Major thematic areas of agricultural chemistry research in the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research is described in the document.

1. Technical committee for Research Project Planning, 2015- 2016
Duration Jan. 15 -16/2015
Committee Members
1. Dr. Mekuria Tadesse
2. Ms. Gelila Asamenew
3. Ato Legesse Shiferaw
4. Ato Mulate Zerihun
5. Ato Mohammed Yemam
6. Ato Kebede Dinkecha
7. Ato Belay Gezahegn
8. Ato Seferu Tadesse

2. TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents
1. Research problems identification..............................................................................................................4
2. Research thematic area of chemical analysis and agriculture chemistry research Case team...................5
1. Agricultural inputs challenges ..............................................................................................................5
Thematic area 1. 1: Status and quality of Agro-chemicals inputs for crop/feed production ............6
Component 1. Analytical based Registration of pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, fertilizers.......6
Component 2. Monitoring of residues of pesticides (herbicides, fungicides) and fertilizers in
selected crops/feed........................................................................................................................7
2. Research on Agro-industrial challenges ...............................................................................................7
Thematic area:2.1 Characterization of natural products for the development of product and
commercialization................................................................................................................................8
Component 1: Flavor and fragrance technology...............................................................................8
Component 2: Polymerization of natural products (oil, starch, proteins, resins, gums) for industry
input/ production...........................................................................................................................9
Thematic area 2.2 Food Quality and Safety assuring tools development........................................10
Component 1. Identify specific biochemical components (inherited) in strategic crops that are
associated with end-use quality traits. ........................................................................................10
Component 2. Impact assessment of agricultural management practice in the end use food quality.
....................................................................................................................................................11
Component 3. Bioavailability studies of macro and micro nutrients in strategic crops.................11
Component 4. Determination of heavy metals in food and environmental matrices......................12
Thematic 3. Development and validation of methods used to characterize complex matrix of
agricultural products..........................................................................................................................13
Component 1: Validation of selected Analytical methods in agricultural and nutritional laboratory
....................................................................................................................................................13
Component 2 : Development of NIR method for proximate and major agricultural product
components (caffeine, amino acids)analysis. .............................................................................14
Component 3: Method validation and standardization of soil, water, plant, air analysis ...............15
Component 4. DNA based method .................................................................................................15
Component 5. Isotopic based method.............................................................................................16
Thematic 4. Plant nutrition and environment sustainability aspect ..............................................17

3. Component 1. Possible chemical amendment of acid and salt affected soil for the improvement of
productivity.................................................................................................................................17
Component 2. Characterization and refining protocols for assessing the quality of soil organic
matter and Organic based fertilizer development......................................................................18
Component 3. Development of bioremediation technologies for rehabilitation of contaminated
areas............................................................................................................................................19
Component 4: Recycling of organic wastes for improving soil health and crop productivity........19
Component 5. Marginal water amendment for the utilization of water for Aquaculture and
irrigation .....................................................................................................................................20
Component 6. Possible water contaminant and sustenance of the residue contaminated in crops .21
Component 7. Production of crop without soil (Hydroponic) formulation.....................................21
Thematic area 5. Agricultural Laboratories quality assurance........................................................22

4. 1. Research problems identification
The fundamental information required for the formulation of research theme and priority setting
is knowledge, information and technology need of the public and the potential for the generation
and adoption of the knowledge, information and technology. The research driver is based from
three major factors 1. The lack of baseline data or information, which is a common problem in
Ethiopia. Agricultural practice and the research has a very long experience and history which
contribute a lot for the development of country GTP however for developing different
agricultural technology, research system demands and utilize different agricultural inputs. 2. The
impact of these inputs both positively and negatively, directly or indirectly on the agricultural
output, health and our ecosystem (environment) didn't not assessed comprehensively in such
away as to indicate the existing fact and outcome. As a result sustainable utilization of natural
resource become another driving factor for selecting research theme.
The growth and transformation plan of our country also recommends the research undertaking to
contribute in doubling of agricultural output, intensification of agro-industrial technologies and
sustainable growth through diversification and improving livelihoods of the community. 3.
Researchable ideas that intensify or develop agricultural knowledge, information, technology
that can be an input for the industry is found to be a potential, current and critical research
agenda and priority in our case team.
Based on the identified gaps/challenge committee has proposed research thematic areas that can
further be written by researchers at each federal research centers. We kindly circulate this call for
proposal to the respective research center directorate representative by hoping that each
researcher will develop research activities proposal and send it back up to JANUARY 24, 2015.

