How Hawassa University’s research is boosting food security and transforming agriculture
As one of Ethiopia’s eight research universities, Hawassa University aims to rank among East Africa’s top ten by 2030. Located in the Sidama region of Ethiopia, this leading higher education institution plays a central role in the area’s educational and social development. Since 2004, Hawassa University has utilized Access to Global Online Research in Agriculture (AGORA), which is part of the FAO, and one of the five collections within Research4Life, to support the university’s College of Agriculture in driving academic and research excellence.
Advancing food security through research
Mulugeta Woldetsadik
In a recent feature with FAO, Mulugeta Woldetsadik, Outreach Librarian at Hawassa University, shared how Research4Life’s AGORA collection has transformed the way they work. With access to thousands of high-quality journals, e-books, and specialized databases covering agriculture, environmental science, and related fields, these resources support both faculty and students in their academic pursuits. Hawassa’s students and faculty are empowered to research crucial topics like soil health, climate resilience, and sustainable farming practices. These resources are helping researchers uncover insights that are vital to Ethiopia’s future; whether it’s about boosting food security, adapting to climate change, or improving farming practices.
“These resources align directly with the university’s mission to advance research, support academic growth, and contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in the region. Proper utilization of these tools can enhance research output, inform teaching, and promote innovations critical to Ethiopia’s agricultural sector,” said Mulugeta Woldetsadik.
The impact can be seen in classrooms and labs across the College of Agriculture’s campus. Researchers and faculty members are doing amazing work that ties directly into Ethiopia’s national goals. Professor Beyene’s work in soil management and plant breeding is helping improve nutrition across Ethiopia, while Professor Tolera’s research on livestock feed resources has major implications for food security. Dr. Sintayehu Yigrem’s climate-focused research is contributing to the country’s strategies for climate resilience and food security. Dr. Sintayehu Yigrem, Associate Professor of Dairy Sciences, is leading a project on climate change and food security, involving over 25 PhD and post-doctoral researchers, and another aiming to strengthen Ethiopia’s livestock sector, with AGORA’s resources playing a vital role in supporting his climate-smart agriculture research.
Impact beyond the University
And impact extends beyond the campus, as Hawassa University’s research efforts contribute valuable insights to Ethiopia’s agricultural sector. Students and faculty are actively engaged in community-based projects, providing farmers and local stakeholders with evidence-based strategies to improve crop yields and livestock productivity. Through Research4Life’s AGORA collection, researchers at Hawassa University are not only advancing academic knowledge but also fostering innovations that enhance livelihoods and support sustainable development in the Sidama region and beyond.
Looking ahead, there are plans for Hawassa University to integrate Research4Life resources even further into the university’s teaching and research through initiatives like AGORA’s Information and Digital Literacy Training. These efforts are set to enhance research and drive meaningful innovations that will make a difference locally and nationally.
This article was originally published by the FAO. Read the article for an in-depth look at AGORA’s role in supporting Hawassa University’s agricultural research.
