2023 CHAMPS Network Meeting Brings Together Scientific Experts and Prestigious Health Leaders

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Child mortality remains a pressing global health challenge, with 5 million children around the world dying in 2021 alone. About 8 in 10 child deaths occur in just two regions, sub-Saharan Africa (58%) and South Asia (26%) (UNICEF,2021). Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) is a multi-year, multi-country effort to generate specific information on causes of stillbirths and child deaths and provide timely and accurate data for programs designed to improve child survival.

On March 13-17, 2023, scientific experts from CHAMPS and global health leaders met in Addis Ababa, bringing together over 160 participants from 14 countries to discuss findings from CHAMPS and identify new strategies in the fight to reduce global child mortality.

“Identifying causes of mortality is a critical step for designing the right interventions,” said Her Excellency, Dr. Lia Tadesse Gebremedhin, Minister of Health of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, in an interview following the opening session. “As a country, we have been trying to implement maternal and newborn health surveillance and response at a national level, which usually uses verbal autopsy and other methods. We are continuing to improve it, but programs like CHAMPS that can concretely identify the real cause of death through minimally invasive tests are instrumental for us to design the correct interventions, especially for preventable deaths.”

Several other Ethiopian dignitaries attended the CHAMPS network meeting opening sessions, including Haramaya University Administration and Students Affairs Vice President Professor Jaylan Welse, Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Lead Executive of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Dr. Meseret Zelalem, and Dr. Mesay Hailu, Director General of the Ethiopian Public Health Institute. These distinguished leaders welcomed the attendees to Addis Ababa and shared their enthusiasm for this convening in Ethiopia.

“Children are dying from preventable health conditions including malnutrition, pneumonia, sepsis and other related health conditions. To avert these deaths, we are actively sharing data from CHAMPS Ethiopia at all levels,” said Principal Investigator for CHAMPS Ethiopia, Nega Assefa, Professor of Maternal and Child Health at Haramaya University in Harar. “We are identifying serious problems affecting the health of children and pregnant women. Most importantly, we are finding poor nutrition as a background factor, including a need for more folate in the diet to prevent serious birth defects.”

Ethiopian health researchers are conducting CHAMPS in three districts of Oromia and Harari regions in Eastern Ethiopia, alongside sites in six other countries in Africa and South Asia.

Dr. Raji Tajudeen, Head, Public Health Institutes & Research at Africa Centre for Disease Control (ACDC), also attended the meeting. ACDC is a specialized technical institution of the African Union that supports policy development across all African member states to detect, prevent and timely respond to disease threats. Dr. Tajudeen acknowledged the importance of CHAMPS work in addressing childhood diseases and causes of death, saying, “CHAMPS data are critical to the ACDC in that they provide new insight on causes of child mortality that helps us guide policy formulation on maternal and child health. The specificity of CHAMPS data helps us to understand exact causes of child deaths and puts a spotlight on child health priorities. In addition, the CHAMPS platform and the expertise within CHAMPS are helping with workforce development on the continent.”

“When we examine results from all our CHAMPS sites, we find a large burden of stillbirths and deaths in babies shortly after births that are a result of complications of the pregnancy or delivery. In many cases, better healthcare for pregnant women would have led to the birth of healthy babies,” said Dr. Cynthia Whitney, Executive Director for CHAMPS. “We are also finding that infections cause many deaths in babies born too early and in infants and children who suffer from poor nutrition; many of these infections are resistant to commonly used antibiotics. Our goal is to make sure those who shape health programs and policies are aware of what we are learning.”

The event in Addis Ababa featured a series of presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions covering a range of topics, including:

• Mobilizing CHAMPS findings into actions that save lives
• Identifying and addressing the excess burden of neural tube defects in Ethiopia
• Improving quality of care for children and infants in primary care clinics and hospitals
• Implementing interventions to address malnutrition
• Conducting social autopsies and sharing cause of death findings with families who have lost children
• Using the CHAMPS platform to conduct scientific studies

Interested parties are encouraged to visit the CHAMPS website to learn more about CHAMPS’ activities in Ethiopia and across sites in Africa and South Asia.

