Research, publication, Ethics and Dissemination Directorate Achievements/Impacts
University is mainly accountable for conducting problem solving research, producing competent, knowledgeable and skilled manpower through teaching, rendering community services and consultancy engagement by creating a linkage between university and industries. Among these missions of higher education institutions, Research is one of the major areas of focus of Office of the Vice President for Academic, Research, Technology Transfer and Community Service Mattu University (MaU) to contribute in sustainable and holistic development of the communities. Mattu University is committed to promoting practical research culture and dissemination of findings to end-users and appropriate stakeholders. Research projects initiated by university can often yield very useful findings with direct bearings on guidelines initiatives, generation of new development insights, application of technologies and innovations, and ultimately on the quality of life of our citizens. In line with this, with in the past five years, among the activities performed by the university, few lists are forwarded below.
1. Research Achievements
Completed Projects
1. Variety Adaptation and Integrated Nutrient Management study on Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas L,) at Buno Bedele Zones, South-western Ethiopia
Objective: To evaluate the performance of sweet potato varieties under different nutrient management practices and identifies suitable varieties and nutrient management options for improved productivity in Buno Bedele Zones, South-western Ethiopia
v Identified high-yielding and nutrient-efficient sweet potato varieties adapted to local conditions, which could improve food security.
2. Genotype X Environment Interaction, Yield Stability analysis of Released Tef (E.tef) Varieties in Buno Bedele and Ilu aba Bora Southwest Ethiopia
Objective: To evaluate the genotype × environment interaction and yield stability of released tef varieties across different agro-ecologies of Buno Bedele and Ilu Aba Bora zones in order to identify high-yielding and stable varieties for wider recommendation.
v Selected stable, high-yielding tef varieties that enhanced productivity under variable environmental conditions (Buno Bedele and Ilu Ababor zone).
3. Enhancing Tea Seedling Production by Investigating the Effects of Rooting Media on tea Clonal Variety with Small holder Farmers in IAB Zone, Ethiopia
Objective: To evaluate the effect of different rooting media on the growth and establishment of tea clonal varieties in order to enhance seedling production and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Ilu Aba Bora Zone, Ethiopia.
v Improved tea clonal seedling survival and growth rates, which will increases smallholder productivity and sustainability of tea production.
4. Genotype by Environment Interaction, Yield Stability Analysis and Farmers Participatory Variety Selection of Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum) Varieties at Buno Bedele and Ilu Aba Bor Zones
Objective: To evaluate the performance, yield stability, and farmer preferences of bread wheat varieties across diverse environments of Buno Bedele and Ilu Aba Bora Zones in order to identify and recommend high-yielding, stable, and farmer-preferred varieties.
v Identified farmer-preferred wheat varieties with high yield stability, which promoted adoption and improved local wheat production.
Ongoing Mega project initiatives
5. Livestock transformation project (LTP) dairy initiative for transforming livelihood through surplus milk production in Ilu Ababor and Buno Bedele Zone, Ethiopia
v Improved cattle breeds in the areas, Increased milk production and household income, which contributed to food security and rural livelihood improvement.
6. Enhancing Nursery Practices and Propagation Techniques for Optimal Seedling production in Ilu Aba Bora and Buno Bedele Zones, Southwest Ethiopia
Objective: To investigate and enhance nursery management practices and propagation techniques for optimal seedling production with the aim of improving seedling quality, survival rates.
v Improved seedling quality and survival rates, which supported sustainable crop and horticultural production.
7. Sustainable Crop Production System: Integrated Variety Trials and Agronomic Practices for Cereals, Pulse, and Oil Crops in Ilu Aba Bor and Buno Bedele Zone, Southwestern Ethiopia
Objective: To enhance sustainable crop production and productivity through integrated variety trials and improved agronomic practices for cereals, pulses, and oil crops in the Ilu Aba Bor and Buno Bedele Zones of Southwestern Ethiopia.
v Selected stable, high-yielding cereals, pulses, and oil crops that enhanced productivity under variable environmental conditions (Buno Bedele and Ilubabor zone) It has also enhanced yield and resource efficiency.
8. Green Product Initiative: Vermicomposting of agro-industrial wastes for sustainable waste Management and Organic Crop Production
Objective: To evaluate the potential of vermicomposting agro-industrial wastes as a sustainable waste management strategy and a source of nutrient-rich organic fertilizer for enhancing soil health and improving organic crop production.
v Produced sustainable organic fertilizers, reduced environmental waste, and improved soil fertility.
