Capacity Building Training Conducted

A training on Human Right and International Human Right Standards training delivered to Haramaya University College of Law Free Legal Aid Service staff from June 20 -23, 2023.

The training was organized by Haramaya University in collaboration with Project Expedite Justice (PEJ).

The main objective of the training is to equip Free Legal Aid Service providing lawyers on the means and methods of fulfilling, respecting and enjoyment of human rights, to contribute to establishing rule of law and strong justice institution work with current international human right standards and to increase capacity to promote and protection of human right.

The training include basic and fundamental human right, the means and methods of fulfilling, respecting and enjoyment of human rights, the means of recording and documenting human right violation, positive action and measure needed to be taken by state and government to strength human right institution.

The relevance and importance of international criminal law, basic principle, source and objective of international criminal law, state responsibility and role of national institution on promoting and respecting international criminal law and international humanitarian law were also the other areas of focus.

On the training Haramaya University College of Law lecturers, free legal aid workers and other relevant stake holders including Ethiopian Human Right Commission’s staff and head of Ethiopian Human Right Commission of Jigjiga Office attended on the training.

On the closing remark, Dr. Yisak Yusuf, Vice President for Community Engagement and Enterprise Development, said that human right abuse is at an alarming stage at global level, particularly in Africa with sporadic conflict here and there. Women and children are the first victim of conflict and in such situation investigators which properly understand the basic principle, procedure and means of analyzing the violation of human right are necessary, he underlined.

Dr. Yisak appreciated legal aid providing lawyers who are serving community by providing effective legal aid advocacy service for the community and also thanked trainers of Project Expedite Justice (PEJ) for sharing their experience and knowledge for the participant by long distance and coming to Haramay University.

Among the trainees, Mr. Remedan Shame, Haramaya University College of Law Free Legal Aid Service Coordinator of Haramaya University, said that the training has a lot of advantage and benefit for the Free Legal Aid Service workers staff. It raises their level of understanding and equip them with sufficient knowledge which help them provide qualified services.

Another trainee, Mr. Mistire Meka, who is working as Haramaya University Free Legal Services Center of West Hararghe Zone High Court, said that the training strengths their understanding on human rights, develop strategies for studying and investigating human rights violations and documentation as well as how to prevent violation of human right and provide justice for human rights violations.

The other trainee legal aid worker of Haramaya University of Midaga Tola Woreda, Merga Mitiku, said that the training is very important and creates great motivation to serve their community with full courage in their human rights and work and requested the University to continue arranging similar training in the future so that they can upgrade their knowledge.

During the end of the training, Haramaya University College of Law Dean, Dr. Richard Wentzell, gave a directions for legal aid staff to ensure access to justice of vulnerable group of community, to work effectively and give qualified advocacy service for the community with commitments and dedications to realize objective of Free Legal Aid Service by respecting and upholding ethics and rule of law.

By፦ Shemsedin Mohammed

Photo፦ Tewodros Lishan

HU-PIRD

Department of Chemistry Conducts National Curriculum Review Workshop

Haramaya University College of Natural and Computational Sciences (CNCS), Department of Chemistry conducted national curricula review workshop on four PhD programs and one BSc program on June 30, 2023 at the University’s Resource Center.

The draft curricula of PhD in Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry and also one B.Sc. in Chemical Laboratory Technology reviewed.

Dean of College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Dr. Getachew Abebe, said curriculum development is a complex process, involving a number of considerations, procedures, principles, and steps, and a well planned process.

The Dean said the curriculum needs to serve as the roadmap to ensure integrated, coherent learning experiences of the learners that may contribute towards their personal, academic and professional development and the College works on the preparation of the curriculum needs to evaluate whether the curriculum under preparation will help the learners to achieve the intended learning competencies or not.

It was with these intentions in mind that the members of curriculum committee of the Department of Chemistry have been working on the development of these new curricula. The development process has passed through series of steps including paying need assessment visits to local universities and other relevant industries/stakeholder and preparation of the draft document.