About CHAMPS: Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) is a global surveillance network that generates and shares accurate cause of death data on child mortality. Born of a need to better understand the definitive causes of child mortality in places where it is highest, CHAMPS identifies definitive causes of stillbirths and child deaths through community engagement, mortality surveillance, diagnostic and laboratory innovation, and rapid, open access to data. These CHAMPS data are being used by countries to inform public health policies and drive evidence-based interventions that save child’s lives.

Haramaya University signs memorandum of understanding with Moi University, Kenya for partnership in tourism and service sector development.

Moi University is the second Public University in Kenya established in 1984. It is one of the pioneer universities in the field of tourism (with more than 30 years of experience). The University has been undertaking undergraduate degree programs in tourism and hospitality studies since 1992; Masters Programs since 2002 and PhD programs since 2005. Currently the university running 3 undergraduate, 2 Masters and 2 PhD programs in tourism and Hospitality management fields.

The two intuitions agreed to collaboratively carryout education, research, and development programs; staff and students’ exchange; as well as mobilization resources and funds from third parties.

The collaboration is believed to serve as a milestone for Haramaya University’s extensive plan for research and community engagement in tourism sector in the Eastern part of Ethiopia.

Haramaya University Public and International Relations Directorate

#Congratulations!

East African Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences nationally accredited.

It is the fifth journal hosted by Haramaya University to be accredited at the national level. All our journals are accredited at the national level. This is a huge achievement for our university.

This is the result of hard work and dedication from the editorial board members of the journal, authors, reviewers, and university management.

Congratulations for our achievement!

Chanyalew Seyoum Aweke (PhD)

Director for Research Extension and Publication

Haramaya University, Ethiopia

Haramaya University has signed a bilateral agreement with the British Council in Ethiopia to launch an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) testing centre on Haramaya University’s main campus.

Haramaya University has formed a partnership with the British Council in Ethiopia to establish an IELTS testing centre on Haramaya University’s main campus. As a result of this decision, a bilateral agreement between Haramaya University and the British Council in Ethiopia was signed on December 15, 2022 in the presence of Haramaya University’s President Dr. Jemal Yousuf.

The English Language Improvement Centre (ELIC) coordinator, Mr. Melkamu Alemu stated that: “the establishment of an IELTS testing centre at Haramaya University will be of great benefit to Haramaya University staff and students, as well as all aspiring IELTS candidates in Eastern Ethiopia, since they will now be able to take the test close to home without incurring the additional travel and accommodation costs that a trip to Addis Ababa entails.” He added, “Haramaya University’s ELIC is committed to providing complimentary IELTS familiarization training to all local IELTS candidates in order to motivate them to score as well as possible so that they can pursue educational opportunities worldwide.”

The academic IELTS test will be offered at Haramaya University for the first time on June 3, 2023 and registration is already underway.

For more information contact ELIC coordinator Mr. Melkamu Alemu at 0913 252210 OR Eyuel Tsegaye 0983 853756

HU Public & International Relations Directorate

The Haramaya University College of Law, in collaboration with USAID, conducted a training of trainers (ToT) on National Dialogue to Student Union Leaders of Eastern Ethiopian Universities.

The aim of the training was to create awareness for youth about inclusive national dialogue.

According to Haramaya University Administration and Student Affairs Vice-President, Professor Jeylan Woliye, inclusive national dialogue will have a positive contribution for Ethiopian social, economic and political transformation. For this reason, youth and other community members have to understand the main mission of this national dialogue and are expected to contribute their share for its success.

Professor Jeylan further added that the training was arranged to get youth participation on enhancing effectiveness of the national dialogue as a peace building and conflict resolution tool

Dr. Catherine added that all stake holders have a share in the national dialogue process, and the process needs to be inclusive– both elites and social leaders have to participate actively in the process.

Haramaya University College of Law Associate Dean, Mr. Delil Workicho, said that the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission is working on awareness creation activities, and they are supporting this endeavour by engaging in capacity building training of youth leaders, especially university student union leaders.

