Haramaya University strengthens its commitment to agroecology through the integration of its Agroecology Innovation and Demonstration Hub with the Africa Centre of Excellence (ACE) for Climate Smart Agriculture and Biodiversity Conservation.
A new chapter has opened for agroecology in Ethiopia as Haramaya University takes a significant step toward institutionalizing agroecology within its research, education, and community outreach. The integration of the Agroecology Innovation and Demonstration Hub with the Africa Centre of Excellence for Climate Smart Agriculture and Biodiversity Conservation is expected to strengthen the University’s research, teaching, outreach activities locally, and its international engagement.
The initiative recognizes the complementary contributions of agroecology and climate-smart agriculture in addressing pressing agricultural and climate challenges. These include improving soil health, conserving biodiversity, reducing input costs and greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening food and nutrition security, improving resource and waste management, and building the resilience of vulnerable farming communities.
The integration also creates an opportunity to strengthen the link between science and farmers’ knowledge and experience sharing. By testing and documenting agroecological practices and connecting research with the realities of farming communities, Haramaya University can contribute to ensuring that knowledge generated through research translates into practical actionable solutions. At the same time, farmers’ experiences and needs can inform research, teaching, innovation, and policy dialogue.
Going forward, aligning academic programs, research, and community outreach with agroecological principles will be essential. The University’s leadership has expressed its commitment to supporting this transition and maximizing the potential of the Hub by demarcating nearly 6 ha of land. The hub will be space for research, demonstration, learning, innovation, and knowledge exchange for university students, researchers, youth, women and other partners.
As an African Centre of Excellence, Haramaya University is well positioned to become a leading platform for advancing agroecology, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable food systems in Ethiopia. The on-going MSc program on Agroecology and Food Systems has laid the foundation for this milestone.
ESFSAC warmly congratulates Haramaya University, its leadership, faculty, researchers, students, and partners on this important achievement. We look forward to stronger collaboration and continued leadership from the University in advancing inclusive, resilient, and sustainable food systems.
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Picture: High level Decision-makers of the University during the final consultative meeting.
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This content is part of our Newsletter, August Edition. Find the full Newsletter in PDF.