During the opening of the workshop, Dr. Tesfaye Lemma, vice president for research affairs of Haramaya University, said that the national curriculum review workshop is essential to upholding the relevance of high quality of the academic programs.

Haramaya University bears the responsibility of consistently designing and updating programs through a logical and coherent approach. Expanding academic offerings without ensuring their relevance and quality cannot guarantee the desired social changes and economic development we strive for, the Vice President underscored. Consequently, there has been a growing concern among all stakeholders of the university regarding the efficiency, effectiveness, relevance, and quality of these programs, he added.

In the process of designing new programs and revising existing ones, the involvement of external reviewers plays a vital role. External reviewers bring their expertise and perspective to the table, providing fresh insights based on their knowledge and experience in the field. Their contributions are instrumental in maintaining the high worth and relevance of the curriculum, it was indicated.

During the course of this workshop, the focus will be on two significant points for discussion: the availability of resources, including manpower and facilities, and the alignment of the program with the results of the needs assessment. The objective is to assess the extent to which the new program is demand-driven, feasible, and aligns with the university’s vision and mission.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Feyera Dinsa, Director of the Postgraduate Programs Directorate, thanked the CNCS, the Department of Chemistry, 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.

Reporter :- Shemsedin Mohammed

Photographer:- Fuad Ahmed

HU Public and International Relations Directorate

ANNOUNCEMENT 2022 KA107 INCOMING ACADEMIC STAFF (SEPTEMBER 2023) (1)

Haramaya University (HU) graduated 4,909 students in various fields with bachelor’s, postgraduate, and Ph.D. degrees for the 68th time.

HU President Dr. Jemal Yusuf said that 4,909 students are graduated from various programs. i.e. Postgraduates Ph.D. 65, MSc/MA/MRd/MPH/LLM/ 769, Specialty 24, undergraduate 3,896, postgraduate Diploma and certificate 154 and a total of 4,909 .

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, HU President Jemal Yusuf (PhD) said that HU has been providing the nation with competent labour over the past 68 years through teaching, research, and community service.

This year’s graduates are expected to band together to use solidarity and togetherness to solve the nation’s problems. They should also use the knowledge and skills they have gained to create their own jobs for themselves and other citizens, he noted.

“Graduates should select the appropriate approach to advancing solutions for challenges because learning results in behavioural change in both the individual and the community as a whole. By utilizing the social information and skills they acquired while attending the university, they have a duty to elevate Ethiopia to the highest level.”

In his final message to the graduates, the president said that this year’s graduates should not only get a job or create a job and live their own lives but make a meaningful, generational contribution in the field they are engaged in.

“If you do this, the degree earned by you, the efforts of your teacher, and your family will have more meaning to achieve the development and progress of our country, and it will be much easier for us to move up to the middle-income status.”

The guest of honour and HU Deputy Board Chairperson Prof. Imana Getu in his keynote address said that “I entrust this year’s graduates to serve our people honestly and faithfully in the fields they have studied and eliminate the problems that our people have.”

In addition, he urged the graduate students to contribute their utmost share so that our country can be peaceful, and use its natural and human resources to reach a better stage, he added. Ethiopians require your genuine support, service, and labour.

As a result, the graduates must provide genuine and excellent services that would help other fellowships ensure Ethiopia’s resurrection. Mayor of Maya City Efrah Wazir (PhD) and Civil Service Commission Deputy Commissioner Simegn Wubie both attended the graduation ceremony. In addition, Alumni commemorated their 40th year in the program.

The graduates of Haramaya University (HU) said that the exit exam, which was organized for the first time at a national level, made them test their skills and knowledge.

Of the graduates who stayed with The Ethiopian Herald, Betelhem Hailye, a first-degree graduate student with a grade of 3.97 in Accounting and Finance, said, “I will work to bring about a better change by serving the public honestly in the profession I have studied in the country.”