Mr. Delil said that, “we have a lot to do concerning public awareness, communication and trust building. We all must build a good foundation for the national dialogue process. We need to engage governmental as well as non-governmental organizations to provide capacity building and mobilize resources for the process.” Haramaya University and USAID collaboratively gave the capacity building training of trainers for student union leaders focusing on national dialogue.

Participants of Haramaya, Dire Dawa and Jigjiga University student union leaders explained that they received an excellent understanding on how can they play their part for the success of the national dialogue process.

The participants will next cascade the training down to their respective universities by giving awareness creation trainings for different student clubs.  They are energized to give awareness trainings for youth to contribute their share for the success of the national dialogue process and the future of Ethiopia’s peace and development.

Reporter: Demoz Yaqob

Photographer: Tewodros Lishan

The Haramaya University College of Law Selected to Participate in the Ethiopian National Moot Court Competition to be held at Debre Markos University from April 28- 30, 2023.

The Haramaya University College of Law has been selected to participate in the final oral rounds of the Ethiopian National Moot Court Competition to be held at Debre Markos University from April 28 – 30, 2023.

The competition is hosted and sponsored in part by: Debre Markos University, the FDRE Justice and Law Institute, and the Ethiopian Law Schools Consortium.

The initial selection of participants was done based upon the submission of written memorials, which outlines the legal arguments and analysis the students will make in the oral rounds. Only eight ( law schools in the country were selected to participate in the final oral rounds, which was done based on the quality of the research and writing of the memorials.

This year’s competition focuses on complex legal issues concerning international investment and international tax treaties. Specifically, the competition involves a case concerning the taxation of international corporations and the mechanisms of resolving investor-state disputes in international arbitral tribunals.

The College of Law team consists of three outstanding students- Hiwot Ejigu Birhanu, Ruth Samuel Girma and Ayantu Adugna Dechasa- along with their coach, Mr. Ahmed Kemal Husen. They have been working diligently over the past few months to prepare for this prestigious competition and maintain the legacy of excellence that the College of Law has upheld in previous competitions.

The Haramaya University College of Law has had remarkable success in both national and international competitions, and having won previous Ethiopian national moot court competitions, it is expected that the team will bring home the trophy once again.

We wish them the best of luck!

Haramaya University Public & International Relations Directorate

28 April 2023

Training of Trainers on Youth Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development Conducted for Embedded Research Translation Partners

Training of Trainers (ToTs) on Youth Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development for Embedded Research Translation (ERT) partners was conducted in Miesso Woreda on 28-29 April 2023.

The training was organized by the Haramaya University LASER PULSE team with the major objective of building the capacity of ERT partners. Local research partners from Chinaksen, Midega Tola, Miesso and Gumbi Bordede Woredas participated.

The Principal Investigator of the LASER PULSE project at Haramaya University, Dr. Muluken Gezahegn, made an introduction to the ‘Youth Training Manual’ prepared by the LASER PULSE team. He provided the background, objectives, and content of the training.

Harmaya University staff, Mr. Mustefa Mohammed, covered the basic concepts of entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial mindset, characteristics and skills of entrepreneurs, unleashing entrepreneurial capabilities, and barriers to entrepreneurship development. He also provided individual and group assignments to foster group discussion, horizontal learning, and active engagement of the trainees.

In addition, Mr. Mustefa covered issues such as agribusiness idea generation and problem validation, business model canvas, product development and product management, marketing and sales, and financial management. There were a series of group activities and reflections as well.

Finally, the trainees were awarded a certificate of recognition by Miesso Woreda Office of Agriculture Head, Mr. Adinan Ahmed, H.E. Dr. Elias Ahmed, Member of Parliament, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia House of People’s Representatives, and Mr. Mustefa Mohammed, the Master Trainer.

The project team members thanked institutions and individuals for the successful accomplishment of the Training of Trainers.

This training was made possible through a research grant obtained from LASER PULSE (Purdue University).

