Aquaculture Certification in Indonesia by Chaery Novari, Directorate General of Aquaculture, Workshop of Aquaculture Certification, HCM City, 26 June 2013
Aquaculture Certification in Indonesia by Chaery Novari, Directorate General of Aquaculture, Workshop of Aquaculture Certification, HCM City, 26 June 2013
The National Digital Inclusion Alliance released two new rankings of America's "25 Worst-Connected Cities in 2014" -- for all households, and for households with annual incomes below $35,000.
Using data from the 2014 American Community Survey (ACS) released last Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau, NDIA ranked all 184 U.S. cities with more than 50,000 households by their percentages of households with no Internet at home. The ACS provides this data in Tables B28002 ("Presence and types of Internet subscriptions in household") and B28004 (Household income in the last 12 months... by presence and types of Internet subscriptions in household").
School improvement is premised on the firm belief that it is best accomplished when directed by the people closest to the students,
including classroom teachers, specialists, and school administrators. When working collaboratively in Instructional Teams, rather than
in isolation, they positively impact student achievement (Hattie, 2009). Research-based indicators of effective practice help guide
instructional teams to do their work. This process begins by establishing structures and organization for effective meetings. Once
these have been established, the teams turn to the work of developing standards-aligned units of instruction, among other tasks.
Relatório ONU denuncia mito de que pesticidas são essenciais para alimentar o...Carol Daemon
Relatório da ONU denuncia “mito” de que pesticidas são essenciais para alimentar o mundo. “É um mito. Usar pesticidas nada tem a ver com acabar com a fome. De acordo com a Organização das Nações Unidas para a Alimentação e a Agricultura (FAO), já conseguimos alimentar 9 mil milhões de pessoas hoje em dia. A produção está definitivamente a aumentar, mas o problema é a pobreza, a desigualdade e a distribuição”, declarou Hilal Elver, relatora especial da ONU para o direito à comida, acrescentando que muitos pesticidas são usados em plantações de produtos como o óleo de palma e não na comida necessária para acabar com a fome.
Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment 214 (2015) 96–106C.docxgalerussel59292
Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment 214 (2015) 96–106
Contents lists available at ScienceDirect
Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment
journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/agee
Review
Influence of genetically modified organisms on agro-ecosystem
processes
Anna-Karin Kolsetha,*, Tina D’Hertefeldtb, Maren Emmerichc, Flavio Foraboscod,
Stefan Marklunde, Tanya E. Cheekef,g, Sara Hallinc, Martin Weiha
a Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Crop Production Ecology, P.O. Box 7043, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
b Lund University, Department of Biology, Biodiversity unit, Sölvegatan 37, SE-223 62 Lund, Sweden
c Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Microbiology, P.O. Box 7025, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
d Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, P.O. Box 7023, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
e Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Clinical Sciences, P.O. Box [183_TD$DIFF]7054, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
f Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, P.O. Box 7026, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
g Indiana University, Department of Biology, 1001 East Third Street, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
A R T I C L E I N F O
Article history:
Received 9 October 2014
Received in revised form 11 August 2015
Accepted 24 August 2015
Available online 5 September 2015
Keywords:
Agriculture
Biotechnology
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)
Ecosystem processes
Ecosystem services
Herbicide-tolerant (HT)
* Corresponding author. Fax: +46 18 672
E-mail addresses: [email protected]
[email protected] (T. D’Hertefeldt
(M. Emmerich), Flavio.[182_TD$DIFF][email protected] (F.
(S. Marklund), [email protected], tcheek
[email protected] (S. Hallin), [email protected]
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2015.08.021
0167-8809/ã 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights
890.
lu.se (A.-K
), Maren.Em
Forabosco
[email protected]
slu.se (M.
reserved.