She said: “I am committed to use the knowledge I have acquired to address problems the country has been experiencing as resolving financial issues is essential for the growth, stability, and unity of our country. Apart from the knowledge I acquired during my compass stay, the exit exam has enabled me to test my competency.”

According to Abush AbaYe, who scored 3.98 and graduated with a very great distinction, the exit exam from the outset caused a lot of fear and anxiety among students since it is new and given for the first time. Nevertheless, most of the students were able to pass the exit exam with a series of model and mock tests, counseling, and psychological preparation given to us by the university and our instructors.

“Besides, the exit exam helped us to rigorously review the lessons we have learned during our 4 year stay. It also helped us study not only for the exit exam but also to have enough knowledge, and this helps me to be competent, and self-confident in my future life,” he added.

Melkamu Sisay, a graduate of the Geography Information System (GIS) department, said he was happy to graduate with good results after a lot of hard work and effort. Especially, this year’s first exit exam preparation made him learn and ask a lot, and work together with his friends.

In the future, the Ministry of Education needs to provide adequate preparation time, common modules, and questions that assess students’ cognitive abilities as this will help achieve the objectives of exit exams, he explained.

Another graduate student, Samuel Arrarsa, underlined that although the exit exam was crucial for students to be competent citizens, it had given them hard time as it is overlapped with BA thesis and semester exams, which has potentially put some students under pressure.

HU has trained more than 122,000 students over the past 71 years and graduated with different skills that contributed a great deal to the effort geared towards producing competent citizenry. According to the information obtained from the university, 80 percent of HU students passed this year’s national exit exam.

Haramaya University Remedial Students Result

A delegate led by the president of Togdheer University of Somaliland Dr. Sheik Abdulbasid Abdinour Sh. Saeed and consisting of Mr. Ali Ashuur Hassan and Mr. Mustafe Kase Take as members of the delegates visited Haramaya University (HU) on August 18, 2023 to establish partnership in the areas of Academics, Research, and Community Engagement.

A team of HU led by Prof. Mengistu Urge Letta, Vice President for Academic Affairs of HU and delegate of the President Dr. Jemal Yousuf Hassen and comprising Dr. Feyera Dinsa Hundessa, Director of Postgraduate Program Directorate, and Mr. Mohammed Yuya Ebro, Coordinator of Partnership with Somaliland Universities warmly welcomed the delegate.

In the discussion made in the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs of HU, members of the delegate expressed that creating strong partnership with the prestigious Haramaya University is in the long-term interest of their university.

The team members of HU also expressed HU’s keen interest in establishing strong partnership with Somaliland Universities and beyond. Prof. Mengistu emphasized that HU always believes in partnership and it has already established a number of such endeavors locally, nationally, regionally, and globally, among which the current partnerships that are started with Somaliland Universities like Amoud University are worth mentioning.

Finally, Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the two institutions by the representative of the two universities, namely, Prof. Mengistu Urge Letta, Vice President for Academic Affairs of HU of Ethiopia and delegate of the President Dr. Jemal Yousuf Hassen and Dr. Sheik Abdulbasid Abdinour Sh. Saeed, president of Togdheer University of Somaliland.

Public and International Relations Directorate
Haramaya University

Representatives from Ghent University had a discussion with Haramaya University

A molecular Biology Lab (MoBiLab) project team members from VIB-IPBO, Ghent University, Belgium visited Haramaya University and discussed issues related to the launching of a new project on September 20, 2023.

According to Dr. Abdi Mohammed, a lecturer at the University and project Coordinator, the main purpose of their visits is to have discussions with HU staff as well as management and to see the existing facility to foresee implementations of the upcoming project activities at HU.

The International Molecular Biology Lab (MoBiLab) is led by the IPBO team from Ghent University. Another 6 project partners include two from each country, i.e., from Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda. From Ethiopia Addis Ababa and Haramaya Universities are partners of this project.