Haramaya University Public and International Relations Directorate

Youth Empowerment through Livelihood Transformation in Agro-Pastoral Areas

Validation Workshop for the Project “Youth Empowerment through Livelihood Transformation in Agro-Pastoral Areas of East and West Hararghe Zones, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia” Conducted on 27th April 2023 in Miesso Woreda Agriculture and Rural Development Office.

The workshop was intended to bring together all the local research translation partners from the four intervention Woredas – Chinaksen, Midega Tola, Miesso, and Gumbi Bordede – to discuss the project progresses, share research outputs and research translated products developed based on secondary data and primary data analysis.

During the workshop, Mr. Adinan Ahmed, Miesso Woreda Agriculture Office Head, delivered a welcoming remark to the participants and appreciated the organizers for bringing together all the stakeholders involved in the research process.

Delegates making a welcoming remark

Mr. Abrahim Sule, on behalf of the Woreda administration, also welcomed the participants and highlighted the importance of projects focusing on youth livelihoods. Com. Abbu, also mentioned his team’s preparedness to provide all the needed security assistance and wished for a fruitful deliberation during the workshop.

 Dr. Muluken

The Principal Investigator of the LASER PULSE project at Haramaya University, Dr. Muluken Gezahegn, introduced the agenda and purpose of the workshop. He indicated that the workshop was aimed at validating the research outcomes and paving the way for further collaboration and joint interventions to transform youth livelihoods.

Opening remark by H.E. Dr. Elias Ahmed, Member of Parliament of the FDRE

An opening remark was made by H.E. Dr. Elias Ahmed, Member of Parliament of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. As a policy partner in this project, Dr. Elias stressed the importance of the project in uncovering youth aspirations in an agro-pastoral context, barriers facing the youth in participating in development interventions, and the need to design and implement capacity-building projects targeting youth livelihood transformations by the government, NGOs and other development partners.

After the opening remark, Dr. Getachew Shambel, Primary Co-PI of the project, facilitated the presentation of desk review results on agro-pastoral youth aspirations, opportunities and barriers. There were posters displayed for the participants to go through during the coffee/tea break. This was an interactive session where participants raised some issues based on the posters and briefings were provided by the research team.

The results based on primary data analysis and training needs assessment (TNA) were presented by Dr. Muluken Gezahegn. He focused on the key activities performed and milestones achieved during the project implementation. He also highlighted how the embedded research translation (ERT) approach was utilized in the project to bring about multi-stakeholder engagement and collaboration to realize research outputs and research translated products.

Dr. Muluken shared the evidence briefs, discussion papers, articles, datasets and other outputs with the participants. He also mentioned the presentation of the LASER PULSE experience in Benin, Addis Ababa, and Kampala.

Key translation partners and stakeholders attending the validation workshop

After the presentation, group discussion on the desk review results and outputs obtained through primary data analysis was held.

Finally, Mr. Abrahim Sule, on behalf of the Woreda administration, delivered a closing remark highlighting the need to continue the partnership to generate research-informed evidence for decision-making on the design, implementation, M&E of youth livelihood transformation projects and interventions.

Haramaya University Public and International Relations Directorate

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Haramaya University Reduces Worries of Farmers in the Community.

On May 17, 2023, Haramaya University office of the Research Affairs distributed 1421 Quintals of Seeds to 16 Woredas and one City administration in East Hararghe Zone and Harari Region.

The distribution ceremony held in main campus was attended by Dr. Tesfaye Lema, vice president for research affairs, Mr. Getahun Nigatu, East Hararghe aone agriculture bureau head, Woreda agriculture bureau and Harari region representatives.

As explained at distribution ceremony, Haramaya University has been disseminating different improved technologies that can improve livelihood of the farmers. The improved varieties of different crops are among the technologies which aim to improve the lives of the needy farmers who are not able to afford the seed. The improved technology is also supposed to facilitate the agricultural Transformation in the community.

At the occasion, Dr. Tesfaye Lema, said that the University has distribute about 1421 quintals of improved crop seeds for needy farmers in 16 Woredas and one city administration of East Hararghe Zone, and in Harari region with the aim of improving production and productivity and ensuring nutritional security at urban and rural at households level. Among the distributed products are about four crop types and ten varieties produced for the distribution purpose. That includes Potato (Bubu and Gudane), Wheat (Jalane), Maize (Melkasa-4) and common bean. The seed distribution can address 6,873 households. The overall estimation cost is about 5,076,600 Birr.

