Arba Minch University’s Community Service Directorate is a name to reckon with in the region as it continues to address the broad spectrum of socio-environmental issues. Its several specific projects do offer perfect solutions to social and environmental issues. With academic calendar reaching half way mark, it has had several timely and continuous projects in its kitty.  Free Legal Service project since 2013, is rendering free legal counseling to the needy through over 10 centres spread across Gamo Gofa, South Omo and Segen People’s Zones.
Watershed Management Project rolled in 2012, on 1082 hectares of land at Woze and Shara kebeles once dry now has acquired considerable green cover and wild animals. It protects Woze community from frequent devastation due to floods causing soil erosions
Recent Watershed Management five-year Project developed in 2015, at Mirab Abaya on 17000 hectares land has delineated the area protected by stopping unauthorized tree-felling and grazing. Six nurseries at Mirab Abaya and Bonke have made the topography lush green. 
Under this project, with more interventions in the pipeline, AMU is likely to collaborate with partners to build terraces and check-dams. With GPS data and information it has identified exact problems like over-grazing, illegal farming, floods spoiling arable land, deterioration of Abaya lake due to incessant sedimentation etc.
Dairy Farming Project began in 2015, has opened the door for cross-breeding in local cattle through artificial insemination at Chencha, Mirab Abaya, Arba Minch Zuria; fodder quality improvement is also on.
Adult Education Project beginning in 2013, has trained scores of adults in basic education at Shara, Woze, Shele, Chamo Kebeles and Main Campus. This time, those completing level-II study will be allowed for regular classes in the evening at Grade three with financial aid.
Small-Scale Hydropower Project on Baba River at Tsayitie, Arba Minch Zuria beginning last year to get developed by 2017 for Arba Minch Zuria Woreda Development Association; a team of experts from different streams in the university are working on it. 
A tiny project of City Square Beautification with architectural design at one of the squares in Arba Minch town is underway. Architecture and Civil engineering departments are engaged in design; AMU to bear the cost.
A Medium-Scale Irrigation project to be implemented around Mirab Abaya woreda, will be developed soon. New Zala Woreda Water Supply Project is also being developed which will be implemented at Deboch, Mela, Galma & Ambe Gaile kebeles. Upcoming Livelihood Project at Bonke will evaluate and assess the possibility of suitable livelihood options for the community. 
Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology for Shara kebele has been approved and it is expected to explore the possibility of clean potable water from the existing sources. 
Arba Minch Forest Threats and Future Prospect, a new project, will make people aware about rampant deforestation. It will take measures to protect forest and Abaya Lake from soil erosion. It’s a joint venture between AMU and stakeholders i.e. National Park Authority, Rift Valley Lakes Authority, Southern Region, Gamo Gofa Zone, Arba Minch Town administration etc.
Similarly, it trains school teachers in science and other subjects, health professionals in TB, reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, pastoral community in small-scale irrigation management; training on pest control on potatoes, workmanship, journalism and creating awareness on tax-payment and ethical hacking in ICT are some of its ongoing endeavors.

(By Corporate Communication Directorate: Philips Joseph)