AMU’s College of Social Science & Humanities and Business & Economics have jointly hosted two-day 5th national symposium on ‘Research for Development’ from 11th to 12th May, 2018, at Main Campus. Researchers from nine universities and four research institutes have presented 20 papers on identified thematic areas. Click here to see the pictures.
Giving program outline, Research Directorate Director, Dr Teshome Yirgu, said of 20 papers, AMU had 4, and discipline-wise social science and humanities had 10, Business & Economics 6, pedagogy & behavioral science 3 and 1 was from law respectively.
AMU President, Dr Damtew Darza, in his address said to achieve sustainable development we need research and technology transfer which is increasing in Ethiopia as uniform expansion of higher education is underway across the nation. Similarly, this august forum is believed to have strongly aligned with Ethiopian government’s focus meant to broaden application of various fields of studies through research to ensure sustainable development. And, I wish this forum to splice scientific ideas and experience that will strengthen our efforts in ensuring development.
Research and Community Service Vice President, Dr Simon Shibru, welcoming gathering said, research plays sterling role in growth and transformation of nation; it must beget solutions to social issues and emerging needs which can be achieved through multi-disciplinary research, knowledge generation and technology creation. Hence, efficient and effective research culture on sustainable basis has to be in place so that research fits the bill.
Dr Teshome Yirgu’s study on ‘Fruit-based farming system and threatened landscape at Abaya-Chamo basin’ state that analyzed data of 1985-2016 showed wetlands are diminishing by 66.3 hectares (20.7 hectare every year) at the expense of cropland, which is up by 506 hectares (15.8 hectare per year) at Abaya-Chamo basin. And to revert degradation, upland management, buffer protection and increased institutional commitment is must, he quipped.
Second presenter from Hawassa University, Mr Abraham Belay, on ‘Climate change impacts and adaptation strategies by farmers in Central Rift Valley’ said wide range of institutional, policy and technology support is needed and by providing climate change information, extension services and creating access to market would be crucial to ameliorate their situation.
Other three AMU presenters, Wondowosen Jerene, Firew Tesfaye and Saleh Seid have trained their focus on ‘Voluntary tax compliance, ‘Generation & age sets: Bsic of Nyangatom Social Organization’ and “Nexus between traditional labor migration’ respectively.
Advocating for paradigm shift, Academic affairs Vice President, Dr Yechale Kebede, in his closing remarks said researches, findings and entire modus operandi ought to be merged with teaching-learning endeavor and curricula that support practical courses for quality education.
The most important takeaway of the symposium was Research Directorate’s Indigenous Studies Research Unit has inked an agreement with Sewgna Production and Entertainment Firm, Addis Ababa to promote and foster culture, nature, history and tourism by applying potential research, documentation and film production. Dr Simon Shibru and Mr Michael Million, Swegna Creative Director, signed the pact. Initially anthropological researches will be turned into documentaries.
Academicians and researchers from Hawassa, Mekelle, Adigrat, Wollo, Jigjiga, Axum, Gondar, Madda Walabu and Kotebe Metropolitan universities, Alamata and Tigray Agricultural Research Centres, Gamo Gofa Zone Education Department and Woldia College of Teachers Education were in attendance.
(Corporate Communication Directorate)