Appreciating Haramaya Universities for its commitment to support the community, Mr.Getahun Nigatu, head of east Hararghe zone agricultural bureau, in his turn, said that Haramaya University distributed improved seeds for the needy farmers in our zone today as the usual and the university is playing a significant role to changing the farmers and the community livelihood as well as to insure food security. For the success of the intended achievement, the office will not hesitate to provide the necessary technical support and follow up support, added Mr. Getahun.

The beneficiary farmers also expressed their gratitude for the University. For instance, Eftu Hassen Abdo, Gemeda Mumed said that they were worried about the seeds for their farmland but now, thanks to Haramaya University, it reduced their worries by giving them technologically improved seeds.

By: Aweke Ayalneh

Camera: Fuad Ahmed

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Performance Review Meeting on Agriculture Held

Agricultural Transformation in Oromia (ATO) Eastern Cluster annual meeting was held on May 24, 2023 at Haramaya University Resource Center.

The East Oromia Agricultural Transformation Cluster discussed on the implementation of last year’s plan and the 2015/16 plan.

It is said that the plan issued at the regional level should take into account the actual situation of each area.

Haramaya University Research Vice President, Dr. Tesefeye Lemma, said in his opening speech that it has been three years since the University started implementing the agricultural transformation by creating strong relationships with the universities, agricultural research institutes, and agricultural offices at all levels and non-governmental development organizations in the Eastern Oromia Agricultural Transformation Cluster.

Dr. Tesfaye added that by working together, the University is actually seeing the results of its work. In cooperation with the zonal and district agriculture offices, especially in Meta, Kunbi, Meyu Mulike, Gole Oda, Babile and Gursum districts Haramaya University organized farmers in clusters for quality seeds production.

This year Haramaya University has provided improve agricultural technologies and capacity building trainings including follow up support and monitoring in the process. Many farmers have been able to produce the best seeds and wheat for food on 1000 hectares of land.

Dr. Tesfaye stated that Haramaya University is in the process of launching the initiative of ‘Ye Lemat Turufat’ (የሌማት ትሩፋት) which includes technology-supported and knowledge-led six projects in milk, cattle fattening, poultry breeding and animal feed were identified by the initiative.

Haramaya University, as a national center of excellence in agriculture, is making preparation to provide knowledge- and research-based support to the initiative in eastern Ethiopia focusing on poultry, apiculture, fattening, dairy, and animal feed as crosscutting issues, it was indicated.

The Oromia Agriculture Transformation Plan prepared in the Oromia Regional State was presented by the coordinator, Dr. Samuel Tufa, and discussion held. During the discussion participants suggested that the plans issued at the regional level should be considered and planned according to the actual situation of the zonal or local areas.

East and West Hararghe Agriculture offices presented a report on the implementation of the nine-month plan and discussion was made on it.

On the discussion session, participants suggested that since the initiative is flexible, the priority issues should be identified according to the local context; and the East Oromia Agricultural Transformation Cluster should come up with its own plan. For example, sorghum, corn, and fish farming are jobs that can change the lives of farmers in East and West Hararge Zone, so they should be given attention and extensive work should be done, they stressed.

West Hararghe Zone Administrator, Mrs. Ikram Taha, in her speech indicated that the transformation plan was released by the Oromia Region for 2023/24, and East Oromia Agricultural Transformation cluster should identify those priorities to the area and draft their own plans in a short period of time.

Representatives of eastern and western Hararghe administrations, agricultural offices, Fadis and Mechara agricultural research centers, Oda bultum and Haramaya universities, representatives of non-governmental institutions working in the field were participated in the meeting.

By: Shemsedin Mohammed

Photographer: Tewdros Lishan

HU PIRD

Hararghe Health Research laboratory got accredited

The Hararghe Health Research (HHR) laboratory, located in Haramaya University College of Health and Medical Sciences, has been accredited for ISO/IEC 15189:2012.

