An Overview of Department of Natural Resource Management
The Department of Natural Resource Management (NRM) at Wolkite University is a vital academic unit under the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The department is dedicated to the sustainable management and conservation of natural resources, including soil, water, forests, and biodiversity. It plays a significant role in promoting ecological balance, environmental protection, and sustainable rural livelihoods.
Through its academic programs, applied research, and community engagement, the department trains skilled professionals who can address environmental degradation, climate change, land use conflicts, and resource scarcity. The department also fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and policy engagement to support Ethiopia’s commitment to sustainable development.
Objectives/Goals
- Develop Skilled Natural Resource Managers: Train competent professionals who can plan, implement, and evaluate sustainable natural resource management strategies.
- Promote Sustainable Land Use and Environmental Conservation: Contribute to the development and application of sustainable practices in soil conservation, watershed management, forestry, and climate adaptation.
- Advance Research in Natural Resource Management: Generate research-based solutions to challenges such as land degradation, deforestation, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss.
- Support Community-Based Resource Management: Strengthen the capacity of local communities to manage their natural resources sustainably and equitably.
- Influence Environmental Policy and Practice: Provide research-based inputs for policy-making in natural resource governance, climate change mitigation, and environmental planning.
- Promote Climate-Resilient Development: Integrate climate-smart and nature-based solutions into rural development initiatives.
Duties and Responsibilities
Academic Programs
- Design and implement undergraduate programs in Natural Resource Management.
- Deliver coursework in areas such as soil and water conservation, forest management, land use planning, watershed management, climate change, and environmental impact assessment.
- Supervise student research, fieldwork, and community-based projects.
Research and Innovation
- Conduct research on sustainable land management, agroforestry, ecological restoration, and natural resource economics.
- Publish and disseminate research findings to inform practice and policy.
Extension and Community Engagement
- Engage with local communities, farmers, and development agents to promote sustainable practices.
- Support community-based resource conservation projects and provide technical assistance.
Environmental Advocacy and Awareness
- Promote environmental awareness through campaigns, workshops, and school-based programs.
- Collaborate with local government and NGOs to implement environmental education and conservation initiatives.
Capacity Building
- Organize short-term training, seminars, and workshops for natural resource professionals and community stakeholders.
- Develop manuals and tools for participatory natural resource management.
Institutional Collaboration
- Participate in interdisciplinary research and development projects within the university and with external partners.
- Contribute to curriculum development, quality assurance, and strategic planning at college and university levels.
Sustainable Resource Use Monitoring
- Support the development and use of tools for monitoring land degradation, forest cover change, and water quality.
- Promote evidence-based decision-making through geospatial analysis and environmental assessment.