5. 2. Research thematic area of chemical analysis and agriculture
chemistry research Case team
1. Agricultural inputs challenges
Description:
The challenge of providing enough food is and will remain one of the most pressing and urgent
problems in Ethiopia. This is an alarming situation calling for an integrated approach towards
increasing food production, productivity, and protection both in the field and after harvest. On
the other hand, the efforts to increase food production and protection should be in a way that
does not affect public health the environment adversely. Studies conducted to show the loss of
agricultural production due to pest estimated up to 35-50% of the total attainable production. in
Ethiopia the loss reach between 30-40% annually due to pests, diseases, and weeds also play
important roles in reducing crop yields and thereby contributing to food insecurity.
Governments in sub Sahara Africa heavily promote and support the importation and distribution
of pesticides, specialty for export crop. However, the safe use of pesticide and their impact on
the environment continue to be an issue of concern because of widespread illiteracy, lack of
protection clothing and equipments, lack of access to adequate medical care, lack of training in
safety procedure, and restrictions on the right to organize for safe working conditions. under
these circumstance residual buildup in the food grain, contaminated drinking water, buildup of
pest resistance to pesticide, causes a significant health and environmental hazard. Acute effects
are easier to observe, but they could also be confused with common illnesses. Pesticides may
also cause chronic diseases such as cancer, reproductive disorders, birth defects and immune
system disorders.
Recently, Ethiopia has been considered as having the largest accumulations of obsolete
pesticides in the whole of Africa. It was estimated that there were 402 stores at 250 sites
containing 1, 500 tones of obsolete pesticides (MOARD (2007) Report). This estimate does not
include the massive but unquantifiable amounts of pesticides soaked in soils. Nor does it include
contaminated building materials, pallets, shipping containers and other miscellaneous items.
The impacts of pesticides in Ethiopia are likely to be aggravated by the limited knowledge
among users on toxicological and chemical properties of these substances. And the fact that

6. labels on pesticide containers were in a language which cannot be understood or missing. Little
is known about the long term and indirect effects of pesticides on rural and urban communities as
well as on local and national food production systems. As a result, it is very important that their
use be supported by sufficient knowledge on the quality and authenticity, effectiveness and
efficacy of the agro-chemicals, the method to determine the amount of residual in selected crops.
Objective:
 To develop an comprehensive knowledge on the statues/use and practice/ of currently
available agro-chemicals in agricultural research system
 To develop information on the quality of currently available agrochemicals
 To assess the pesticide use and related health and environmental effect
 To monitor the presence and amount of reside of agrochemicals in selected crops
 To provide guideline for assuring proof of quality of agrochemicals
Thematic area 1. 1: Status and quality of Agro-chemicals inputs for crop/feed production
Component 1. Analytical based Registration of pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, fertilizers
Purpose and Scope: Many studies indicate that, the Pesticides are applied extensively annually
in modern agriculture to increase the production by controlling the harmful effects caused by the
target organisms including insects, fungi ,bacteria, viruses as well as grasses grown in between
the economical crops. But the study of the Analytical based Registration of pesticides,
herbicides, fungicides, fertilizers hasn’t been studied comprehensively. Therefore, this project is
designed to identify the chemical composition of Agricultural inputs, the quality of Agro-
chemicals inputs for crop/feed production and identify Analytical composition toxicology.
Specific Objectives
 To determine the chemical composition of Agricultural inputs used in the research system
 To investigate the quality of Agro-chemicals inputs for crop/feed production
 To develop Analytical based Registration packages for the envisaged Agro-chemicals
inputs
 To identify Analytical toxicology of agrochemicals