This is a major achievement for the laboratory, which is one of only five in Ethiopia to be accredited to this standard.

The accreditation process was rigorous and involved a comprehensive assessment of the laboratory’s operations and procedures. The assessors were impressed with the laboratory’s commitment to quality and its high standards of practice.

The accreditation of the HHR laboratory is a significant milestone for the university and for the country. It demonstrates the university’s commitment to excellence in research and its ability to deliver world-class healthcare services.

The accreditation will also help to raise the profile of the HHR laboratory and attract more research funding. This will ultimately benefit the people of Ethiopia by helping to improve healthcare outcomes and reduce child mortality.

Professor Nega Assefa PI of CHAMPS Ethiopia project explained the HHR laboratory accreditation increased visibility and trust in the work that is being done in this laboratory. It could be a starting point for the process of getting international accreditation and attract more research funding for improved healthcare outcomes and reduced child mortality.

By:- Mariyamcher Ayalew

Photographer:- Behailu Girma

College of Social Science and Humanities (CSSH) Conducted In-house Curriculum Review Workshop

Haramaya University College of Social Science and Humanities (CSSH) Conducted In-house Curriculum Review Workshop to review and enhance the draft curriculum for launching a new PhD program in Sociology with two streams: Urban Sociology and Development Sociology on June 12, 2023 at Resource Center.

Dr. Adinew Tadesse, dean of College of Social Sciences and Humanities on his welcoming speech stated that the College currently offers six doctorate programs, nine master’s programs, and ten undergraduate programs, but still plans to increase and diversify its postgraduate offerings in line with HU’s distinction as one of Ethiopia’s research and postgraduate universities. In order to do this, he pointed out that the curriculum for the PhD program in Sociology was created after thorough need analyses were conducted at multiple institutions to ensure the program is distinct and demand-driven.

Dr. Adinew also said that the College organized the in-house curriculum review workshop as a platform for professionals to evaluate and enrich the draft curriculum for the program before presenting it to the next level.

Professor Jeylan Woliye, Vice President for Administration and Student Affairs, opened the workshop by expressing appreciation for the College’s intention to launch a multi-streamed PhD in Sociology and stating that the initiative aligns with the university’s vision, mission, and strategic goals of becoming an accomplished research and postgraduate university. Professor Jeylan stated that Ethiopia needs sociologists with a high level of nuance who can have a stronger impact on decisions made at all levels, including as practitioners and policymakers. He emphasized the significance of the workshop and encouraged the reviewers and workshop attendees to offer constructive criticism on the proposed curriculum’s quality, implement ability, continuity, and sustainability.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Feyera Dinsa, Director of Postgraduate Programs Directorate, thanked the CSSH, the Department of Sociology, and the curriculum designers for initiating the program, as well as the reviewers and all workshop participants for providing constructive feedback on the draft curriculum.

Dr. Feyera also expressed that PhD in Sociology is a highly demanded area of study and recommended its lunching as soon as possible.

Finally he advised the curriculum designers to revise the curriculum based on the comments and suggestions raised at the workshop and prepare it for the national review workshop as soon as possible.

By: – Shemsedin Mohammed Aliyi

Photographer: – Tewodros Lishan

HU PUblic & International Relations Directorate

Haramaya University conducted its 40th Annual Research Extension and Community Engagement Review Workshop on June 15-16, 2023, at Haramaya University’s Afran Qalo Hall. The workshop theme was “Enhancing the Research Impact through Community Engagement and Partnership.”

During the opening, Professor Mengistu Urge, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, presented a speech, indicating that the workshop focused on presenting and evaluating research and extension works carried out by the university in agriculture and animals, health, nature and ecology, social science and business, and technology. He also added that Haramaya University has generated promising results by conducting several research projects in agriculture, animal science, community health, soil and water conservation, and delivering them to the community. The university’s research shows that their efforts to solve society’s problems by generating knowledge are effective.