A B S T R A C T
Biotechnology offers extensive possibilities to incorporate new traits into organisms. Genetically
modified (GM) traits relevant for agro-ecosystems include traits such as pest resistance and herbicide
tolerance in crop plants, increased growth rate in fish and livestock, and enhanced nitrogen-fixation
capabilities of soil microbes. In this review, we evaluated the direct and indirect trait-specific effects of
GM plants, microbes, and animals on ecosystem processes and found that most of the effects of
genetically modified organisms (GMOs) on ecosystem processes are indirect and are the result of
associated changes in management strategy rather than a direct effect of the GMOs. Conflicting results
on the performance and effects of GMOs are frequently reported, especially regarding crop yield and
impacts on soil organisms. This is partly because methods with different levels of resolution have been
used in different ecological contexts. Overall, there is little evidence that the effects of GM.
The National Digital Inclusion Alliance released two new rankings of America's "25 Worst-Connected Cities in 2014" -- for all households, and for households with annual incomes below $35,000.
Using data from the 2014 American Community Survey (ACS) released last Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau, NDIA ranked all 184 U.S. cities with more than 50,000 households by their percentages of households with no Internet at home. The ACS provides this data in Tables B28002 ("Presence and types of Internet subscriptions in household") and B28004 (Household income in the last 12 months... by presence and types of Internet subscriptions in household").
School improvement is premised on the firm belief that it is best accomplished when directed by the people closest to the students,
including classroom teachers, specialists, and school administrators. When working collaboratively in Instructional Teams, rather than
in isolation, they positively impact student achievement (Hattie, 2009). Research-based indicators of effective practice help guide
instructional teams to do their work. This process begins by establishing structures and organization for effective meetings. Once
these have been established, the teams turn to the work of developing standards-aligned units of instruction, among other tasks.
Relatório ONU denuncia mito de que pesticidas são essenciais para alimentar o...Carol Daemon
Relatório da ONU denuncia “mito” de que pesticidas são essenciais para alimentar o mundo. “É um mito. Usar pesticidas nada tem a ver com acabar com a fome. De acordo com a Organização das Nações Unidas para a Alimentação e a Agricultura (FAO), já conseguimos alimentar 9 mil milhões de pessoas hoje em dia. A produção está definitivamente a aumentar, mas o problema é a pobreza, a desigualdade e a distribuição”, declarou Hilal Elver, relatora especial da ONU para o direito à comida, acrescentando que muitos pesticidas são usados em plantações de produtos como o óleo de palma e não na comida necessária para acabar com a fome.
Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment 214 (2015) 96–106C.docxgalerussel59292
Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment 214 (2015) 96–106
Contents lists available at ScienceDirect
Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment
journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/agee
Review
Influence of genetically modified organisms on agro-ecosystem
processes
Anna-Karin Kolsetha,*, Tina D’Hertefeldtb, Maren Emmerichc, Flavio Foraboscod,
Stefan Marklunde, Tanya E. Cheekef,g, Sara Hallinc, Martin Weiha
a Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Crop Production Ecology, P.O. Box 7043, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
b Lund University, Department of Biology, Biodiversity unit, Sölvegatan 37, SE-223 62 Lund, Sweden
c Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Microbiology, P.O. Box 7025, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
d Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, P.O. Box 7023, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
e Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Clinical Sciences, P.O. Box [183_TD$DIFF]7054, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
f Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, P.O. Box 7026, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
g Indiana University, Department of Biology, 1001 East Third Street, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
A R T I C L E I N F O
Article history:
Received 9 October 2014
Received in revised form 11 August 2015
Accepted 24 August 2015
Available online 5 September 2015
Keywords:
Agriculture
Biotechnology
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)
Ecosystem processes
Ecosystem services
Herbicide-tolerant (HT)
* Corresponding author. Fax: +46 18 672
E-mail addresses: [email protected]
[email protected] (T. D’Hertefeldt
(M. Emmerich), Flavio.[182_TD$DIFF][email protected] (F.