The project will be focused on capacity building to train university staff at different levels; senior professors, mid and junior-level researchers and lecturers as well as laboratory technicians, regardless of disciplines, depending on the relevance. Moreover, there could be an opportunity for HU post-graduate students to conduct their research on similar programs. In this case, priority will be given to mid-level lecturers with gender balance.

The project Coordinator, Dr. Abdi, stated that the main focus of this training course is basic molecular courses in which about 25 persons will be trained, while advanced molecular courses and genome editing techniques for limited attendees. In this case, the first training courses will be commenced by March of 2024 at HU.

He added that the project is based in the School of Plant Sciences, under the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences.

Dr. Tesfaye Lemma, vice president for Research Affairs of Haramaya University, welcomed the guests and he emphasized how important such collaborations are in producing skilled manpower. He also expressed his hope that this collaboration will lay the foundation for other collaborations between the universities.

Haramaya University is a prominent higher learning institution in Ethiopia known for its strong research culture since its establishment as the College of Agriculture and Mechanical Art in 1952. HU has served Ethiopia as a national center of excellence for higher-level training in agricultural sciences and agricultural research for seven decades. Dr. Tesfaye explained in his speech.

Accordingly, we are currently working in partnership with several universities and research centers in Africa, Europe, and North America on matters of common interest. The partnership project budget currently accounts for about 60% of HU’s total annual research budget.

Dr. Tesfaye said Ghent University and HU are members of a consortium supported by various. “The project aims to train university researchers, seniors, mid-levels, and junior staff, including lab technicians focusing on basic molecular biology, advanced molecular techniques, and genome editing,” he indicated. The project addresses the strategic needs of both parties in terms of strengthening the capacity of technical and research staff to conduct cutting-edge research.

During the ceremony, Drs. Marc Heijde and Laura Cortada presented a summary of their University’s profile and ongoing projects in Africa and the Middle East to cultivate in partnership with research institutes.

On behalf of HU University, Dr. Deribachew Bekana, Director of Research Groups and Partnership at the Research Office, presented the University’s profile and potential.

A team led by Drs. Marc Heijde during the discussion explained the main objective of Ghent University and expressed that creating a strong partnership with the prestigious Haramaya University is in the long-term interest of their university.

The team visited research facilities, researchers’ activities/projects and laboratories, and lab technicians at the Main Campus.

By: Shemsedin Mohammed

Photographs: Foad Ahmed & Tewodros Lishan

PIRD

Virtual summer school training was conducted by the Ethiopian Physics Society in North America (EPSNA) from August 14-18, 2023.

The training was provided for six universities, including Haramaya, Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, Hawassa, and Mekelle Universities. It was the third time that EPSNA had organized a virtual summer school program in Ethiopia.

Mrs. Bekelu Abeba, the Head of the Physics Department at Haramaya University, explained that the training aimed to connect scholars, share scientific findings, and provide mentorship opportunities to outstanding students of Ethiopian higher education institutions in their respective fields of study. More than 26 trainees from Haramaya, Oda Bultum, Dire Dawa, Jigjiga, and Kebridehar Universities attended at Haramaya University.

During the training, topics on applied physics, physics education, and mathematics research were presented, and discussions were held. This training provided an opportunity for trainees from different universities to share their experiences.

Dr. Getachew Abebe, the Dean of HU’s College of Natural and Computational Sciences, expressed his appreciation for the EPSNA Virtual Summer School and thanked the trainers, organizers, and leaders of EPSNA for creating an opportunity for young scholars and students to gain knowledge and experience in their fields of study. The trainees also appreciated the training and the trainers.

