Speakers from various regions and city administrations, participating in a joint forum organized by the South West Ethiopia Peoples' Region, stated that the agricultural and natural resource conservation activities currently underway at Bonga University should be further strengthened.
The participants visited the university's banana plantations, livestock farming (part of the "Bounty of the Basket" / Lemat Trufat initiative), fruit and vegetable development projects, and technology transfer efforts within the teaching-learning sector.
During the visit, Dr. Kelalew Adisu, Vice President of the university, provided an overview, noting that alongside its core teaching mission, the university is focusing on agriculture and natural resource conservation by leveraging the area's local resources. He indicated that work is underway to establish the university as a Center of Excellence in this field through expanded operations.
The visiting speakers remarked that Bonga University's multifaceted work in teaching, community service, technology transfer, and environmental protection serves as a best practice model for other universities.
They also emphasized the following points:
Tourism Development: Since universities play a vital role in converting regional tourism potential into economic wealth, Bonga University is expected to focus on this sector.
Cultural Heritage: Given that the region is home to 13 indigenous ethnic groups and many others, the university should play its part in researching and preserving languages, traditions, and heritages to ensure sustainable benefits.
National Impact: The speakers noted that the university's activities create significant capacity not just for the region, but for the country, and urged the government to continue supporting and strengthening these comprehensive efforts.
Honorable Mr. Wondimu Kurta, Speaker of the South West Ethiopia Peoples' Region, added that the university should expand its model agricultural works. He also emphasized strengthening the teaching-learning process by expanding departments and increasing student enrollment.
Finally, he praised the university for establishing a Coffee Department, noting coffee’s immense contribution to the national economy. He called for an increase in student intake within this department to help modernize and transform the coffee sector.
By: Teketel W/Michael