Arba Minch University hosted 5th national symposium on ‘Science for Sustainable Development’ at Main Campus from 27-28th April, 2018; researchers from different universities and institutions across Ethiopia presented their findings on natural, agriculture and health-related sciences. Click here to see the pictures.

The symposium got off with Research Directorate Director, Dr. Teshome Yirgu, saying this significant occasion is meant to provide a forum, share experiences and embolden link between science and society. He informed of 46 papers, College of Agricultural Sciences had 12, College of Natural Sciences 16, College of Medicine and Health Sciences 15 including three others.

The two-day conclave that ensued seriously looked for developing innovative and sustainable scientific solutions to address emerging challenges confronting present society. Corporate Communication Directorate Director, Mr Fissiha Bekele, gave lowdown on AMU.

Addressing packed hall, Vice President of Research and Community Service, Dr. Simon Shibru, said we gather here, our mandate should be to look for an answer as how science and technology contribute more effectively to achieve sustainable development to cope up with the emerging societal predicaments in this unpredictable scenario.

Further he adds, these two entities are central to the origin of sustainability challenges and diligently dealing with them and they need to be placed or enterprise-based in particular context. We must adopt a unique approach, shift fore gears and bring a paradigm shift in place focusing on socio-ecological systems.

AMU President, Dr. Damtew Darza’s delegate, Dr. Melkamu Mada, who is Vice President for Administration, in opening remark, said, AMU is aiming to evolve the potential wherein research will be driving force. And taking forward present government’s initiative, AMU is equipping staff and upgrading infrastructure to achieve this goal. Even engagement of our staff in research and community service is rising. But, the practice of disseminating research output isn’t enough; therefore, we must prioritize research issues to address social problems by up-scaling efforts for it will impact our journey in finding an answer for sustainable development in Ethiopia.

The key-note speaker, Deputy Director General of Ethiopian Environment Forest Research Institute, Dr. Agena Anjulo, said Food and Agriculture Organization’s 2015 data revealed that Ethiopia has 12,499 million hectare of forest area but it accounts for 11.4% actual cover. And forest being one of four key sectors, Ethiopian government has pledged to restore 22 million hectare forest cover and 15 million hectare degraded land into better agricultural yielding under Bonn Challenge. It has even vowed to abate 130 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent and least Green House Gas (GHG) emissions by 2030.

Subsequently, AMU’s Fasil Wagnew on effects of micronutrients on tuberculosis treatment said, TB is a major global threat with 10.4 million cases till date and 1.3 million are being added each year; of 10 every cases, he said, six are from Africa, which is a matter of grave concern.

Dr. Habtamu Admas of Samara University speaking on effects of compost and mineral sulphur fertilizer said Ethiopia’s 40% land is acidic and 82% phosphorus deficient, hence use of mineral fertilizer and liming will reduce soil acidity and increase pH level to get appropriate yield.

Of 46 papers, AMU has eight and remaining were from Addis Ababa, Harayama, Mekelle, Bahir Dar, Dilla, Jimma, Adigrat, Debre Markos, Wolaita Sodo, Madda Walabu, Adigrat, Wolkite, Bule Hora, Kotebe Metropolitan, Jimma, Wollo, Hawassa, Samara, Wollega, Debre Tabor and Arsi universities.

In his valedictory address, Dr Damtew Darza said outputs of research papers and speeches will be synthesized and provided to the concerned bodies, who can apply them in addressing issue of national development, instead of looking for publications and personal gains.

Research abstract was distributed to participants; researchers, academicians from different parts of Ethiopia, AMU community, stakeholders and others were in attendance.

(Corporate Communication Directorate)