Reporter: – Shemsedin Mohammed

Photographer: – Tewodros Lishan

HU Public and International Relations Directorate

The Africa Center of Excellence for Climate Smart Agriculture and Biodiversity Conservation (ACE Climate SABC) at Haramaya University continues to thrive as the leading destination for Scholars in the field of Climate Smart Agriculture and Biodiversity Conservation

Through its recent communication, the Intern-University Council for Eastern Africa (IUCEA) has granted full scholarships for 11 female candidates from various African countries who had been admitted from ACE Climate SABC – Haramaya University for their MSc in Climate Smart Agriculture and Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management.

The candidates’ choice entails that ACE Climate SABC – Haramaya University has proven to be the Center of Excellence for climate-smart agriculture and biodiversity conservation postgraduate training and research.

According to Dr. Mulugeta Damie, the Project Manager at ACE Climate SABC – Haramaya Univeristy, these scholarships were granted to female candidates through the synergistic collaboration of the esteemed World Bank, the Republics of Malawi and Mozambique, and the groundbreaking ACE II Additional Financing initiative. These visionary partners aim to establish an additional six Higher Education Centers of Excellence that will focus on agriculture and related fields.

The overarching goal of the scholarship program is to elevate the standards of postgraduate education to foster collaborative research capacity and foster the participation of females. We are grateful to the candidates for choosing the Center, to IUCEA for trusting that the Center can provide quality training to the scholarship winners, and to the partners for funding this program.

ACE Climate SABC – Haramaya University takes immense pride in extending heartfelt congratulations and a warm welcome to the scholarship awardee students who have secured placement at ACE Climate SABC – Haramaya University. The Center is already working tirelessly to improvise accommodation and other facilities for female candidates to provide them with an environment that is both nurturing and conducive to their scholarly endeavors.

The Center is steadfast in its resolve to transform this endeavor into a reality and will actively foster collaboration, ignite the spirit of knowledge sharing, and fuel innovation among this pool of students. Dr. Mulugeta added that the center will also continue to spearhead advancements in climate-smart agriculture and biodiversity conservation in the region and beyond.

Haramaya University named its Cancer Treatment Center in honor of Ali Birra, a renowned Ethiopian musician.

Haramaya Univeristy has named the cancer treatment in memory of the veteran musician Ali Mohammad Birra in a ceremony held on October 11, 2023 in Harar.

The cancer treatment center started three years ago in Haramaya University Hiwot Fana Specialized Referral Hospital after Artis Ali Mohammad Birra.

Dr. Jamal Yusuf, president of Haramaya University, said that the University named the cancer center after him in order to support the efforts of artist Ali Mohammad Birra to support cancer patients while he was being treated in addition to his musical works.

Dr. Jamal explained that the institution decided to name the cancer center after Ali Birra to recognize his efforts in supporting cancer patients during his treatment, in addition to his musical contributions.

In his speech, the Harari Regional State’s President, Ordin Bedri, said that Ali Birra has done works that transcend generations through his musical works and that the cancer center should be commemorated as he preached love and unity in the past and the cancer center in honor of Ali Birra is worthy of his contribution to the country. Mr. Ordin added that the service of the cancer center will be up to standard and the Regional State will provide the necessary support.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Ato Keder Juhar, the Mayor of Dredawa, and Mrs. Lily Markos Birra, the wife of the late Ali Birra, and Dawit Yifru, the President of the Ethiopian Musicians Association. Ato Ahmed Mohamed Kope, a long-time friend of Ali Birra, presented an article about the artist’s musical works, while colleagues from different countries and invited guests also graced the occasion.

The name of the center was inaugurated by Harari Region State’s President, Ato Ordin Bedri, Dire Dawa Mayor, Ato Keder Juhar, and Mrs. Lily Markos Birra, wife of Ali Birra, and Dr. Jamal Yusuf, President of Haramaya University.

Ato Ahmed Mohamed Kope, a long-time friend of artist Ali Mohammad Bira, presented an article about Ali Birra’s musical works during the event.

Dawit Yifru, President of the Ethiopian Musicians Association, his colleagues from different countries, and invited guests attended the event.

