The Debre Berhan University, through its College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Sciences, is pleased to announce a Call for Papers for its upcoming Annual Conference under the theme:
“Data and Indigenous Knowledge-Driven Climate-Resilient and Inclusive Agricultural Systems for Sustainable Food Security.”
At a time when climate change is increasingly threatening agricultural productivity, food systems, and rural livelihoods, this conference provides a critical platform for researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and development partners to share innovative research and practical solutions. The conference aims to bridge scientific research, indigenous knowledge systems, and data-driven innovations to build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agricultural systems.
Why This Conference Matters
Agriculture remains the backbone of Ethiopia’s economy and a key driver of livelihoods across rural communities. However, climate variability, land degradation, water scarcity, and economic constraints continue to challenge food production systems.
Traditional knowledge has long guided farming communities in managing natural resources sustainably. At the same time, modern data analytics, climate modeling, and scientific research offer new tools to enhance productivity and resilience.
This conference recognizes that sustainable food security will not be achieved by science alone or tradition alone—but by integrating both. By combining data-driven approaches with indigenous knowledge systems, agricultural practices can become more adaptive, productive, and inclusive.
The event aims to:
- Promote interdisciplinary agricultural research
- Strengthen collaboration between researchers and farming communities
- Encourage youth and gender inclusion in agricultural transformation
- Support evidence-based policies for climate-resilient food systems
Conference Sub-Themes
Researchers are invited to submit abstracts and papers aligned with the following sub-themes:
1. Climate-Smart Crop, Livestock Production Systems, and Natural Resource Management
Climate-smart agriculture focuses on increasing productivity while adapting to climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Research in this area may explore:
- Drought-tolerant crop varieties
- Sustainable livestock management practices
- Soil fertility improvement strategies
- Integrated watershed management
Innovations that improve resilience without compromising environmental sustainability are strongly encouraged.
2. Integrated Indigenous and Scientific Knowledge Systems for Sustainable Resource Management
Indigenous knowledge systems have sustained agricultural communities for generations. Integrating local knowledge with scientific research can improve sustainability outcomes.
Topics may include:
- Traditional soil and water conservation methods
- Community-based natural resource governance
- Blending indigenous forecasting systems with climate science
- Participatory research approaches
This sub-theme emphasizes respect for local knowledge while strengthening it through scientific validation.
3. Precision Livestock Feeding, Production, and Genetic Management
Precision agriculture technologies are transforming livestock production. By leveraging data analytics and genetic management, farmers can improve efficiency and sustainability.
Possible research areas include:
- Nutritional optimization for livestock productivity
- Genetic improvement strategies
- Smart monitoring systems
- Disease control and herd management technologies
Such approaches contribute to higher productivity and reduced environmental impact.
4. Food and Nutritional Security under Climate Variability
Climate variability significantly affects food availability, access, and nutrition outcomes. Research under this sub-theme may examine:
- Household food security dynamics
- Nutritional resilience strategies
- Crop diversification for dietary improvement
- Post-harvest management and food loss reduction
Ensuring food security is not only about production but also about accessibility and nutritional quality.
5. Economic Viability of Crop and Water Productivity under Climate Change
Sustainable agriculture must also be economically viable. This sub-theme encourages research on:
- Cost-benefit analysis of climate adaptation strategies
- Irrigation efficiency and water productivity
- Agricultural insurance mechanisms
- Farm-level economic resilience
Understanding economic trade-offs is crucial for policy and investment decisions.
6. Nature-Based Solutions for Land and Water Resources Challenges
Nature-based solutions use ecological processes to address environmental challenges. Examples include reforestation, agroforestry, and wetland restoration.
Research may focus on:
- Ecosystem restoration for agricultural resilience
- Sustainable land management practices
- Water harvesting systems
- Biodiversity conservation within farming systems
These solutions support long-term sustainability while enhancing ecosystem services.
7. Youth, Gender, Inclusive Agri-Entrepreneurship and Value Chains
Agricultural transformation must be inclusive. Youth and women play a vital role in food systems, yet often face barriers to participation.
Relevant research topics include:
- Youth engagement in agribusiness
- Women’s empowerment in agricultural value chains
- Inclusive financing mechanisms
- Digital platforms for agri-entrepreneurship
Inclusive agricultural systems ensure equitable access to opportunities and resources.
8. Policy, Governance, and Climate Financing for Sustainable Agriculture
Effective policy frameworks and financing mechanisms are necessary to support climate-resilient agriculture.
Research areas may include:
- Climate finance accessibility
- Agricultural policy reforms
- Institutional governance structures
- Public-private partnerships in agriculture
Policy-oriented research that informs decision-making is highly encouraged.
Important Dates
Prospective authors are requested to carefully observe the following timeline:
- Abstract Submission: February 14 – March 10, 2026
- Abstract Screening: March 11 – 14, 2026
- Abstract Acceptance Notification: March 15 – 16, 2026
- Manuscript Submission (Accepted Abstracts): March 17 – 20, 2026
- Manuscript Evaluation: March 21, 2026
- Manuscript Acceptance Notification: March 22, 2026
- Conference Days: March 26 – 27, 2026
Timely submission is essential to ensure participation in the conference program.
Submission and Contact Information
- Submission Email: [email protected]
- Contact Numbers: 0911312067 / 0912191010 / 0964113116
Authors are encouraged to submit high-quality abstracts that clearly state objectives, methodology, key findings, and implications.
Who Should Participate?
The conference welcomes:
- Researchers and university faculty
- Graduate and postgraduate students
- Agricultural development practitioners
- Policy analysts
- Non-governmental organizations
- Agribusiness professionals
Interdisciplinary research that connects agriculture, economics, climate science, environmental studies, and social inclusion is particularly encouraged.
Shaping a Climate-Resilient Agricultural Future
Climate change poses one of the greatest challenges to global food systems. Yet it also presents an opportunity to rethink agricultural models, strengthen community resilience, and integrate knowledge systems in innovative ways.
The Annual Conference of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Sciences at Debre Berhan University offers a platform for forward-thinking research that blends data analytics, indigenous knowledge, policy innovation, and inclusive development.
Sustainable food security requires collaboration across disciplines and communities. It demands innovation grounded in local realities and informed by global scientific advancements.
If your research contributes to building climate-resilient and inclusive agricultural systems, this is your opportunity to share your work, engage with peers, and influence the future of sustainable agriculture.
Prepare your abstract. Observe the deadlines. Join the conversation.
Together, we can advance agricultural systems that are resilient, inclusive, and sustainable for generations to come.
