About the Department
Established in 2016 G.C/2009 E.C, the Department of Agribusiness and Value Chain Management (ABVM) at Mattu University Bedele Campus is dedicated to fostering the next generation of agricultural leaders in Ethiopia. Their core mission is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and problem-solving abilities needed to drive the commercialization and value addition of the country's agricultural sector.
Furthermore, to strengthen linkages between stakeholders in the agricultural value chain from production to consumption while addressing economic, social, and environmental challenges. Below is a structured overview of its key aspects:
Key Focus Areas
1. Agribusiness Development
· Supports farmers, processors, traders, and retailers in adopting business-oriented practices.
· Promotes entrepreneurship, access to finance, and market-driven production.
· Integrates technology (e.g., precision agriculture, digital tools) to boost productivity.
2. Value Chain Analysis & Optimization
· Maps and analyzes each stage of the agricultural value chain (inputs, production, processing, distribution, retail & etc.).
· Identifies bottlenecks (e.g., post-harvest losses, weak infrastructure) and solutions (e.g., cold storage, blockchain traceability).
3. Market Access & Trade
· Facilitates connections between producers and domestic/global markets.
· Helps farmers meet quality standards (e.g., organic certifications) and comply with regulations.
4. Sustainability & Resilience
· Promotes climate-smart practices, resource efficiency, and circular economy models.
· Addresses challenges like climate change, soil degradation, and water scarcity.
5. Policy & Institutional Support
· Advocates for policies that improve agricultural trade, subsidies, and infrastructure.
· Strengthens institutions (e.g., cooperatives, farmer groups) for collective bargaining.
Core Objectives
- Economic Growth: Increase income for farmers and agribusinesses stakeholders, especially smallholders.
- Food Security: Ensure stable supply chains and reduce waste.
- Inclusivity: Empower marginalized groups (women, youth) in Agri-value chains.
- Innovation: Drive adoption of aggrotech (e.g., AI) and sustainable practices.
- Global Competitiveness: Enhance export potential through quality improvements.
Common Activities
- Capacity Building: Training farmers in modern techniques, financial literacy, or certification processes.
- Research & Data Analysis: Studying trends, value chain analysis, strategies to link small-scale farmers to formal markets (e.g., cooperatives, contract farming), climate-smart practices (e.g., drought-resistant crops, agroforestry) and their economic viability, waste reduction, resource efficiency, and recycling, Blockchain & Traceability, Precision Agriculture, digital marketplaces connecting farmers directly to consumers (e.g., reducing middlemen), Food Safety, Export Competitiveness , Gender Equity, Risk Management, Fintech Solutions, Indigenous Knowledge, Extension Services, Regenerative Agriculture, costs and impacts of interventions.
Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Collaborating with companies for investment in infrastructure (e.g., processing plants, logistics & etc).
- Grant Programs: Funding for SMEs or startups in Agri-processing or tech innovation.
- Advocacy: Campaigning for fair trade policies or gender equity in agriculture.
Academic Programs:
The department offers a comprehensive range of programs, including:
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Agribusiness and Value Chain Management: This full-time program provides a solid foundation in agribusiness principles, value chain management, marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship.
Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Agribusiness and Value Chain Management: This advanced program equips graduates with specialized knowledge and skills to excel in leadership roles within the agribusiness sector. The department offers both regular and weekend options for this program, catering to diverse student needs.
Future Programs: The department is actively expanding its offerings, with plans to launch winter and evening in both BSc &MSc programs soon, offering even greater flexibility for working professionals. Furthermore, plans to launch PhD Programs.
Mr. Ahimed Umer Yadeta
HoD's Message
Welcome to the Department of Agribusiness and Value Chain Management (ABVM) at Mattu University, Bedele Campus!
Dear Students, Colleagues, Partners, and Esteemed Stakeholders, it is with great pride and excitement that I welcome you to the Department of ABVM, a hub of innovation and premier excellence in modern agriculture. Since our establishment in 2016 (2009 E.C.), we have tirelessly pursued our vision to become Ethiopia's national premier center of excellence for sustainable modern agriculture by 2030, aligning with the nations goals for agricultural transformation and food security.
Guided by our mission to nurture entrepreneurial, problem-solving leaders, we have graduated 244 students, published 23 impactful research works, and secured 6 funded projects addressing critical challenges such as post-harvest losses, Value Chain Analysis, climate resilience, and market access. These milestones reflect the dedication of our 8 faculty members and the vibrant energy of our students, who are shaping the future of Ethiopia's agri-sector.
We offer B.Sc. and M.Sc. programs (Regular & Weekend) in Agribusiness and Value Chain Management, blending rigorous theory with hands-on training in entrepreneurship, digital tools, and sustainable practices. Soon, we will expand our offerings to include PhD programs, evening/winter sessions, and specialized MSc/BSc tracks, empowering working professionals and future leaders to drive Ethiopia's agricultural modernization.
Our research tackles pressing issues like linking smallholders to formal markets, value chain analysis, precision agriculture, blockchain traceability, fintech solutions, digital agriculture and climate-smart practices. Through public-private partnerships (PPPs) and collaborations with cooperatives, government agencies, and NGOs, we support SMEs, cold chain infrastructure, and gender-inclusive policies to empower women and youth in agri-value chains.
As we continue to nurture entrepreneurial and problem-solving leaders in agribusiness, I am thrilled to highlight the diverse and impactful career pathways awaiting our graduates. The Department of Agribusiness and Value Chain Management (ABVM) at Mattu University Bedele Campus equips you not only with academic excellence but also with the practical skills to drive Ethiopia's agricultural transformation. Our graduates are uniquely positioned to contribute across sectors critical to national development: Banks & Financial Institutions, NGOs & Development Organizations, Government & Policy Roles (e.g., Ministry of Agriculture, ATA), Private Sector and Agribusiness, International Organizations (e.g., FAO, IFAD, SNV), Academic & Research Institutions (e.g. & University & Research Center), Cooperatives and PPPs, Entrepreneurship/The Frontier of Innovation. For visionary graduates, the Agri-tech startup ecosystem, consultancy firms, and SME ventures offer fertile ground to pioneer solutions from blockchain traceability to circular economy models. Your entrepreneurial spirit will redefine Ethiopia's agri-sector.
As we expand our academic programs and research frontiers, we invite stakeholders to join us in building a dynamic, market-oriented agricultural sector. Together, we can address food security, reduce waste, and uplift rural communities while fostering innovation and sustainability. To our students and alumni: You are the torchbearers of Ethiopia's agricultural future. To our partners: Your trust and collaboration fuel our progress. Let us continue to sow seeds of knowledge, innovation, and equity for generations to win.
Vision
By 2030, to be the premier centre of excellence in value-added modern agriculture, driving innovation, community service, and inclusive growth to transform Ethiopia’s agricultural resource base into a globally competitive and sustainable engine of national development
Mission
§ To produce well-rounded, employable and entrepreneurial graduates equipped with knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to make outstanding contributions to the national and global development of modern agriculture.
§ To excel in teaching, learning and research with a strong emphasis on value addition, establishing collaboration and partnership to the national and global agricultural products.