(S. Marklund), [email protected], tcheek
[email protected] (S. Hallin), [email protected]
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2015.08.021
0167-8809/ã 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights
890.
lu.se (A.-K
), Maren.Em
Forabosco
[email protected]
slu.se (M.
reserved.
A B S T R A C T
Biotechnology offers extensive possibilities to incorporate new traits into organisms. Genetically
modified (GM) traits relevant for agro-ecosystems include traits such as pest resistance and herbicide
tolerance in crop plants, increased growth rate in fish and livestock, and enhanced nitrogen-fixation
capabilities of soil microbes. In this review, we evaluated the direct and indirect trait-specific effects of
GM plants, microbes, and animals on ecosystem processes and found that most of the effects of
genetically modified organisms (GMOs) on ecosystem processes are indirect and are the result of
associated changes in management strategy rather than a direct effect of the GMOs. Conflicting results
on the performance and effects of GMOs are frequently reported, especially regarding crop yield and
impacts on soil organisms. This is partly because methods with different levels of resolution have been
used in different ecological contexts. Overall, there is little evidence that the effects of GM.
Scientific Facts on Genetically Modified CropsGreenFacts
We are regularly confronted with genetically modified foods, be it in the news or on our plates.
In what way are GM crops different from conventional crops?
What is known about their possible risks for human health or the environment?
A German company PTB has sub contracted Afriqual PLC to assess status of Kulumsa Research Lab to technically support the system. EIAR has initially agreed to receive technical as well as capacity support from PTB on areas of staff training, equipment purchasing, CRM and other required supplies facilitation, etc. To effect these requests of EIAR, PTB subcontracted the gap assessment to a PLC called Afrqual. This report is therefore the assessment result.
A workshop was held between June 9 and 10, 2016 at Kulumsa. The theme of the workshop was to discuss on findings of the laboratories status survey report of Afriqual. Attendees were from PTB, Afriqual, EIAR-ANRLD head quarter, KARC researchers and management. This document is therefore synthesis of the workshop.
Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center is one of the Federal Research Centers of EIAR; center of excellence for wheat research. Laboratories in the center includes Agricultural Chemistry, Seed Quality Testing, Microbiology (Pathology), and Food Science and Nutrition.
Agricultural and Nutritional Research Laboratories of EIAR which is established in 2012 has given focus to strengthen laboratories to enhance quality agricultural research in the system. Capacity building areas such as renovation of laboratories, recruitment of laboratory staffs, facilitation of purchase of equipment, supplies, etc were given highest attention by the directorate for the last few years. This report describes the current state of Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center which is reported by Abraha G/Giorgis (representative of the center laboratories).
Tepi National Spices Research Center is one of the Federal Research Center who has responsibility in execution and coordination of research activities on spices. Agricultural and Nutritional Research Laboratories directorate has been involved in the center for the last two years since 2014 by employing one chemist.
This is the result of furnishing of the laboratory with benches and other facilities to enable it upgrade. The initial report is prepared by Sileshi Abraha, who is junior researcher (chemist) and modified by Solomon Abate (the director for ANRLD).
Sebeta National Fishery Research Center is one of the Federal Research Centers being managed by the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research. The center is responsible in coordinating national researches on the area of fishery and aquatic life in the country.
Agricultural and Nutritional Research Laboratories of the institute (EIAR) has established the team in the center during 2014 employing three researchers on the areas of chemistry, microbiology and food science. The directorate has then started to re-innovate the laboratory facilities so as to establish GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) in the center.
This is therefor a report made by Bezuayehu Gutema, representative of Agricultural and Nutritional Research Laboratories of EIAR in the center about the renovation activities and status.
June 29, 2016
This training was co-organized by SARD-SC and ANRLD of the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research for women farmers drawn from four regions of Ethiopia, vis. Oromia, Tigray, Amhara and Southern.