Dr. Tesfaye Lema, the Vice President of Research Affairs, in his speech stating the workshop’s importance in evaluating the research and community service works done every year and setting the next focus for local communities, governmental and non-governmental stakeholders. He mentioned that higher education institutions’ missions are to carry out quality research and deliver it to the user community, and the workshop provided a platform for evaluating results and gain feedback. Dr. Tesfaye added that the university provides research technologies to the community through farmer training, model farmers’ fields, cooperatives, youth, and women’s centers, delivering improved crops, vegetables, and 19 animal feed species and technological results to the farmers.

The report presented at the conference indicated that Haramaya University is carrying out various research activities working on improved animal breeding technology, crops, natural resource protection, and post-harvest management. They also designed and implemented 296 research projects in the six areas of focus. Among the significant projects are the development of agriculture and animal resources, health, social science and business, as well as the fields of education and behavior.

According to Dr. Yisak Yusuf, Vice President of Community Engagement and Enterprise Development, Haramaya University works together with its partners and its own capacity to solve problems that challenge society’s life. They coordinate with partners actively working on environmental protection, education, health, job creation, and providing access to education, educational materials, and training to schools in the area. He explained that the University is still providing free legal services to citizens at 43 centers at Harari region, in East and West Hararghe zones of Oromia region.

The workshop noted a remarkable progress in research relevance and community impact. Major challenges were discussed, and solutions were suggested. Extensive discussions were held on the research works presented and stated the remarkable improvement made in the relevance of research and its impact on society. Furthermore, an exhibition showcasing the activities, innovations, products, and services carried out by the university, technical and vocational education and training, and the private sector was prepared.

At the conclusion of the 40th Annual Research and Community Service Conference, the Vice President of the Research Affairs Office presented a recognition award to Haramaya University employees who contributed significantly to the efforts to cultivate summer wheat in Eastern Ethiopia.

Haramaya University Vice President of Administration and Student Affairs, Prof. Jeylan Waliyi, stated that recognizing employees who achieved results with their own efforts will increase their motivation.

The workshop was attended by government organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), federal and regional research institutes, universities teachers, researchers, farmers’ associations, representatives of Technical and Vocational and Training (TVET) Colleges, community representatives including Aba Geda and religious leaders.

By:- Shemsedin Mohammed

Photographers:- Tewodros Lishan and Foad Ahmed Ali

PIRD

Haramaya University College of Social Sciences and Humanities held a Validation workshop on peace and development project activities on June 19, 2023.

While nine research papers were presented in the workshop, the University’s higher management, Social Science College stuff, PhD students, and other invited guests attended the workshop.

Professor Mengistu Urge, vice president for Academic affairs, said in his welcome speech that Africa has a relatively low number of skilled experts in peace and development studies as compared to many other countries. Therefore, we need experts and researchers who are skilled in this field.

To bring this true, the collaborative capacity building project is an important and well-taught project to enhance intellectuals and professionals in the highly needed area of peace and development in Africa. Realizing the need for experts and researchers who are correctly skilled in conflict resolution, peace building, and development, Addis Ababa and Haramaya Universities have made a considerable effort and developed curricula that have made a significant contribution to enhancing professionals in this field, expanded the horizon of peace research, and laid the foundation for evidence-based strategy formulation that can assist in reducing conflict in Ethiopia and the region, according to Professor Mengistu.

Professor Mengistu also added that one of the objectives of the project is to develop research capacity in collaborating Universities by providing financial and training support for PhD students and post-doc peace and security researchers. One of the serious problems we have in PhD training in Ethiopia at all of the Universities is the small amount of funding available for research. As a result, PhD students waste much of their time searching for additional funding, and the collaboration project enables students to generate quality data, thereby building their confidence to write a manuscript that can be published in more reputable journals.

Dr. Tesfaye Lema, vice president for research affairs, explained in his workshop opening remarks that the project has been supported by the United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) fund in partnership with the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA). Haramaya and Addis Ababa Universities from Ethiopia are implementing the project, along with Universities from Somaliland, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and Cameroon. The partnership arrangement, which represents South-South-North, is very good as it enables the creation of synergy and facilitates experience sharing while maintaining contextual relevance. The contextualization of the research and its application is crucial since local dynamics matter a lot in better understanding and supporting the peace building process at the grassroots level.

