At the invitation of Dr Jemal Yousuf, Acting President, Professor John Morton and Dr Tim Chancellor visited Haramaya University from 28–30 August to discuss research collaboration under NRI’s Food and Nutrition Security Initiative (FaNSI). Haramaya hosts the African Center of Excellence for Climate Smart Agriculture and Biodiversity Conservation which has strong potential synergies with NRI’s programme on Climate Change, Agriculture and Natural Resources led by Professor Morton.
In his welcoming message to the visitors Professor Jeylan Woliyie, Vice-President for Administration and Student Affairs at Haramaya, highlighted the importance to his university of strong and sustainable partnerships and stated that he looked forward to productive long-term collaboration with NRI. Participants in the subsequent discussions included Professor Mengistu Urge, Director of Postgraduate Programs, Dr Kibebew Kibret, Dean of College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, and Dr Bobe Bedadi, Deputy Director of the ACE Climate SABC.
Several areas were identified for joint activities. These include joint supervision of PhD students, the development of collaborative research proposals, exchange of staff and students, and contributions to teaching and training. A topic was identified for a PhD studentship for a Haramaya staff member, who will register as a student at NRI in January 2020. The student will carry out research on institutional and policy issues affecting the adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture in Ethiopia.
The visit was facilitated by Dr Tesfaye Lemma (Head, Training & Research, ACE Climate SABC) and Dr Mulugeta Damie (ACE Climate SABC Project Manager) and their contribution to a successful visit is much appreciated. A Memorandum of Understanding between NRI and Haramaya is being drawn up and will be signed shortly.