RUFORUM Executive Secretary Visits Haramaya University to Strengthen Institutional Transformation and Agricultural Education
A delegation from the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), led by the Executive Secretary, Prof. Patrick Okori, visited Haramaya University from 6–10 May 2026. The delegation was accompanied by the TAGDev 2.0 Project Coordinator, Prof. Anthony Egeru. This marked the first official visit by a sitting RUFORUM Executive Secretary to Haramaya University.
The purpose of the visit was to participate in the international conference hosted by Haramaya University, visit university research and teaching facilities, engage with TAGDev 2.0-supported PhD students under the Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) arrangement, hold consultative meetings with the University’s senior management and leadership, and conduct field visits to TAGDev 2.0-supported research sites.
During the visit, the delegation met with the President of Haramaya University, Dr. Jemal Yousuf and discussed strategic issues aimed at supporting the University’s transformation agenda and its transition toward becoming an autonomous institution. The discussions focused on strengthening academic quality, institutional capacity, research and innovation, university-industry partnerships, and the effective implementation of the TAGDev 2.0 program.
The delegation visited several of the University’s major research and teaching facilities, including the CHAMPS Laboratory, laboratories at the Technology Campus, and other research centers at Harar Campus. The team held fruitful discussions with Prof. Nega and his colleagues regarding ongoing research activities, laboratory capacity, and opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
High-Level Consultative Meeting
One of the key highlights of the visit was a high-level consultative meeting held on 9 May 2026 in the presence of the President of Haramaya University, senior university management, and distinguished academic leaders. Participants included the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Prof. Mengistu Urge; the Vice President for Administration and Student Affairs, Dr. Abdi Mohammed; senior professors from the College of Agriculture and other colleges; representatives from the University Autonomy Office; the Academic Program Directorate; and the University’s Centers of Excellence, including ACE Climate-SABC.
The consultative meeting aimed to facilitate a strategic dialogue on the future of agricultural programs in Africa, examine the implications of declining student enrollment in agricultural disciplines, explore pathways for repositioning agricultural programs to remain relevant and impactful, and identify actionable strategies through which RUFORUM can support institutional transformation.
The session was chaired and moderated by the President of Haramaya University, while Prof. Patrick Okori delivered a presentation on frameworks for modernizing agricultural universities in Africa. His presentation highlighted the role of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in transforming higher education, as well as strategies for attracting and motivating youth to pursue agricultural studies and careers.
Field Visit to TAGDev 2.0 Research Sites
On 10 May 2026, the delegation visited one of the TAGDev 2.0 potato research sites and interacted with farmers from the Abdi-Boru Seed Growers and Diffused Light Storage Users Group. The delegates participated in potato seedling plantation activities alongside the farmers and discussed ways of strengthening project implementation, improving seed systems, and empowering farming communities.
In the afternoon, the Executive Secretary met with PhD Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) supported under the TAGDev 2.0 program, a partnership between RUFORUM and the Mastercard Foundation. During the session, the students presented their research posters and received valuable feedback and recommendations aimed at strengthening the quality and impact of their studies.
Meeting with the TAGDev 2.0 project team
The TAGDev 2.0 Program Coordinator, Prof. Anthony Egeru, also held a meeting with the TAGDev 2.0 core project implementation team and discussed key priority areas and new deliverables expected to be achieved over the coming years. During the discussion, the Coordinator emphasized that the TAGDev 2.0 project should further strengthen its focus beyond community outreach activities and strategically reorient its interventions toward job creation and entrepreneurship opportunities for youth and women, particularly in horticulture and related agricultural value chains.
Wrap-up Meeting and Reflections
At the conclusion of the visit, Prof. Patrick Okori and Prof. Anthony Egeru held a wrap-up meeting with the President of Haramaya University. During the discussion, the delegation provided strategic reflections and recommendations to support the University’s transformation agenda. Key areas of discussion included pathways toward institutional autonomy, strengthening the University’s community engagement and third mission activities, enhancing the implementation of the TAGDev 2.0 project, building the capacity of university enterprises, strengthening partnerships with the private sector, improving the quality of academic programs, and enhancing curriculum review processes.
The President of Haramaya University expressed his appreciation to RUFORUM for its continued support toward institutional transformation in Africa and particularly at Haramaya University. He also reaffirmed the University leadership’s commitment and readiness to work closely with RUFORUM and partners in advancing these strategic goals.
Tags: academic collaboration, Agricultural Education, Capacity Building, Ethiopia, Executive Secretary, Haramaya University, higher education, Institutional Transformation, RUFORUM, university partnership
