Research Type Applied  

Time Remaining:

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Please submit your proposal following this guideline:-

Integration of indigenous Knowledge in thematic research proposal is highly recommended

Theme 1: Agricultural Development

Sub Theme 1.1:  Crop and Livestock Productivity Enhancement

Research Area 1         Enhancing crop productivity: Increasing crop productivity through improved planting materials, pest and disease control mechanisms, soil fertility improvement strategies, mechanized farming technology

Research Area 2      Improvement of horticulture crops productivity (fruits and vegetables, root and tuber crops, spices and herbs and medicinal plants, stimulant plants like coffee and tea) appropriate mechanisms for ensuring food security and livelihood improvement

 Research Area 3    Integrated agro-biodiversity conservation and utilization: Investigation towards conservation of endangered indigenous crop species.

 Research Area 4     Improving the livelihoods of pastoral and agro-pastoral communities through animal genetic resource improvement, strategies to noble feed and nutrition, Livestock product quality and safety, animal health improvement and disease control, nutritional quality enhancement and diversified agricultural practices mechanisms

 Sub Theme 1.2:  Forest, biodiversity and Climate Change

 Research Area 1 Mechanisms for reestablishing or restoration of degraded landscapes, forest and biodiversity conservation for ensuring livelihoods, wildlife management for ecotourism attraction, climate change mitigation and adaptation measures for climate change responses.

 Research Area 2 Mechanisms for watershed development and management, integrated soil fertility and nutrient management such as management of problematic soils (Acidity, alkalinity, salinity, sodicity, vertisol, etc.) to support diversified agricultural productivity

Sub Theme 1.3.  Agricultural Mechanization

 Research Area 1 Design and prototyping of farm implements (tillage equipment, planter, harvester, sprayer, thresher, cleaner, storage, etc.)

 Research Area 2 Design and prototyping of livestock production and product processing technologies

Sub Theme 1.4.  Agricultural Extension and Agribusiness

 Research Area 1 Mechanisms For Marketing, Agribusiness and Enterprise Development (Value Chain Analysis, Small, Medium and other Agribusiness Development, etc.)

Sub Theme 1.5. Food Security and Livelihood

Research Area 1 Approaches for diversification of food production systems (aquaculture, crop-livestock production and non-timber forest products) to ensure food and nutrition security and enhance marketing value.

Research Area 2 Postharvest loss minimization through applications of innovative post-harvest technology and management

Sub Theme 1.6. Promoted sustainable product utilization; natural resources conservation and management

Theme 2: Health and Life Science

Subtheme 2.1. Nutrition, Food Safety and Policy

Research Area 1 Approaches to Solve the Nutritional Problems including Malnutrition, Micronutrient Deficiencies, and Prevention and Treatment of malnutrition at all levels giving Particular attention to developing effective strategies for nutrition interventions during pregnancy, lactation, early infancy, childhood, and adolescence.

Research Area 2 Mechanisms for improving dietary practice of the community, food safety and quality, together with monitoring toxic chemicals such as pesticide residues, and heavy metals. Subtheme 2.2. Infectious Diseases, Drug Resistance and Global Health

Research Area 1 Strategies for Integrated Prevention and Control of Malaria, HIV, TB, Hepatitis B virus and Other infectious Diseases in southwest Ethiopia o Mechanisms to reduce drug-resistant pathogens, and reinfection of infectious disease

Subtheme 2.3. Non-communicable Disease, Mental Health and Rehabilitative Health Services

Research Area 1 Investigations on epidemiological patterns, diagnosis, prevention, and follow-up, to design control strategies for common emerging non-communicable human health problems to improve quality of life

Research Area 2 Designing Strategies to reduce mental health problems and substance use

Subtheme 2.4. Environmental and Occupational Health

Research Area 1 Designing Strategies reduce the health effects of populations when exposed to environmental hazards (air and water pollution, pesticides, organic solvents, dust, and physical hazards)

Research Area 2 Mechanisms for the provision of safe water supply, management of wastes, prevention and control of communicable diseases, zoonotic diseases and vector control, improving housing conditions, and occupational health and hygienic practices as well as safe working conditions.

Research Area 3 Studies related to environmental health and safety standards, policies and regulations.

Subtheme 2.5. Reproductive, Sexual, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health

Research Area 1 Approaches to improve Reproductive and sexual health issues with a particular focus on women, children, and adolescents and maternal health problems associated with preconception care, pregnancy and childbirth, nutrition and hygienic practices during pregnancy and lactation.

Research Area 2 Mechanisms to reduce maternal & neonatal mortality, maternal and gynecological medical disorders, congenital anomalies & under five child disease.

Research Area 3 Strategies for controlling harmful traditional practices on young people, women, and children and gender-based violence (GBV) and means for male partner involvement in maternal health services utilization.