7. Component 2. Monitoring of residues of pesticides (herbicides, fungicides) and fertilizers in
selected crops/feed
Purpose and Scope: Agro-chemicals inputs are an integral part of crop husbandry and hence
due emphasis should be given for the proper formulation and implementation of pesticide,
herbicides, fungicides, fertilizers options. Therefore, the purpose of this component is to monitor
Agro-chemicals inputs residues in selected crop and food production. This will cover pesticide,
herbicides, fungicides, and fertilizers residual management focusing in both plant and animal
food sources through water and soil.
Specific Objectives
 To determine the Agro-chemicals inputs residue on crop production
 To investigate the Agro-chemicals inputs residual on processed food products
 To investigate the effects of residues of agro chemicals on physicochemical properties
and micro flora and fauna of soils of selected farming sites
 To evaluate the impact of residues of Agro-chemical inputs' on environment.
 To reduces the risk of exposure to airborne Agro-chemicals inputs residual in food that
enter both plant and animal food sources through water and soil
2. Research on Agro-industrial challenges
Description: Economic development and income growth induce changes in consumption patters
and consumers' attitudes toward quality and healthy products. New preferences are emerging in
food consumption, increasing the importance of features such as product differentiation, added
value and consumer confidence in health and safety products. These developments have led
improved coordination in supply chain amongst producers, processors/industries/, traders to
facilitate compliance with consumers' demands. Main challenges for further development and
sustainability in Ethiopia is the capacity of agribusiness actors to comply with international and
private food quality and safety standards, develop their own quality assurance schemes, and
make better use of brands for traditional foods. Lack of quality assurance and new technology
development presents a major obstacle to agro-industrial development. To overcome the
challenges and satisfy these new demands create, it is necessary to generate alternative
technologies/knowledge that encourage the production of safe food, implementing rules and
standards for production processes and final products. With regard to some agricultural crops

8. the challenge occurs from the nature of the crops and lack of the facility, infrastructure and
technology/knowledge for prolonging of the storage period, seasonal based production led
inconsistence supply to the agro industry, lack of focus for the sector.
Objective:
 To understand the physical-chemical factors which affect the quality of end use products
 To generate value added agricultural products and promoting various economic activities
relevant to agriculture
 To identify the best or quality end use product from market
 To generate base line information and strong quality data base for end use products
 To develop /formulate organic products
Thematic area:2.1 Characterization of natural products for the development of product and
commercialization.
Component 1: Flavor and fragrance technology
Purpose and scope: Modern flavors and fragrances are complex formulated products,
containing blends of aroma compounds with auxiliary materials, enabling desirable flavors or
fragrances to be added to a huge range of products for the enhancement of product quality,
acceptability and preference. Most product functional properties improved by using different
flavor and fragrance. These favor or fragrance obtained or designed from different agricultural
products like spice, aromatic plants and fruits and vegetables. Global flavor and fragrance market
estimated to $21.8 billion in 2011. This figure was projected to exceed $23 billion in 2012 and
$30 billion in 2017, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6% between 2012 and 2017.
Ethiopia is one of potential country to produce different types of agricultural products that can
be used for the development and production of chemicals/ ingredients of utilized as flavor and
fragrance. Creating/ adapting the knowledge and technologies to develop flavor and fragrance
from the natural resource/ agricultural produce should be a current, critical research area and
priority because industries like pharmaceutical, food, confectionary and cosmetic industries
imports their flavor and fragrance by investing a huge amount of foreign currency. Moreover

9. developing technology on flavor and fragrance not only reduce economic waste but also create a
new market for processing/ value added production of agricultural produces.
Specific objective
 To develop techniques for the development of natural based flavor and fragrances
 To characterize volatile oils of indigenous plant species
Component 2: Polymerization of natural products (oil, starch, proteins, resins, gums) for
industry input/ production
Purpose and scope: Agricultural commodities can also be used as an industry input. It is possible
to say agriculture relies on the production of crops many of which are in surplus production, and
are utilized primarily for human and livestock food. In addition very limited crops for beverage
and textile industries. development of new industrial crops and technologies can create market
diversification, increasing farmer income, improved agricultural resource utilization, reduce
negative environmental impact with the use of synthetic produces. Chemicals or products derived
from agricultural commodities such as oils, waxes, resins, gums, rubbers, latexes, fibers, starches,
sugars, and proteins can be used for wide range of industrial application. Polymerization means :-
the combination of many like or unlike molecules to form a more complex product of higher
molecular weight, with elimination of water, alcohol, or the like (condensation polymerization) or
without such elimination (addition polymerization). since the agriculture system produce different
potential industrial crops which can be converted to very important industrial raw material
conducting research to develop technologies and knowledge found to be enviable and timely
Specific Objectives:
 To develop adhesive from proteins and starch
 To develop surfactants from oils
 To develop viscosities/ thinker and stabilizer
 To develop microbiological nutrient
 To improve Bee wax quality
Component 3: Utilization of industrial by-products for agricultural use
Purpose and scope: The yield of by-products from food processing which are suitable as
livestock feed is determined by two main factors, the dietary habits of human beings and the