Professor Jeylan Wolyie vice president for administration and students affair at his validation workshop closing speech said that the validation workshop is expected to offer our researchers and learners of research genuine, constructive, informative and educative feedback. I hope and trust that the validation workshop has provided the target groups eye-opening and sprit-lifting inputs for their future improvements, and it has created an effective platform for divers stakeholders, including project coordinators managers and researchers, to exchange their experience, concerns, views and perspectives on what should be done to increase the quality, rigour and above all, practical relevance of their research activities, and I also hope that the validation workshop has created an immense opportunity for researchers to identify their weaknesses and strengths, said professor Jeylan.

Dr. Adinew Tadese, Dean of Social Science and Humanities College, explained that the current workshop is the second workshop in this year and aims to validate the peace and development project activities, as well as nine research works done by the PhD students presented and reflections forwarded by the participants of the workshop.

The project started two years ago, and it has provided financial and training support for Peace and development PhD students, eleven students in a year get financial support for their research work focused on peace and security. Because of its importance in reducing the problem of PhD students about the small amount of financial allocation for research activities, the project has a chance to renew in a new phase, according to Dr. Adinew.

By: Aweke Ayalneh

Camera: Fuad Ahmed

National Curricula Review Workshop Conducted

Haramaya Institute of Technology conducted a national curricula review workshop on June 22, 2023.

The curricula review workshop was held to revise three existing postgraduate programs, two existing PhD programs (Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, and Soil and Water Conservation Engineering) and one existing MSc program (Soil and Water Conservation Engineering).

Director of the Academic Programs Directorate of Haramaya University, Dr. Yilfashewa Seyoum, in his opening speech said that we have the responsibility of constantly design and update programs with a logical and coherent approach. Therefore, expanding academic programs without ensuring their relevance and quality cannot ensure economic growth and the desired social changes. As a result, the efficiency, effectiveness, appropriateness, and quality of these programs have become increasingly concerned among all stakeholders of the university. The involvement of external evaluators plays a vital role in the process of designing new programs and revising existing ones, he said.

Dr. Yilfashewa added it is expected that during this workshop the provision of resources including human resources and facilities, and the alignment of the program with the results of the needs assessment, will be discussed. The revised programs were assessed whether they are demand-based, feasible, and aligned with the university’s vision and mission.

In his welcoming remark, the Associate Director for Postgraduate, Research, and Publication of the Haramaya Institute of Technology, Dr. Abdisa Jabesa, said it is necessary to introduce new programs in accordance with the country’s higher education policy and regularly evaluate the existing programs to produce quality graduates in various fields. Therefore, as one of the research universities in the country, Haramaya University is expanding its graduate programs to conduct high-quality research and engage in community services.

In connection with this, Haramaya Institute of Technology is working to increase its academic, research, and community participation capabilities to achieve its vision of becoming one of the three top IOTs in Ethiopia by 2030. He explained that it is currently running ten undergraduate programs, 12 MSc programs, and four PhD programs.

In addition to this, recently three MSc programs were approved by the university and the university management board and we are preparing to start the programs in the coming academic year, which has increased the number of MSc programs from 12 to 15, Dr. Abdisa said.

Dr. Abdisa added that the MSc in Soil and Water Conservation Engineering program was started in 1997 and updated in 2018. The two PhD programs were started in 2010 and revised in 2015. Therefore, the curriculum needs to be revised regularly, and now it is the time to revise these curricula.

On behalf of the institute, Dr. Abdisa thanked and appreciated the willingness of the external reviewers who came to Haramaya University to give their constructive comments and suggestions to enrich the programs and also appreciate the organizers and facilitators of this review workshop and the participants.

The national workshop was attended by external reviewers from Adama Science and Technology, Hawassa, and Debre Berhan Universities and staff of Haramaya University.

Reporter: – Shemsedin Mohammed

Photographer: – Tewodros Lishan

HU Public and International Relations Directorate

June 23, 2023