HaFAS — Harmonized Digital Fertilizer & Agronomic Solutions (Ethiopia, CGIAR/ICRISAT lead for scaling)

• Scope: Develops and scales a harmonized, digital system for site-specific fertilizer and agronomic recommendations across Ethiopia (digital data platform, analytics, scaling strategy, training). Focuses on matching nutrient recommendations (including N & P) to site/crop.
• Status: Scaling / pre-scaling strategy and implementation plan (2024–2025 onward).
• Partners: CGIAR centres (ICRISAT, International Fertilizer Development Center contributors), Ethiopian research & extension institutions, donors (IFAD/USAID/others listed in strategy).
• Why it matters: Moves national practice from blanket to data-driven, site-specific N & P recommendations.
• Source: Scaling Delivery Strategy (HaFAS) — ICRISAT/CGIAR project document. ICRISAT OAR

AFAAS / AFAP / National Fertilizer Blending & Blending Facilities (programmes supporting fertilizer blends in Ethiopia)

• Scope: Technical support, advocacy and capacity building for local fertilizer blending, improved fertilizer blends (targeting nutrient mixes including N & P), and creating local blending infrastructure.
• Status: Ongoing / programmatic; contributed to national fertilizer blending programs and awareness.
• Partners: AFAAS (African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services), AFAP and Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture/ATA historically involved.
• Why it matters: Local blending increases access to tailored N/P mixes for crop and soils.
• Source: AFAAS background and AFAP contribution summaries. afaas-africa.org+1

University & research centre field trials on N & P rates (multiple university theses and papers — e.g., maize, potato, tef experiments)

• Scope: On-station and on-farm fertilizer rate trials testing combinations and rates of N and P (including blended products like NPS, NPSZnB), across zones (e.g., West Wollega, Jeldu, Nedjo, etc.). Typical outputs: economically optimal N & P rates per crop and agroecology, soil response data.
• Status: Many recent studies (2022–2025) — ongoing research and thesis work across Ethiopian universities (Haramaya, Jimma, regional research centres).
• Why it matters: These trials provide the empirical basis for site-specific recommendations and national blending choices.
• Representative sources (examples): ResearchGate/academic papers on N & P fertilizer effects in Nedjo, Jeldu, and a Haramaya thesis on N/P effects. ResearchGate+2ResearchGate+2

National supply & industrial projects affecting fertilizer availability and composition (e.g., Dangote fertilizer plant / national supply initiatives)

• Scope: Large industrial projects to produce fertilizers domestically (will affect supply, price, potential for locally tailored N/P blends).
• Status: Significant investment and development in 2024–2025 (public reporting through 2025).
• Why it matters: Local production changes availability of N and P inputs and supports blending programs.
• Source: Recent reporting on Dangote / national fertilizer developments (industry / national news summaries). Institute of Federal Affairs

Remote sensing / precision monitoring pilot projects for nutrient detection (ISP, research pilots)

• Scope: Research pilots using canopy reflectance and predictive algorithms to detect nutrient deficiencies (N, P, K) and inform fertiliser application.
• Status: Research & pilot stage, with annual reports 2023–2024 describing methods and field calibration.
• Why it matters: Enables faster, lower-cost nutrient diagnostics for site-specific N & P management.
• Source: International Science Programme report & related project appendices describing reflectance methods for N & P detection. Uppsala University

All students statistical information under the program/ department

40-50 students

Department/programs and admiration

The Department of Soil Resources and Watershed Management is one of the core academic units dedicated to producing skilled professionals in the field of natural resource management. The department offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programs designed under a harmonized national curriculum developed by Hawassa University, ensuring uniform standards of education across universities. The curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical field training to equip students with the skills needed.for sustainable soil and water resource management. To date, the department has successfully graduated six batches of students who are now actively contributing to research, development, and environmental conservation efforts across various regions of the country.

All student statistical information under the program/department

1. Student Demography Summary

Department of Soil Resources and Watershed Management
Wollega University (6th Batch)**

1. Total Students

Total number of 6th batch students: 120

2. Graduation Status

Out of the 120 students:

92 students graduated

28 students are still attending classes (ongoing learners)

Graduation Rate 

Approximately 77% of the students graduated.

Students Still Learning        

About 23% are continuing their courses.

3. Employment Status of Graduates

Out of the 92 graduates:

• 65 graduates are employed
• 27 graduates are currently seeking jobs or involved in other activities
• About 71% of the graduates are employed in different organizations.

       Unemployment / Other Engagement

About 71% of the graduates are employed in different organizations.

Unemployment / Other Engagement

Nearly 29% are not yet employed or are pursuing other activities.

4. Employment Sector Distribution (General Summary)

The 65 employed graduates are working under different organizations, including:

• Government offices (Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources, Watershed Programs)
• NGOs involved in climate resilience, land restoration, and sustainable agriculture
• Private sector (consultancies, agribusiness, environmental services)
• Educational and research institutions
• Some enrolled in MSc programs

Overall Summary

Research and projects

Publications, Optimization of Mango Peel Pectin Extraction (Mangifera indica L.): for the Production of Jam and Jelly

On: Elsevier Ongoing Research Works: Alemgena.A & Bekuma Gemechu :Analysis of Nutritional values, mineral contents, Ant-nutritional factors, Antioxidant Properties and functional properties of indigenous Selected orphan Crops (Yam, taro and Oromo Dinnich)

Ongoing Research Works:

Effect of plant extracts with edible coating materials on shelf life, physicochemical, and antibacterial activity and sensory acceptability of tomato fruit (Solanum lycopercicum L.) stored at ambient Temperature 

Detail information of national/ international research projects that were executed. Or ongoing or future panned projects

On: Elsevier Ongoing Research Works: Alemgena.A & Bekuma Gemechu :Analysis of Nutritional values, mineral contents, Ant-nutritional factors, Antioxidant Properties and functional properties of indigenous Selected orphan Crops (Yam, taro and Oromo Dinnich)

Ongoing Research Works:

Effect of plant extracts with edible coating materials on shelf life, physicochemical, and antibacterial activity and sensory acceptability of tomato fruit (Solanum lycopercicum L.) stored at ambient Temperature

Department/Programs and admiration

• The Department of Food Science and Post Harvest Technology at Wallaga University Gimbi Campus is dedicated to advancing knowledge, skills, and innovations that address Ethiopia’s food security and agro-industrial development needs.
• The department trains professionals in food processing, quality assurance, nutrition, and post harvest management, equipping graduates with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to contribute to industry, research, and community development.
• Department of Food Science and Post Harvest Technology is Inaugurated in 2009 Ec. In Wallaga University Gimbi Campus