10. production capacity of alternative feed resources. Unfortunately, most by-products are at present
being discarded as wastes, which causes environmental pollution. Therefore, alternative
technologies are necessary to facilitate the utilization of by-products. As a result research is
mandatory to develop alternative technologies.
Specific Objective:
 To identify possible industrial by-products that can be used for agriculture
 To study possible processing technology to convert to fertilizerTo study the chemical
composition of the processed fertilizer Livestock origin chemical development and
production
Thematic area 2.2 Food Quality and Safety assuring tools development
Component 1. Identify specific biochemical components (inherited) in strategic crops that are
associated with end-use quality traits.
Purpose and scope: Identification of inherited specific biochemical components found in
strategic crops and their association with end-use quality characters is one of the current research
areas in the agricultural chemistry research in all over the world. Hence the inspection and
grading of the inherited biochemical found in strategic crops (food) products is necessary to
ensure the quality and safety of foods. Hence, both government agencies and food manufacturers
need analytical techniques to provide the appropriate information about food properties, and the
use of an official method. Next to this quantification of inherited biochemical found in strategic
crops (food) will be done and their impacts on the end-use quality characters.
Specific Objective
 To assess those biochemical found in strategic crops
 To quantify the biochemical components found in strategic crops that are
associated with end use quality
 To identify the effects of biochemical on end use of agricultural products
quality
 To determine the optimum level of biochemical required for strategic
crops(agricultural products)

11.  To recommend the correlation of biochemical input to agricultural product
with end use quality
Component 2. Impact assessment of agricultural management practice in the end use food
quality.
Purpose and Scope. Agricultural management practice is a multifaceted phenomenon in the
field of agriculture and food production. In Ethiopia poor agricultural management practice is the
most reason for the existence of poor food quality and safety of agriculture. On the other hand, it
reflects societal debates on the sustainability of agriculture, on food quality and nutritional habits
and on ethical issues like animal welfare. A growing number of scientists and policy makers
qualify organic agriculture as an efficient and holistic approach to reach the multiple goals of
agriculture including food security, sustainable use of natural resources and the dignity of
creatures. Hence the impact assessment of agricultural management practice on the end use food
quality is critical research area. Generally the assessment of traditional ways of agricultural
management practice effect on the end use of food quality and safety will be assessed, and then
generating the possible new/improved technology of managing agricultural product will be
introduced to add value for end use food quality.
Objective
 To identify the effects of management practice on end use food quality of different
crops
 To correlate the agricultural management practice with end use food quality
 To compare the research and traditional farmers management practice on end use of
food quality
 To evaluate and recommend the possible solution for agricultural management
practices impact on the end use of food quality
 To generate a base line data on the effects of different management practice on end use
of food quality
Component 3. Bioavailability studies of macro and micro nutrients in strategic crops
Purpose and scope: Determination of macro and micro nutrients in food is the discipline dealing
with the development, application and study of analytical procedures for characterizing the
properties of foods and their constituents. These analytical procedures are used to provide

12. information about a wide variety of different bio chemical characteristics of foods, including
their composition, structure, physicochemical properties and sensory attributes. This information
is critical to our rational understanding of the factors that determine the properties of foods, as
well as to our ability to economically produce foods that are consistently safe, nutritious,
desirable and for consumers to make informed choices about their diet.
Specific Objective
• To review the basic principles of the analytical procedures commonly used to analyze
foods and to discuss their application to specific food components
• To determine macro and micro nutrients available in strategic crops of different agro-
ecology of Ethiopia
• To compare macro and micro nutrients available in strategic crops of different agro-
ecology
• To identify and compare the best nutritional enriched verities among different varieties
of strategic crops
• To generate a base line data about nutritional quality of different varieties of strategic
crops
Component 4. Determination of heavy metals in food and environmental matrices
Purpose and scope: Heavy metals contaminants in food and environmental matrices pose a
variety of very interesting scientific questions. The detection of Heavy metals contaminants in
food and environmental matrices and their interactions with environmental media such as water,
soil, rock, and air, and biology, ecology, eco-toxicology, with concerning their impact on global
ecosystems and their effects on human and animal health. Therefore nature, qualitative and
quantitative determination of heavy metals in food and environmental samples is the basic
purpose of this study. Hence the expected output for this component of research area is
identifying the popular analytical method to quantify heavy metals in food and environmental
samples and how to analyze them with high sensitivity, selectivity and scientifically highly