EIAR has launched a research project entitled "Re-Engaging Senior Agricultural Researchers" on December 25, 2015 at Nexus hotel. The project is funded by USAID via ATA. .This is a report of that event.
This is a presentation made by EIAR DG, Dr. Fentahun Mengistu during the launching workshop of a project "Re-Engaging Senior Agricultural Researchers" on December 25, 2015 at Nexus Hotel, Addis Ababa
Agricultural and Nutrition Research Laboratories directorate of EIAR and Dow Chemicals has conducted a joint project to evaluate the status of laboratories in the research system.
This is the final report of the joint evaluation.
ANRLD of EIAR is planning to conduct a number of research activities to be implemented during 2007 and 2008 EC. These research activities will be implemented by researchers of different research centers and is being coordinated by Mr. Legesse Shiferaw and Mr. Bilatu Agiza, researchers of AQRL.
Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research is in the process of accrediting some of its laboratories. This document describes progress made during Ethiopian calender 2006.
Being regional center of excellence for wheat research, Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center has multiple responsibility in providing competitive wheat production technologies. In addition to productivity increase, due to the rising demand by industries it is the main focus of the center to improve qualities of wheat.
Hence laboratories in the research center is under refurbishment to execute competent analysis of quality parameters. Some of this activity is mentioned in this document.
Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research as part of its movement towards bringing quality in its agricultural research endeavor, is in a process of upgrading its analytical and research laboratories. Among prioritized laboratories in EIAR, Ambo plant protection laboratory is the one.
This report is, hence, prepared by the Head of Quality System in the center as a progress of renovations and readiness of the laboratories.
More from Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (20)
Seminar of U.V. Spectroscopy by SAMIR PANDASAMIR PANDA
Spectroscopy is a branch of science dealing the study of interaction of electromagnetic radiation with matter.
Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy refers to absorption spectroscopy or reflect spectroscopy in the UV-VIS spectral region.
Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy is an analytical method that can measure the amount of light received by the analyte.
THE IMPORTANCE OF MARTIAN ATMOSPHERE SAMPLE RETURN.Sérgio Sacani
The return of a sample of near-surface atmosphere from Mars would facilitate answers to several first-order science questions surrounding the formation and evolution of the planet. One of the important aspects of terrestrial planet formation in general is the role that primary atmospheres played in influencing the chemistry and structure of the planets and their antecedents. Studies of the martian atmosphere can be used to investigate the role of a primary atmosphere in its history. Atmosphere samples would also inform our understanding of the near-surface chemistry of the planet, and ultimately the prospects for life. High-precision isotopic analyses of constituent gases are needed to address these questions, requiring that the analyses are made on returned samples rather than in situ.
The increased availability of biomedical data, particularly in the public domain, offers the opportunity to better understand human health and to develop effective therapeutics for a wide range of unmet medical needs. However, data scientists remain stymied by the fact that data remain hard to find and to productively reuse because data and their metadata i) are wholly inaccessible, ii) are in non-standard or incompatible representations, iii) do not conform to community standards, and iv) have unclear or highly restricted terms and conditions that preclude legitimate reuse. These limitations require a rethink on data can be made machine and AI-ready - the key motivation behind the FAIR Guiding Principles. Concurrently, while recent efforts have explored the use of deep learning to fuse disparate data into predictive models for a wide range of biomedical applications, these models often fail even when the correct answer is already known, and fail to explain individual predictions in terms that data scientists can appreciate. These limitations suggest that new methods to produce practical artificial intelligence are still needed.
In this talk, I will discuss our work in (1) building an integrative knowledge infrastructure to prepare FAIR and "AI-ready" data and services along with (2) neurosymbolic AI methods to improve the quality of predictions and to generate plausible explanations. Attention is given to standards, platforms, and methods to wrangle knowledge into simple, but effective semantic and latent representations, and to make these available into standards-compliant and discoverable interfaces that can be used in model building, validation, and explanation. Our work, and those of others in the field, creates a baseline for building trustworthy and easy to deploy AI models in biomedicine.