Subtheme 2.6. Pharmaceutical Sciences 

Research Area 1 Designs for identifying a compound from various sources such as from medicinal plants that is therapeutically useful in curing and treating diseases.

Research Area 2 Mechanisms for ensuring the safety, efficacy and quality of locally produced traditional medicines and evaluating the standards and regulations of traditional healer practices.

Research Area 3 Investigation of pharmaceutical care, treatment outcomes and rationality

Research Area 4 Effective utilization of traditional medicine through integrated scientific and Indigenous knowledge

Subtheme 2.7. Healthcare Service Delivery Equity, Quality and Financing

Research Area 1 Approaches for the equity of healthcare services and problems related to service organization, leadership and use of digital health solutions and policies towards attaining a standard of healthcare delivery.

Theme 3: Manufacturing, Geo-science and Digital technology

Subtheme 3.1: Manufacturing

Research Area 1 Integrating research with indigenous knowledge for sustainable development of community: Research on designing and producing cost-effective, efficient farm tools like corn threshers, milk processing machines, cattle monitoring devices, and pans tailored to the specific needs of rural communities. Emphasis is placed on creating accessible and affordable technologies that support local employment programs & improve productivity.

Research Area 2 Enhancing Agricultural Productivity and Environmental Sustainability by Designing and Manufacturing Agricultural Machinery and Implements for Creating Modern Farming and Agro-processing tools.

Research Area 3 Studies focused on developing new technologies to optimize mechanized farming practices and improve irrigation systems. This includes research into innovative tools, machinery, and techniques that enhance resource management, productivity, and sustainability in agriculture.

Research Area 4 Integrating Research and Indigenous knowledge for Innovation, Relevant Technology Adaptation, Development and Transfer to the community for sustainable development.

Research Area 5 Studies related to technology development to enhance agricultural mechanization and irrigation water management. Investigations that focus on the development of new products/processes/technology and/or Modification/improvement /adaptation of existing technology

i) Infrastructure and Innovative Construction Solutions

ii) Construct a durable and adaptable infrastructure that supports agriculture, construction, and mining. This includes the development of roads, storage facilities, and transport systems that can withstand environmental pressures.

Subtheme 3.2. Mining and Geo-Science

Research Area 1 Exploration of Geophysics and Geodynamics: Analyzing geological and tectonic settings in Southwest Ethiopia to discover mineral deposits.

Research Area 2 Earth System Geochemistry Studies: Investigating physical and chemical properties of the earth’s surface and interior to postulate new models for understanding crust dynamics.

Research Area 3 Integrating geoscientific methods and innovative technologies to address challenges in mineral exploration, environmental sustainability, geo-hazard mitigation and infrastructure development.

Research Area 4 Enhance infrastructure development, resource management, and environmental protection through geospatial and geotechnical insights; utilizing geoscience data to improve site assessment such as buildings, roads, bridges, and dams. Also focus on soil and rock mechanics, seismic hazard assessment, and ground stability analysis to inform safe and sustainable infrastructure design.

Research Area 5 Identification of Potential Mineral Resources: Focusing on minerals like Gold and charcoal in Southwest Ethiopia, evaluating the region's suitability for small-scale mining.

Research Area 6 Valuable Earth Resources Discoveries: Research on industrial minerals, construction stones, coal, petroleum, and other precious minerals for industrialization and export. 

Research Area 7 Mineral Processing Technology Optimization: Developing new techniques to enhance mineral quality, promote cost-effective and eco-friendly extraction methods, and improve processing technologies.

Research Area 8 Mining Management Systems and Policy Assessment: Studies on mineral quality, standardization, policy evaluation, and strategic planning for the mining sector.

Research Area 9 Sustainable Mining and Resource Extraction: Investigating the geoscientific aspects of mining and resource extraction, with a focus on minimizing environmental impact. This includes the study of soil erosion, water contamination, and land degradation caused by mining activities and the development of mitigation strategies.

Research Area 10 Environmental and Socio-economic Impacts of Mining: Investigation of the impact of mining activities, and management of geo-hazard risks.

Research Area 11 Geological and Environmental Factors in Landslides: Utilizing advanced geological and technological methods to prevent and mitigate landslides in Southwest Ethiopia.

Research Area 12 Impact of Mining Activities on Infrastructure: Evaluating the effects of mining on civil infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and buildings. This includes studying how mining operations may lead to soil erosion, foundation instability, and water contamination.

Research Area 13 Early Warning Systems and Disaster Preparedness for Flood Management: This focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of early warning systems for floods, looking at how these systems help communities prepare and respond.