13. traceable. Lastly the base line data on heavy metals contaminants in food and environmental
matrices will be generated.
Specific Objective
 To perform qualitative analysis of heavy metals and mycotoxine contaminants in food
and environmental matrices
 To quantify the amounts of heavy metals and mycotoxine contamination of food and
environmental matrices
 To optimize the tolerable level of heavy metals contamination of food and environmental
matrices with considering human health, animals feed and environment.
 To develop new/improve the existing methods of minimizing toxicity/effect of heavy
metals contamination on food and environment
Thematic 3. Development and validation of methods used to characterize complex matrix of
agricultural products
Component 1: Validation of selected Analytical methods in agricultural and nutritional
laboratory
Purpose and scope: The purpose of any analytical measurement is to obtain consistent, reliable
and accurate data. Validated analytical methods play a major role in achieving this goal. The
results from method validation can be used to judge the quality, reliability and consistency of
analytical results, which is an integral part of any research. However currently laboratory
analysis methods used in the research system are applied with-out validation (checking
suitability of the method for the intended purpose). Research out-put based on non validated
analytical methods results lead to invalid conclusion and wrong decision. So in order to support
the research with reliable data validating laboratory analytical methods is inevitable. Analytical
methods need to be validated, verified, or revalidated in the following instances:
 Before initial use in routine testing
 When transferred to another laboratory
 Whenever the conditions or method parameters for which the method has been validated
change (for example, an instrument with different characteristics or samples with a
different matrix) and the change is outside the original scope of the method.

14. The scope of this theme is to develop and validate analytical methods for proximate, pesticide
residue, essential oils, fatty acids, caffeine, food pigments, vitamins, carbohydrates, anti-
nutritional factors and soil and water analysis.
Objective: The objective of this theme is to develop and validate laboratory analytical methods
listed below so as to demonstrate “suitability for its intended purpose”.
 Pesticide residue analysis
 Essential oils analysis
 Fatty acids analysis
 Analysis of Caffeine
 Determination of food pigments and vitamins
 Analysis of carbohydrates
 Analysis of anti nutritional chemicals (Tannin, saponin, phytate,
oxalate)
 Analysis of essential amino acids and enzymes
 Method validation and standardization of livestock product/feeds
analysis.
 Antibiotic residue determination.
Component 2 : Development of NIR method for proximate and major agricultural product
components (caffeine, amino acids)analysis.
Purpose and Scope: Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a simple, quick (< 30 s analysis time)
(real time information), nondestructive technique that provides multi-constituent analysis on
virtually any matrix with levels of accuracy and precision that are comparable to primary
reference methods. As another great benefit, near-infrared (NIR) analyses require no sample
preparation or manipulation with hazardous chemicals, solvents, or reagents: NIRS thus belongs
to the reagent-free methodologies, for which reason it is an exemplary analytical contribution to
the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) green chemistry attempt. The recorded NIR
spectra contain a variety of chemical and physical (e.g., particle size) information on the sample

15. and its constituents. In order to utilize this automated instrumental method for screening of
different types crops and able to support the breeding research, methods has to be developed that
can be suitable for characterization.
Objectives
 To develop NIR method for macro-molecule analysis of strategic crops
 To develop NIR method for micro-molecule analysis of strategic crops
Component 3: Method validation and standardization of soil, water, plant, air analysis
Purpose and scope: Methods used for the analysis of soil, water and plant are different
amongst laboratories in Ethiopian institute of agricultural research. So in order to get consistent
and uniform result (for one sample in different laboratories) there is a need to standardize,
verify and check their suitability for the intended purpose of the methods used in the
laboratories.
Objective:
 To validate analytical methods of different parameter in soil, water and plant analysis.
 To standardize analytical methods of different parameter in soil, water and plant
analysis.
Component 4. DNA based method
 DNA Extraction
 PCR and Detection Methods (Sequencing, Restriction Length Fragment Polymorphism,
Electrophoresis, Quantitative PCR)
 STR (Single Strand Region), PCR (polymerase chain reaction), CYTB (mitochondrial
cytochrome B)
Examples for project proposal writing:
Products Species Method/instrument
s
Target
identification