9. Sustainable Livestock Farming: A Research-Driven Development Initiative at Mattu University, Ethiopia
Objective: To assess and develop sustainable livestock farming through research-driven animal breeding, health, feeding and management at Mattu university.
v Promoted adoption of improved livestock management practices, improved breeding practices which increased productivity and institution’s income.
10. Modern Beekeeping Production and Honey Value Chain Development in Buno Bedele and Ilu Aba Bor Zones
Objective: Establishment of Modern Honey Production and Honey Value Chain Development with the specific objectives of the current budget year
v Increased honey production and diversified institutional income, Identified and strengthened local honey value chains in Buno Bedele and Ilu Ababor zone.
11. Enhancing Horticultural Crops Production System in Buno Bedele and Ilu Aba Bor Zones: A Holistic Approach
Objective: To improve horticultural crops production system through a holistic approach
v Improved horticultural production techniques, selected high yielding and stable horticultural variety, increased crop diversity in the areas, and enhanced local nutrition security.
12. Establishment of Botanical Garden: Preserving Medicinal and Aromatic Plants at Mattu university, Ethiopia
Objective: To establish a botanical garden at Mettu University for the conservation, sustainable utilization, and promotion of medicinal and aromatic plants, thereby contributing to biodiversity preservation
v Conserved medicinal and aromatic plants and providing a research and teaching resource for biodiversity preservation.
2. Number of Publications & Dissemination works
Scientific Publications: Over the past five years, researchers affiliated with the university published 196 peer-reviewed articles in national and international journals. These publications contributed to strengthening academic visibility, enhanced research credibility, and generated evidence-based knowledge. Many of these articles have been cited in policy documents and research projects, reflecting their practical relevance and impact.
Policy Briefs: In 2017 E.C, two evidence-based policy briefs been produced that could influence national decision-making:
l Male Engagement in Maternal and Child Health in Ethiopia – informed strategies for improving equitable health outcomes through gender-sensitive interventions.
l Participatory Forest Management: A Pathway to Sustainable Forest Conservation and Livelihoods guided local and regional forestry policies, promoting sustainable management and community engagement.
Conferences & Workshops
Since 2013, MaU organized five national conferences and five dissemination workshops that provided platforms for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to share knowledge, foster collaborations, and discuss emerging issues in agriculture, livestock, environmental sustainability, and public health.
Mattu University Journal: MaU established the EJAS Journal of Science and Technology, a peer-reviewed platform for publishing local and regional research. The journal promoted rigorous academic standards, supported young researchers, and enhanced the visibility of university-led research, fostering a culture of evidence-based practice and scholarly contribution within and beyond the university.
4. Research Ethics and Capacity Building
Institutional Ethical Research Committee Established: A fully functional Institutional Ethical Research Committee was established, which ensured that all research conducted at the university adhered to national and international ethical standards. This committee reviewed and approved research protocols, reducing ethical violations and fostering responsible conduct of research.
Guidelines & Standards Developed: Comprehensive research and publication guidelines were developed and implemented, which standardized research practices across disciplines, promoted methodological rigor, and enhanced the quality and credibility of publications produced by the university.
Capacity Building Training: Targeted training programs were conducted for faculty and researchers, covering areas such as grant writing, systematic review, and meta-analysis. These training improved the quality of research proposals, increased success in securing competitive funding, strengthened researchers’ analytical and evidence synthesis skills, and enhanced the standard of publications emerging from the university.
Plagiarism Detection (Turnitin): Turnitin plagiarism detection software was made available and actively used across the university. This strengthened academic integrity, significantly reduced instances of research misconduct, and promoted a culture of originality.
5. Research Collaborations & Partnerships
Since 2014 E. c, MaU conducted more than five collaborative research projects, generating over 5 million ETB, which strengthened university-industry-community linkages, international partnerships, and local development impact.
Charcoal Production from Coffee Husk (Completed and Patented): Developed a technology to produce charcoal from coffee husk. This innovation provided an alternative energy source, could reduce environmental waste small-scale entrepreneurs. The technology has been patented, demonstrating its novelty and practical application in sustainable waste management and local energy security.
Manually Operated Poly grow Bag Cutting Machine (Ongoing): Designed a manually operated cutting machine for poly grow bags used in nurseries. This technology improved nursery efficiency, increased seedling production, and reduced labor costs. It is currently under patent processing/ongoing development.
Dr. Tekalign Tadesse (DVM, MVSc Asst. Prof.)