By: Shemsedin Mohammed

Photographs: Foad Ahmed & Behailu Girma

PIRD

Call for MSc Application

ACE Climate SABC – Haramaya University was represented by Dr. Bobe Bedadi, Deputy Center Leader and Training and Research Head at Grand Challenge Annual Meeting conducted in Dakar, Senegal from 08 to 11 October 2023. Launched in 2003 by the Bill and Malinda Gates Foundation as a flagship program, Grand Challenges, focuses its funding on pressing global health and development problems that affect the world’s poorest people, using open calls for proposals to crowdsource potential solutions.

Partial view of participants of Grand Challenge Annual Meeting in Dakar, Senegal (08-11 October 2023)

Over 1,400 participants (scientists, policymakers, donors, etc.) from all over the world attended the meeting. The 2023 Grand Challenges Annual Meeting in Dakar was hosted by the Global Grand Challenges Network of Partners and the Government of Senegal, and sponsored by Grand Challenges Canada, the United States Agency for International Development, Wellcome, and the Gates Foundation.

The four-day meeting was organized into several plenary sessions and side events. Keynote speeches were delivered by H.E. Macky Sall, the President of the Republic of Senegal; Bill Gates, Co-Chair, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; H.E. Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of Comoros and Chairperson of African Union. These leaders also made a high-level conversation under the theme “ The role of leadership in catalyzing Innovation”.

The meeting also involved a lot of poster presentations and networking events. Dr. Bobe made a presentation on Research Program Management with a focus on experiences, achievements, contributions, and challenges of the ACE Climate SABC – Haramaya University on the side event organized on Catalyzing Systems-level Agriculture Climate Adaptation in Africa which was followed by a Panel discussion.

                           Panel Discussion on Catalyzing System -level Agriculture Climate Change Adaptation

The meeting created great opportunities for networking with potential partners, sharing experiences with peer institutions, and learning best practices from advanced institutions.

Partial view of Ethiopians that attended the GC Meeting in Senegal

ACE Climate SABC – Haramaya University acknowledges the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for covering the cost of its delegate to participate in this high-level meeting.

Haramaya University in collaboration with world resource institute (WRI) and Institute for International Sustainable Development (IISD) received grant totaling 10.1 million Canadian dollar from Canadian government under IISD for project title “Scaling Urban NbS for Climate Adaptation in Sub-Saharan Africa (SUNCASA) Initiative, Dire Dawa Dechatu Project”.

The project is a physical implementation of output of a previously completed project entitled “Study and Design of Dechatu River Climate Resilience Green Infrastructure Initiative Project of Dire Dawa Administration, Ethiopia” funded by Dire Dawa Administration through its UIDP_ project and supervision of Dire Dawa City Environment and Climate change Authority which was led by Senior staff member of Haramaya University, Dr Asfaw Kebede, Associate professor of Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering.

SUNCASA project, is a unique project for Dire Dawa administration that focuses on green infrastructure mainly for flood protection and focusing on gender and disabilities. The project is one of three projects funded by Canadian government in three countries (Ethiopia-Dire Dawa, Rwanda- Kigali, and South Africa) with a total budget of 30.1 million CAD out of which 10.1 million CAD is for Dire Dawa SUNCASA project.

The agreement has been signed between the IISD and WRI, and kickoff meeting at Dire Dawa in the presence of City mayor. The project implementation plan preparation by Haramaya University, WRI, HCS, Environmental Authority and Agriculture Bureau will be done in the coming two months, which sets the deliverables among each partner.

Haramaya University is proud of his faculty members and honored to take the leading role in mobilization of fund for this project (research-based intervention). The university will use its reach experience in implementing the project.

Details of the project

Project Title: –Scaling Urban NbS for Climate Adaptation in Sub-Saharan Africa (SUNCASA) Initiative, Dire Dawa Dechatu Project

Project is focuses on 10 major activities that include.