16. Meat Cattle, Chicken,
sheep, goat
Multiplex Real PCR CYTB, 18S
rRNA
Raw and
processed
Fish Salmonids PCR-RFLP CYTB
Raw and
processed
Fish Tuna Real time PCR 6S rRNA
Milk and
derivatives
Cow, sheep,
goat
Multiplex
PCR and
RFLP
12S rRNA
and 16S
rRNA
Mozzarella
cheese
Cow, Buffalo Duplex PCR
and RFLP
CYTB
Durum
wheat,potato,
Olive oil, wine
Cultivar
identification
STR Microsatellite
DNA
Soft fruits,
tomato, carrot,
celery
species
identification
Real-time
PCR
5S rRNA and
anthocyanidin
synthase
Component 5. Isotopic based method
The following nuclear techniques can be used to measure the isotopic
 Hydrogen-3/ hydrogen-2/ hydrogen-1: Fractionation for Evaporation, Condensation,
Precipitation as an indicator of Geographical information
 Carbon-13/ carbon-12: fractionation for C3 and C4 plants, indicates Diet or
geographical proxy
 Nitrogen-15/ nitrogen14: fractionation for Agricultural practices or isotopic level,
indicates Diet or geographical proxy
 Oxygen-18/ oxygen-1: Fractionation for Evaporation, Condensation, Precipitation as
an indicator of Geographical information
 Sulphur-34/ sulphur-32, Fractionation for Bacterial species, as an indicator of
Geographical information
 Strontium-87/ strontium-86, Fractionation for soil/water/, as an indicator of
Geographical and animal and plants metabolic information
 Lead-208/ lead-207/ lead-206) and
 Elemental (e.g. macro, micro, and trace) composition of agric products, food,
geophysical data

17. Thematic 4. Plant nutrition and environment sustainability aspect
Description: The general purpose of this thematic area is to develop knowledge and technology
to improve soil quality and nutrient management on crop production and environmental
sustainability. The thematic area is focused on the research components including 1) Possible
chemical amendment of acid and salt affected soil for the improvement of productivity 2)
Characterization and refining protocols for assessing the quality of soil organic matter and
Organic based fertilizer development 3) Development of bioremediation technologies for
rehabilitation of contaminated areas 4) Recycling of organic wastes for improving soil health and
crop productivity 5) Marginal water amendment for the utilization of water for Aquaculture and
irrigation 6) Marginal water amendment for the utilization of water for Aquaculture and
irrigation 7) Production of crop without soil (Hydroponic).
Component 1. Possible chemical amendment of acid and salt affected soil for the improvement
of productivity.
Purpose and Scope: Soil acidity and salinity are among the top soil constraint of crop
production in Ethiopia. Both soils are widely distributed across the country, acidic soil
covering over 40 percent as acidic and 10 percent as saline soil in the country. Acidic soil are
characterized by low soil pH(<5.5) , Al and Mn toxicity and deficiency in N, P, K, Mg, Ca, and
various micronutrients due to various reason including eroded topsoil and depleted organic
matter, depleted nutrients, and alternating drought stress and high rainfall. On the other hand,
saline soils are characterized by excessive accumulation of certain ions and salts impacts levels
of other nutrients, limits the availability of water, and disrupts the osmotic tension of soil, and
can result in some excess accumulation of specific ions (B, Cl, Fl, Li, Na) and/or salts (for
example, HCO3
-
, CO3
2-
). In general both soils are unproductive and plant growth in such soils is
adversely affected by acidity and alkalinity. Therefore, the purpose of this project is to develop
several techniques for improve soil condition such as chemical amendment using industrial
wastes, gypsum, lime and organic materials. the studies will involved in the laboratory by
incubation techniques and green house experiments .
Objectives