Research Area 14 The Socioeconomic Impacts of Flooding and Flood Management Strategies; this theme would focus on the socioeconomic consequences of flooding, such as displacement, property loss, and economic disruptions, as well as the effectiveness of flood management strategies.

Subtheme 3.3. Soil, Water and Energy

Research Area 1 Analysis of Mineral Components in Drinking Water: Studying water quality to control waterborne diseases.

Research Area 2 Innovative Drainage Design Solutions: Developing strategies for urban water management, waste disposal, and drainage systems.

Research Area 3 Power Generation Studies: Exploring hydropower, solar power, biogas, and sustainable energy solutions.

Research Area 4 Watershed Management for Soil and Water Conservation: Integrated approaches to managing watersheds to reduce erosion, enhance water storage, and improve agricultural productivity.

Research Area 5 Soil Erosion Control and Land Rehabilitation: Developing engineering solutions for soil conservation, erosion prevention, and land reclamation in degraded areas.

Research Area 6 Impact of Land Use Changes on Watershed Hydrology: Assessing how urbanization, deforestation, and agricultural practices influence hydrological cycles in watersheds.

Research Area 7 Water Quality Management iloooo--n Watersheds: Techniques to monitor and improve water quality through controlled agricultural practices and pollution mitigation

.Research Area 8 Advancing Renewable Energy Technologies and Transfer: Design, optimization, and implementation of solar, wind, bioenergy, hydropower, and geothermal systems. Assess renewable energy resource potential and develop innovative technologies for communitylevel applications.

Research Area 9 Enhancing Energy Efficiency and Storage Systems: Develop energy-efficient materials and optimize industrial and building processes to reduce consumption. Innovate energy storage solutions, including battery and thermal storage systems, for reliable energy access. Implement smart grid technologies and load management systems for efficient energy use.

Research Area 10 Hydropower and Water Management Systems: Developing efficient methods for harnessing hydropower in water resource management, focusing on the design of sustainable dams, reservoirs, and water diversion systems. This includes optimizing energy production while maintaining ecological balance and water availability for agriculture, industry, and domestic use.

Subtheme 3.4. Digital Technology

Research Area 1 Exploring and Analyzing Recent Advancements in Artificial Intelligence (pattern recognition, detection, prediction, optimization and hypothesis testing) in revolutionizing healthcare services, agricultural productivity, education and tourism.

Research Area 2 Developing a Strategy for Implementing Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Computer Simulations and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) approaches in sectors of agriculture, education, health and tourism of southwest Ethiopia.

Research Area 3 Exploring and assessing the existing problems in telecommunications by indicating ways of increasing access to connectivity, coverage of the infrastructure and affordability and quality of services in southwest Ethiopia.

Research Area 4 Increasing current technology adoption through effective technology and knowledge transfer systems such as increased uptake of emerging telecommunication technologies (5G and beyond, software-defined networks, internet of things (IoT) and machine-tomachine communication) in southwest Ethiopia.

Research Area 5 Conduct a resource mapping study to identify areas lacking IT infrastructure in southwest Ethiopia and develop a structure for prioritizing IT infrastructure services according to community needs and available resources, integrating public administration, technology studies, and community development.

Research Area 6 Investigate the role of community involvement in the seamless collaboration and coordination of IT infrastructure projects and service provision between the public and private sectors. 

Research Area 7 Investigations related to Improved Digital Technologies usability, productivity, and creativity in both the public and private spheres, to enable the efficient functioning of the economy

Research Area 8 Assessment regarding the use of Digital Technologies for inclusive education and Digital Technology tools for people with special needs

Research Area 9 Developing strategies for fostering and customizing start-ups, small and micro businesses and innovators in southwest Ethiopia to address societal economic problems by using digital technologies.

Research Area 10 Investigations related to Improved Digital Technologies usability, productivity, and creativity in both the public and private spheres of southwest Ethiopia, to enable the efficient functioning of the economy.

Theme 4: Culture and Tourism Development 

Subtheme 4.1. Tourism resources

Research Area 1 Mechanisms to improve utilization capacity of underutilized eco-tourism opportunities available in West-Omo, Bench-Sheko and Sheka Zones of SW Ethiopia.

Research Area 2 Enhancing natural tourism resources include biological (Sheka dense forest and Wurg forest (wild nature) and Omo-park in Maji-district) and physical (i.e. mountains, spectacular landscapes, escarpments, viewpoints, favorable weather, lakes, hot springs, waterfall, and natural cave in many localities of Sheka and West-Omo Zones).

Subtheme 4.2. Culture and its development

Research Area 1 Studies related to Heritage Conservations, Development and Management of indigenous peoples living in SW Ethiopia.

Research Area 2 Studies on Languages, Communications, Dialects and Folklore of the Indigenous peoples in SW Ethiopia as well as the interconnection between Language, society and sociopragmatics.