Bio
Dr. Michel Dumontier is the Distinguished Professor of Data Science at Maastricht University, founder and executive director of the Institute of Data Science, and co-founder of the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable) data principles. His research explores socio-technological approaches for responsible discovery science, which includes collaborative multi-modal knowledge graphs, privacy-preserving distributed data mining, and AI methods for drug discovery and personalized medicine. His work is supported through the Dutch National Research Agenda, the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research, Horizon Europe, the European Open Science Cloud, the US National Institutes of Health, and a Marie-Curie Innovative Training Network. He is the editor-in-chief for the journal Data Science and is internationally recognized for his contributions in bioinformatics, biomedical informatics, and semantic technologies including ontologies and linked data.
Richard's entangled aventures in wonderlandRichard Gill
Since the loophole-free Bell experiments of 2020 and the Nobel prizes in physics of 2022, critics of Bell's work have retreated to the fortress of super-determinism. Now, super-determinism is a derogatory word - it just means "determinism". Palmer, Hance and Hossenfelder argue that quantum mechanics and determinism are not incompatible, using a sophisticated mathematical construction based on a subtle thinning of allowed states and measurements in quantum mechanics, such that what is left appears to make Bell's argument fail, without altering the empirical predictions of quantum mechanics. I think however that it is a smoke screen, and the slogan "lost in math" comes to my mind. I will discuss some other recent disproofs of Bell's theorem using the language of causality based on causal graphs. Causal thinking is also central to law and justice. I will mention surprising connections to my work on serial killer nurse cases, in particular the Dutch case of Lucia de Berk and the current UK case of Lucy Letby.
A brief information about the SCOP protein database used in bioinformatics.
The Structural Classification of Proteins (SCOP) database is a comprehensive and authoritative resource for the structural and evolutionary relationships of proteins. It provides a detailed and curated classification of protein structures, grouping them into families, superfamilies, and folds based on their structural and sequence similarities.
Professional air quality monitoring systems provide immediate, on-site data for analysis, compliance, and decision-making.
Monitor common gases, weather parameters, particulates.
Earliest Galaxies in the JADES Origins Field: Luminosity Function and Cosmic ...Sérgio Sacani
We characterize the earliest galaxy population in the JADES Origins Field (JOF), the deepest
imaging field observed with JWST. We make use of the ancillary Hubble optical images (5 filters
spanning 0.4−0.9µm) and novel JWST images with 14 filters spanning 0.8−5µm, including 7 mediumband filters, and reaching total exposure times of up to 46 hours per filter. We combine all our data
at > 2.3µm to construct an ultradeep image, reaching as deep as ≈ 31.4 AB mag in the stack and
30.3-31.0 AB mag (5σ, r = 0.1” circular aperture) in individual filters. We measure photometric
redshifts and use robust selection criteria to identify a sample of eight galaxy candidates at redshifts
z = 11.5 − 15. These objects show compact half-light radii of R1/2 ∼ 50 − 200pc, stellar masses of
M⋆ ∼ 107−108M⊙, and star-formation rates of SFR ∼ 0.1−1 M⊙ yr−1
. Our search finds no candidates
at 15 < z < 20, placing upper limits at these redshifts. We develop a forward modeling approach to
infer the properties of the evolving luminosity function without binning in redshift or luminosity that
marginalizes over the photometric redshift uncertainty of our candidate galaxies and incorporates the
impact of non-detections. We find a z = 12 luminosity function in good agreement with prior results,
and that the luminosity function normalization and UV luminosity density decline by a factor of ∼ 2.5
from z = 12 to z = 14. We discuss the possible implications of our results in the context of theoretical
models for evolution of the dark matter halo mass function.
Earliest Galaxies in the JADES Origins Field: Luminosity Function and Cosmic ...
Thematic area: Agricultural chemistry research
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