18.  To select locally available, alternative and appropriate liming material for reclaim
acidic and alkaline soil in Ethiopia
 To characterize the quality and effeteness of liming material in the laboratory
 To identify the best application techniques on filed
Component 2. Characterization and refining protocols for assessing the quality of soil organic
matter and Organic based fertilizer development
Purpose and Scope: The impact of application of organic material ( plant and animal west ) in
soil is broad. it improves organic carbon and nutrient levels, nutrient retention, reduced topsoil
erosion, and mitigated acidity and salinity; effects are long-lasting; materials are low-cost and
locally available. In Ethiopia, due to computing use of animal manure as fuel and crop residue
as animal feed, the organic matter is severely depleted and the nutrient status is decreasing from
time to time. For example, some estimates suggest the nutrient contents of the crop residues used
as feed are higher than the quantities applied as fertilizers. Similarly for animal manure, the use
of dung as fuel instead of fertilizer is estimated to reduce Ethiopia’s agricultural GDP by 7
percent. Therefore, the purpose of this project is involved to improve availability, quality, and
storage of organic matter, and the maintenance and enhancement of beneficial soil organisms.
The study will be carried out under scope of under scope of laboratory researchers by selection,
characterization and development of organic fertilizer from different source such as industrial
wastes and by products, manure, crop and animal residues and other organic materials in
surrounding environment.
Objectives
 To select the best organic material for soil health and crop production
 To characterize the quality of organic material for soil amendment
 To develop organic based fertilizers from locally available materials
 To investigate how surface modification of soil with specific organic compounds
altered the nutrient fixation in soil colloids.

19. Component 3. Development of bioremediation technologies for rehabilitation of contaminated
areas
Purpose and Scope: Bioremediation is concerned with the biological restoration and
rehabilitation of contaminated area as a result of the production, storage, transport, and use of
organic and inorganic chemicals.
The purpose of this component is to develop bioremediation technologies on the possibility of
degrading, removing, altering, immobilizing, detoxifying various chemicals from the
contaminated area through the action of bacteria, fungi and plants. Microorganisms, through
their enzymatic pathways, act as biocatalysts and facilitate the progress of biochemical reactions
that degrade the targeted contaminants. The metabolic characteristics of the microorganisms in
association with the physicochemical properties of the targeted contaminants determine whether
a specific microorganism - contaminant interaction is possible.
A successful bioremediation effort relies on the utilization of the appropriate microorganisms
and chemical properties of the targeted environment. As a result, bioremediation techniques are
applicable in different contaminated area of Ethiopia that contributed to restoring and sustain
agricultural land for crop production and environmental health. In general this research will be
carried out to identifying appropriate micro organism, possible contaminants, chemical
properties and appropriate remediation techniques.
Objectives
 To identify appropriate bioremediation techniques for rehabilitation of
contaminated area in Ethiopia
 To characterized the chemical properties of targeted contaminants and interaction
effects with microorganism
Component 4: Recycling of organic wastes for improving soil health and crop productivity
Purpose and Scope: The purpose of this component is to developing protocol and technologies
to convert organic waste such as food processing sludge, dairy farm waste, yard waste including
leaves, lawn clippings, and branches into value -added products of organic matter for improving
soil health and sustainable crop production. Recycling of organic wastes could convert them into
a value-added product that may be effective even when applied in small quantity compared with
the traditional use of their huge quantities. For the reuse of organic waste material many

20. approaches are being used in which composting is one of them. Other approaches are
combustion/incineration and landfills. Integrated use of chemical fertilizers and recycled organic
waste may be an approach for sustainable production of crops. This may improve the efficiency
of chemical fertilizers and thus reduce their use. Integrated use of organic wastes and chemical
fertilizers is beneficial in improving crop yield, soil pH, organic carbon and nutrient availability
in soil.
Keeping this in view, the scope of this component is focused on to investigate the source of
crop nutrient from organic waste, to determine the quality and selection of organic waste
material, to evaluate the potential of integrated use of recycled organic waste, to improve the
efficiency of organic material from different organic wastes and to develop / refine protocols for
assessing the quality of soil organic matter.
Objectives
 To evaluate organic wastes as plant nutrient source and soil conditioning
 To improve the efficiency of organic matter from different source
 To develop protocol for assessing the quality of recycled organic matter
Component 5. Marginal water amendment for the utilization of water for Aquaculture and
irrigation
Purpose and Scope: The purpose of this project is to assess the possibility of using saline and
marginal quality of water for irrigation, development of Pasteur land, aquaculture and wet land
development. In arid and semi arid regions marginal water utilization is a vital component of
their water resources development ensuring alternative water resources, sustainability, reduction
of environmental pollution and health protection. Waste water from different industries, which
falls under marginal water quality, can be utilized beneficially for irrigation if proper treatment,
monitoring and management measures were taken. The challenges and the benefits of marginal
water quality utilization has to be ascertained and appropriate package of practices which are
location specific needs to be followed for the real success and long term sustainability. therefore
the study will be carried out with the following objectives.
Objectives