Research Area 3 Studies related to harmful traditional practice and intervention through training

Research Area 4 A scientific study that focuses on documenting and preserving medicinal plants, cultural artifacts and knowledge of traditional healers.

Subtheme 4.3. Tourism Development and Management

Research Area 1 The exploitation of the available eco-tourism potentials in SW Ethiopia through promotion and advertisement of available eco-tourisms, utilization of appropriate technology, and improved infrastructure and proper ethnic violence management. Designing mechanisms for tourism administration and management to reduce the high loss of fauna reported in Omo-park. Studies that focus on Tourism Development and Management are highly required. These include Integrating Tourism and Hospitality Management in Education

Research Area 2 Integrating Investment with (Entrepreneurship, employability, technology, digitalization and services )

Research Area 3 Improving Transportation Management in Tourism and Hospitality

Research Area 4 Enhancing Human Capital Development and Management in Tourism

Research Area 5  Integrating Tourism and Hospitality Management in Education

Subtheme 4.4. Tourism Marketing and Sustainability

Research Area 1 Improving Tourism demand analysis and modeling through (Business Tourism and Event Marketing, tourism Value Chain Analysis and Management, Tourist Behaviors and Experiences and tourism Marketing Tools and Strategies).

Research Area 2 Improving Tourism investment and management as well as sustainability of tourism hospitality and marketing

Research Area 3 Scale up and sustainable tourism practices by using economic valuation of tourism resources.

Research Area 4 Integrated intervention of the main problems evident in southwest Ethiopia in the tourism sector

Subtheme 4.5. Welfare, livelihood and business development

Research Area 1  Alleviating Poverty, Unemployment and Cost of Living; through enhancing resource allocation, energy demand and efficiency; food security and agricultural productivity and improving work culture, cooperative corporate governance and economics--

Research Area 2  Studies that focus on the magnitude and cause of youth unemployment and less of initiatives of youth to be self-employed

Research Area 3 Studies focusing on issues revolving around how to start and run a new business and on the development of a business plan

Subtheme 4.5. Project Management, Accounting and Auditing

Subtheme 4.6. Public Finance and Expenditure, Business Policy, Ethics and Model

Theme 5: Education and Governance

Theme 5.1: Education Road-Map (curriculum)

Research Area 1 Studies related to the curriculum with a specific focus on the pros and cons of a medium of instruction and theory-practice nexus.

Research Area 2 Studies related to the curriculum of the nation and the SW Ethiopia regional state by giving more attention to the philosophical and psychological assumptions, relevance, development, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation.

Theme 5.2. Teaching, learning and assessment methods and outcomes

Research Area 1 Advanced Teaching Strategies and Impact on Student Learning Outcomes Across Disciplines

Research Area 2 Researches that focus on learning outcomes, competency-based training, teacher or trainer-related capacity, nature of teachers' preparation, and student or trainee support system and engagement issues.

Theme 5.3. Access and Equity

Research Area 1 Access (availing education in different modalities to the public from primary to secondary schools), Equity (gender, region, disability, urban-rural, central-peripheral, education injustice) and inclusiveness (needs and talents)

Research Area 2 Studies related to leadership capacities, qualities, and functions required for implementing different policy options.

Research Area 3  Studies related to community engagement in the provision of quality education and Educational management and leadership

Theme 5.4. Governance, Leadership, and Management

Research Area 1 Gender gap and equity with a specific focus on early marriage and less empowerment and poor participation of women in leadership and management

Research Area 2 Ethnic and religious diversity and co-existence, local governance practices and challenges

Research Area 3 Managerial problems in cooperatives and the relationship between cooperatives and their unions

Research Area 4 Public service delivery system and local and zonal development following the emergence of the new Southwest Ethiopia regional state

Theme 5.5. Media and Communication

Research Area 1 Public relations practice and progress in the digital era, Media literacy under social media usage, Impacts of social media and mainstream media and Broadcast production with artificial intelligence

Theme 5.6. Peace and Security

Research Area 1 The cause and dynamics of conflicts in Pastoral areas of SW Ethiopia; Social capital in the post-conflict community; democratization process and local governance; Federalism and multiculturalism; Human rights and corruption

Research Area 2 Approaches to utilize indigenous knowledge and culture for conflict resolution and sustaining peace and security in the community.

Funding Schemes:

• Central Fund(MTU)

Please submit your proposal following this guideline:-

Important Dates:

• Submission Deadline : 2025-10-02 00:00:00
• Review process: starts at 2025-09-22 00:00:00 and ends at 2025-10-23 00:00:00
• Reviewers decision will be communicated starting 2025-10-23 00:00:00
• Project starts on: 2025-11-01 00:00:00

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