Haramaya University held the annual workshop from 21-23 April, 2016 in the main campus. The opening of the ceremony was at Afran Kelo Hall. The University has also inaugurated a stamp commemorating its 60th year anniversary.
An opening speech was given by the University’s President, Prof. Chemeda Fininsa where he addressed and stressed the advantages of community engagement activities that are inclusive in addressing the different pressing issues the country is facing.
An exhibition presenting the many achievements and technological releases of the University was displayed. Farmers, development agents, association representatives and community leaders attended the reports presented from the offices of Research Extension, CASCAPE and ISSD (community based project) and Community Engagement Directorate.
Discussion sessions with the community representatives and different stakeholders were held on achievements and future plans. The representatives raised issues they considered to be the University’s responsibilities and responses were given by the concerned bodies of the University.
The attendees have also attended the inauguration ceremony of the Drip and Sprinkler Irrigation Technology, which was the first of its kind for the University. There were more than 420 individuals who have attended the workshop on the first day.
On the next two days, researchers presented their works at Resource Center in parallel sessions held in different rooms. More than 50 researches were presented on the different thematic areas, and discussion and question and answer sessions were held. 180 and 168 people attended these parallel sessions on 22 and 23 April, respectively. A general discussion was held addressing the different challenges researchers face during their research and answers were given by Prof. Chemeda.