21.  To generate quantitative information about marginal quality of water in Ethiopian
 To generate information about marginal water treatment for aquaculture and irrigation
purpose
Component 6. Possible water contaminant and sustenance of the residue contaminated in
crops
Purpose and Scope: Recently in Ethiopia, due to expansion of different industrial area and
urbanization the water bodies possibly contaminated with different chemical pollutants
discharged from farms, industries, mining operations and urban sewers. Agricultural water usage
can also cause major environmental problems, including the degradation of land through
Stalinization and water logging, when irrigation is performed incorrectly. Although one cannot
say that the pollution of water bodies has become real serious in country, there is still a great deal
of pollution in the major cities of the country, in areas where mining is carried out as well as in
areas of industrial are concentration. Some studies indicate that tributaries to the Awash River
are being polluted as a result of urban waste mismanagement and industrial discharges,
particularly around Addis Ababa and Adama. Excessive fertilization and manure application to
cropland especially around flower farm and animal dairy farm may cause non point pollutant
nutrient (mainly nitrogen and phosphorus ) leaching from agricultural land to eutrophication of
aquatic ecosystems. The quality and safety of crops and derived products are also dependent on
the quality of the water and soil.
The research activities under this component will be address the characterization of possible
water contaminant in irrigation site and evaluation and development of cost-effective
remediation techniques for contaminated water body around industrial area.
Objectives
 To characterize the possible water contaminant in industrial area ,irrigation site,
commercial flower farm and dairy farms
 To develop remediation techniques for contaminated water bodies
 To evaluate the effects of contaminated water in crop quality parameters
Component 7. Production of crop without soil (Hydroponic) formulation
Purpose and Scope: Growing plants in nutrient solution culture is a widely adopted concept in
developed country. In Ethiopia, growing plants without soil will be a means of alterative urban

22. agriculture for the production of high value crop in small area of the cities. Such urban
agriculture will allows the product marketed soon after harvesting than those harvested from
remote rural area. The products will have also higher quality and have better taste than those
harvested before maturity and held for long periods in distribution channels before they reach the
consumer. Growing plants without soil is also suitable for use by homeowners and other amateur
gardeners. Growing plants without soil demands a knowledge of all factors of plant growth such
as preparation of nutrient in solution , selection of proper varieties, habits of plant growth of the
crop selected, climatic needs or adaptations of the crop, pollination requirements and effects of
contamination. This research area is intended to provide information about all this factors for
crop production by hydroponic in Ethiopia.
Objectives
 To provide information about nutrient in solution for crop production
 To provide information and knowledge about urban agriculture by using hydroponic
technology
Thematic area 5. Agricultural Laboratories quality assurance
Purpose and scope: Ethiopian agricultural research institute has more than 40 laboratories with
different discipline and scope. Attempts has been taken to standardize the overall management of
some laboratories in pilot scale project. However from the experience learnt potential
researchable area identified that could also lead to the amendment of policies of government. For
example laboratory chemical/hazardous waste management police, laboratory chemical
purchasing polices, possible chemical quality verification methodologies. In order to establish
well reliable and accurate laboratory practice there are also major challenges even it can be
extrapolated to country level that can directly affects the quality of laboratory results. The
significance of assuring reliable test result obtained from the agricultural laboratories is
unquestionable because each conclusion and recommendations are drives from field/land
research has to be scientifically supported by analytical results confirmed from the laboratory
analysis. Currently international and local market also started to demand analytical support that
confidently assure the quality and the safety of the agricultural product prior to marketing. As a

23. result upgrading the infrastructure, capacity, skill and reliability of research laboratories is major
issue should be answered immediately.
Objective:
 Better laboratory management system development
o Laboratory chemical verification method
o LIMS
 Laboratory safety assurance
o Laboratory hazardous waste monitoring and management
 Quality control system
o Calibration
o Equipment maintenance
o Inter-laboratory comparison
o In-house reference material preparation
Thematic areas Activities Crop types Centers Remark