HU hosted a visiting professor from the Department of Environmental Systems Science D-USYS, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ETH Zürich, Switzerland from April 29 to May 4, 2024.
The visit of Prof. Dr. Johanna Jacobi, Professor of Agroecological Transitions, was aimed at strengthening partnership and collaboration in agroecology education, training, and research between ETH Zürich and Haramaya University. Prof. Johanna’s visit to Haramaya University followed the successful preparation and submission of a joint research proposal to the ETH4D pilot grant. Prof. Johanna was invited by HU’s president to strengthen a partnership.
Prof. Mengistu Urge, Vice President for Academic Affairs of HU, welcomed Prof. Johanna and explained the university’s academic programs and long years of collaboration with national, regional, and international partners. He stressed the importance of partnership to promote knowledge and skills exchange as well as internationalization of education and training.
Dr. Yishak Yousuf, Vice President for Research and Community Engagement, on his part, briefed the university’s long history of research and community engagement activities. He discussed the research thematic areas and research projects designed and implemented by a multidisciplinary team of researchers comprising HU staff, and national, regional, and international partners. Dr. Yishak added that the university is moving towards strengthening agroecology research by supporting the establishment of Agroecology and Climate Smart Hub, and interventions focusing on recycling of organic waste in and around HU.
Dr. Yishak with his colleagues briefed HU’s research, outreach, and partnership experience and addressed the history and mandate of HU, research at HU, collaborations and partnerships, research extension and community engagement, and publications activities.
Dr. Kedir Jemal, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, also explained the programs at the College together with the Associate Dean of the College, Mr. Solomon Estifanos. They discussed the various programs hosted by different Schools within the College as well as the research focus of the College.
Prof. Johanna also visited the Africa Center of Excellence for Climate Smart Agriculture and Biodiversity Conservation and discussed with the center’s leaders.
During her visit, Prof. Johanna engaged with the Africa Center of Excellence for Climate Smart Agriculture and Biodiversity Conservation and held discussions with the center’s leaders. She also delivered two insightful seminars on “Agroecology and its Applications in Science, Practice, and Policy” and “Towards Food Democracy and Food Sovereignty: Socio-economic Aspects of Agroecology.”
Following Prof. Johanna’s presentations, Dr. Muluken Gezahegn elaborated on the results of an FAO consultancy project on “Multidimensional Performance of Agroecology in Ethiopia.” He also presented a draft research proposal for a potential collaboration with ETH Zürich and Swiss Development Cooperation, which was discussed and received inputs from Prof. Johanna.
Prof. Johanna’s visit also included field trips to Rare and other research facilities at HU, as well as visits to Harar City and Erer Valley.
This visit marks a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between Haramaya University and ETH Zürich, promising exciting developments in the field of agroecology.
Haramaya University Public & International Relations Directorate