Afforestation, Agroforestry, Buffer zone establishment, Urban tree planting, Urban greening, DSS dashboard, Capacity building, Develop and implement a stakeholder engagement plan, design and implement awareness building campaigns and complete stakeholder agreements, Research and prepare best practice guides, training modules & finalize schedule for implementation of capacity building and skill development modules, Support time for work with IISD and WRI to develop economic analysis; create communication and media products; designing and implementing resilience, gender equity, and biodiversity monitoring protocols.

Funding organization

The Canadian government funded it under IISD. The total project budget for three cities in Africa (Dire Dawa, Kigali and Johannesburg) is 30.1 million CAD, out of which 10.1 Million CAD is for Dire Dawa SUNCASA project.

Project outcome

The general outcome “Enhanced climate adaptation, gender equality, and biodiversity protection in urban communities,”

Some of the specific outcomes are: –

• Increased capacity of local partners to value and assess effective gender-responsive NbS options for watershed conservation and restoration in urban communities
• Increased capacity of local stakeholders, especially women, to build partnerships and engage effectively with existing governance frameworks to ensure development of gender-responsive NbS

Project Duration

Duration of the project is two years and three months.

Project team and partners: – the project technical lead is Haramaya university (Asfaw Kebede –PI, Kibebew K. Co-PI, Solomon Estifanos, and Negash Tessema are members). From WRI-side there are team of expert to work on all activities in collaboration with HU. From IISD sider there are also a team of expert that overlooks the whole project activities representing the Canadian government. The project implementer is Harareghe Catholic secretariat (HCS), selected based on its history of achievement in the region for funded project implementation capacity related to Nbs. The city administration bureaus like Environmental Authority and Agriculture are the one facilitating the community mobilization and other issues related to the project implementation.

“Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension” training commenced at the Haramaya University Main Campus on October 23, 2023.

The training program is being organized in collaboration with Haramaya University, The German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ-Ethiopia), and Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa(AICCRA).

During the opening speech, Dr. Zelalem Bekeko, the Dean of the College of Agriculture and Environmental Science highlighted that comprehensive Climate Risk Management aims to reduce the negative consequences of Climate by averting climate risk through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, minimizing climate risk through adaptation, and managing residual climate risks via instruments such as climate risk financing or transformative measures.

The training program is being attended by 30 agricultural experts comprising of development agents and district agricultural experts from three districts of East and West Hararghe zones. The program will continue until October 27, 2023.

Reporter: Shemsedin Mohammad

Photographer: Tewodros Lishan

Haramaya University Public and International Relations Directorate

Haramaya University Contributes its Share to Meet Demands for Food in Ethiopia.

Haramaya University College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences conducted a three-day training (October 20–22, 2023) to 35 trainees at the resource center.

While the training was on climate-smart soil nutrient and water management in crop production, the trainees were selected from Maya City’s agricultural office, Haramaya University teachers and researchers, and post-graduate students.

The financial support for this training and other similar activities was obtained from AICCRA, a project that works to prevent and reduce the effects of climate change, and the winner of a project competition held by the African Regional Forum of Universities (RUFORUM). Such financial support was started after three African Universities, including Haramaya University, won the project competition as the project works in this way.

Dr. Zelalem Bekeko, the Dean of Haramaya University’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, said that a growing global population and changing diets are driving up the demand for food. Production is struggling to keep up as crop yields level off in many parts of the world, ocean health declines, and natural resources, including soils, water, and biodiversity, are stretched dangerously. The challenge is intensified by agriculture’s extreme vulnerability to climate change. The negative impacts of climate change are already being felt in the form of increasing temperatures, weather variability, shifting agro-ecosystem boundaries, invasive crops, and pests.

