Arba Minch University’s College of Social Science and Humanities and College of Business and Economics have jointly organized a two-day national seminar on ‘Research for Development,’ at new auditorium, Main Campus from 8th to 9th May, 2015. Click here to see the Pictures.

‘‘Country’s political, social, economic and technological development is inexorably linked with research and innovation. And in this regard higher education institutions play a crucial role in conducting demand-driven and problem-solving researches which in turn contribute to the growth and transformation plan that Ethiopia is dreaming to achieve, said AMU’s Research Directorate Director, Dr Fantahun, opening the national seminar on Research for Development.
Dr Gemechu Megersa from Addis Ababa University, in his key-note speech, said, ‘‘AMU is strategically located for scientific research both in the natural and social sciences. Most of the 80 languages of this nation are found in this region and it’s the goldmine for researchers in Social Science in general and for students of languages and culture in particular. I also believe the true history of the ‘Horn of Africa’ could be revealed when we understand the true history of the people and culture of this region,’’
He further adds, ‘‘If we imagine society as a rocket, then AMU, one of the leading universities, is its head as the head that leads rest of the body in hitting the target, so do universities. Research is the only way out to understanding the problems and solving them.
The seminar began with Muez Hailu from Hawassa University presenting his study on ‘‘National and International newspapers coverage on Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).’’ His findings media was presenting nationalistic views on GERD then that of basin-wide perspective drew flak. He was questioned for the number of newspapers studied and their national status.
Wolaita Sodo University’s presenter, Tadele Tafesse’s study on ‘Productivity and efficiency of Agricultural extension package,’ was termed too technical for the farmers. He was advised to reach out to them the way they understand.
Of total 26 papers featuring social science and business and economics issues, eight were from Arba Minch University. Six presenters from College of Social Science and Humanities focused on the issues i.e. Inter-cultural tolerance, web-blended CALL, heritage of slavery, suitable waste disposal site, Intra-regional & inter-ethnic relations and practices of traditional socio-cultural marginalization. College of Business and Economics’ presenters dwelt into Tourism and Private savings.
AMU’s Asegid Ayele in his research has attempted to unravel how far tourism is emerging as the viable option for pro-poor growth in Gamo Gofa Zone, Southern Ethiopia. And to tap this immense potential, a good tourism development plan along with policy has to be in place to utilize area’s potential that would make the local communities beneficiary through tackling major challenges.
Addis Ababa University’s Urgaia Rissa, in his study on the role of financial sector developmental in economic growth which spread across Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, Rwanda and Uganda, tries to analyze the data over the period 1967 to 2013.
Representatives from Jimma, Gonder, Debre Markos, Mada Walabu, Wolaita Sodo, Haramaya, Mizan-Tepi, Mekelle, Assossa, Hawassa universities; International Leadership Institute and Construction and Business Bank put forth their research findings in the seminar.
The Vice President for Administration, Dr Yechale Kebede, praised both the colleges for organizing seminar of such stature and urged them to keep up the tradition and the findings be carried over to the intended audience. Participating guests were taken for visit to Arba Minch Crocodile Ranch.

(By Corporate Communication Directorate: Philips Joseph)