Madda Walabu University has engaged in CoffeeLand Formal Kick off Research Project Meeting entitled “Optimizing Carbon, Soil Health and Yield in Coffee-Forest Systems as a Climate –Smart Land Management in Ethiopia” Virtually.
The CoffeeLand formal kick off program has begun with the welcoming speech and formal launching of the program by Dr. Gunnhid Sogaard, Head of the Department, Forest & Climate, NIBIO from the Project Owner Institution, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research.
Dr.Gunnhid Sogaard has remarked that the initiative enhances educational and research opportunities for students besides contributing to the broader mission of addressing global issues like climate change and smart land management. The meeting represents the commitment to advancing knowledge and creating impactful solutions that resonate beyond the classroom to inspire future generations of researchers in the field of sustainable coffee yield and quality.
On the other hand, Dr. Berhanemeskel Tena, President of Madda Walabu University, has indicated as Ethiopia is recognized as the genetic birthplace and primary home of Coffee Arabica, and Madda Walabu University also located where we find forest coffee widely in Harena forest areas of Bale Zone. He also emphasized the transformative potential role of CoffeeLand initiative collaboration between Madda Walabu University and Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (Norwegian University of Life Sciences).
Dr. Berhanemeskel highlights the significance of the partnerships; which aims to foster innovation and research in sustainable agricultural practices, by optimizing carbon and soil health particularly in boosting coffee production. The president also underlined as the project will strengthens both institutions vision where academic excellence meets real-world challenges, ultimately benefiting local communities and the economy. He also thanked the fund owners (The Research Council of Norway), all partners and Dr. Belachew Gizachew’s remarkable contribution to the development of the proposal.
The high officials of the project partners from Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Jimma University, The Development Fund, ECFF, and Project Finance have made formal remarks on their part about the importance of the project as well as their commitment for its realization. Furthermore, the launching of the CoffeeLand Project Website has been presented by Dr. Johannes Rahlf, before the meeting winds up.
As a whole the virtual meeting has been successful and rewarding which shows that our fund owners are dedicated to fostering sustainable growth and innovation, ensuring that every investment aligns with our long-term vision. We collaborate closely with our partners, leveraging their expertise and resources to maximize impact and drive positive change in the communities we serve. Together, we are committed to transparency and accountability, regularly sharing our progress and learning from one another to achieve our shared goals.
# 24 April 2026, MWU Public & International Relation Office
