored the partnership’s strategic importance, highlighting how transforming an environmental challenge into a resource aligns with YADAM’s priorities. Meanwhile, Prof. Sato stressed the need for a solid research foundation to develop scalable, evidence-based solutions that address both ecosystem restoration and community nutrition. This collaboration marks a significant step toward creating sustainable solutions for malnutrition and ecological challenges in Ethiopia.
