Dean College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Mekdes Dessie Assena (MSc, Asst.Prof)
Contact Information
Phone: +251954950700
Address:www.wku.edu.et
Email:
College of Agriculture and Natural Resources: Strategic Vision and Objectives
W Our Primary Goal
F
To position the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources - as a leading center of excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement in Ethiopia. We are committed to advancing sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and food security through science-driven solutions and inclusive development.
Development Focus Areas
At Wolkite University, our mission is to:
✔ Enhance Academic Excellence: Continuously advance the quality and relevance of our academic programs to meet the evolving needs of students, the agricultural sector, and society at large.
✔ Strengthen Research and Innovation: Develop robust research capacity that fosters innovation in sustainable agriculture, natural resource management, and applied sciences.
✔ Support Local Communities: Provide impactful extension and outreach services that equip farmers and rural communities with practical knowledge and transformative technologies.
✔ Foster Global Partnerships: Build meaningful collaborations with international universities and institutions to promote joint research, knowledge sharing, and academic exchange.
✔ Promote Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Champion the development and dissemination of agricultural practices that conserve natural resources and enhance resilience to climate change in Ethiopia and beyond.
Core Responsibilities
W Academic Excellence and Capacity Building: We provide high-quality academic programs in agricultural sciences, natural resource management, and applied sciences. Our curriculum is designed to equip students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills, encouraging problem-solving, innovation, and ethical leadership.
W Research and Scientific Advancement: Our faculty and students engage in research that addresses real-world problems in agriculture and environmental sustainability. We seek national and international research grants, publish in recognized journals, and develop technologies that benefit both producers and the environment.
W Extension and Community Engagement: Through technical support, farmer training, and demonstration projects, we work closely with communities to improve agricultural productivity and livelihoods. Our extension activities ensure that scientific knowledge is translated into practical solutions.
W International Collaboration and Networking: We collaborate with universities, research institutions, and development organizations globally. These partnerships support joint research, staff and student exchanges, and cross-border knowledge sharing, enhancing our academic and societal impact.
W Sustainable Resource Management and Climate Action: We advocate for and educate on sustainable land, water, and biodiversity conservation. Our research and outreach focus on climate-smart agriculture, responsible use of inputs, and sustainable food systems.
Why This Matters for Our University
By aligning education, research, and outreach, the College contributes to:
ü Improving agricultural productivity and sustainability
ü Enhancing food and nutrition security
ü Empowering farmers and rural communities
ü Conserving Ethiopia’s rich natural resources
ü Strengthening Ethiopia’s position in global agricultural innovation
About the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Wolkite University started in 2012, the same year the university was founded. At first, the college had 121 students and only three departments:
ü Agricultural Economics
ü Horticulture
ü Natural Resource Management
There were 23 teachers and 3 administrative staff at the beginning.
In 2013, the college added a new department called Animal Production and Technology. Then in 2015, three more departments were introduced:
ü Agribusiness and Value Chain Management
ü Plant Science
ü Wildlife and Ecotourism Management
By 2017, the College had expanded to encompass seven academic departments, supporting a student body of 324. The teaching faculty had grown to 97 members, comprising:
Ø 3 Bachelor's degree holders
Ø 48 Master's degree holders
Ø 33 Assistant Professors with MSc qualifications
Ø 11 PhD holders
Ø 2 Associate Professors
The College launched its first postgraduate program an MSc in Soil Science in 2017. Building on this foundation, it expanded its graduate offerings in 2019 to include Agronomy, Animal Sciences, and Horticulture. In subsequent years, the college further diversified its programs by introducing Agribusiness and Value Chain Management as well as Wildlife and Ecotourism Management at the graduate level.
Departments at the College
- Agricultural Economics
- Agribusiness and Value Chain Management
- Animal Production and Technology
- Horticulture
- Natural Resource Management
- Plant Science
- Wildlife and Ecotourism Management
The college’s vision is to become one of the top ten agricultural colleges in East Africa by 2035.
Collected, we are cultivating knowledge, building capacity, and growing a more resilient agricultural future for Ethiopia and beyond.