Dr. Zelalem added that climate-smart nutrient and water management are keys towards vertical productivity enhancement to meet the ever-growing food demand of the world population under a changing climate scenario. Low and erratic rainfall, a high evaporation rate, and the limited water holding capacity of surface soil are the main constraints in agricultural production. Besides, as the worst environmental degradation, starvation, famine, and loss of life, the “environment syndrome” challenges need handling with caution and are weighed against our needs, ability, and capacity to sustain livelihoods. Hence, the proper utilization of the available soil and water resources is essential for agricultural development and the achievement of food security.

Thus, developing modules to train agricultural experts and other stakeholders is crucial. Accordingly, the training that is given to agricultural experts and other stakeholders is focused on ways to improve climate change-resilient agriculture production because the current climate change is affecting soil fertility and water levels, and as a result, agricultural production is seriously affecting and decreasing. In order to reduce the impact of climate change on the agricultural sector, efforts are being made to deal with and include the concept of climate change in the curriculum of research and agricultural education, according to Dr. Zelalem.

Mr. Tasisa Temesgen, teacher and researcher at Haramaya University College of Agriculture and Environmental Science and trainer of the trainees, said that, as it is obviously known, global climate change is increasing from time to time, which affects the health and food security of human beings and animals as well as plants. When climate changes; soil fertility, water, and rainfall amounts decrease simultaneously, and the amount of agricultural production also declines. Consequently, the concept of climate-smart soil, nutrient, and water management in crop production is needed to change the situation. That is why it has become important to provide training for agricultural officers and teachers. The training assists in distributing knowledge of climate-smart soil nutrient and water management in crop production in the community because it consists of the concept of how to resist climate change by conserving soil fertility, wisely using the available small amount of water or rainfall, and increasing agricultural products to manage food security problems.

The trainees, in turn, said that the training was really important and that the delivery of the training was also interesting. They said that they obtained additional understanding on climate-smart soil nutrient and water management concepts in crop production because climate change has become a serious issue, especially for the agricultural sector. It intensifies the drought and the decline of agricultural products, which causes famine and starvation. Therefore, it is important to share the knowledge gained from the training with the farmers about how to increase agricultural products by conserving soil fertility and using a small amount of available water or rainfall, according to Mr. Sisay Kasahun, the agricultural officer, Mrs. Chaltu Megersa, the teacher, and Mr. Tefera Teshome, a PhD student.

Reporter: Aweke Ayalneh

Photograph: Fuad Ahmed

A National TOT Entrepreneurship Training Workshop was conducted at Haramaya University Resource Center.

The training was practical-oriented and focused on intensive andragogy experiential learning methods.

 The ten-day training was organized by the University-Industry Linkage and Entrepreneurship Development Directorate of Haramaya University and the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) of Ethiopia.

The trainees are expected to deliver an Entrepreneurship Training Workshop to different beneficiaries such as graduating students, community youth, women, and small and medium-sized enterprise business owners among others.

Prof. Mitiku Eshetu, Director for University-Industry Linkage and Entrepreneurship Development, informed that this is a good opportunity to build the human capacity of Haramaya University and Somali Regional State for Entrepreneurship Training Workshop. Furthermore, it will strengthen collaboration between the two partners. In the near future, Executive Public Entrepreneurship training will be given to top and middle management of the University as well as the Zonal and district of Eastern Hararghe and Harari Regional State.

In the closing ceremony, Dr Yesihak Yusuf, Vice President for Research and Community Engagement and Enterprise Development, emphasized that entrepreneurship is critical for the overall economic and social development of the community and the country. Currently, entrepreneurship is the national agenda for job creation and sustainable development in the face of globalization. Therefore, the university will take the initiative to work proactively on the dissemination of the entrepreneurial mindset and support of startups.

Mis Destu Yousuf, Dr Abebe Negesse, and Dr Tegenu Yae delivered the training. The training was attended by 11 staff members from Haramaya University, eight experts from the Somali Regional State, and one staff member from Dire Dawa University, three of whom were females.

Haramaya University Public & International Relations Directorate