BY JEMA HAJ HARAMAYA UNIVERSITY MARCH 11, 2015 Agricultural Economics Team Report

AE Packages 1. Production of three OER modules for three MSc courses namely:  Agricultural marketing and price analysis  Research methods, and  Institutional and behavioral economics 2. Three MSc thesis researches 3. Production of case study reports from the three MSc researches 4. Production of video case studies by the students and their supervisors

Packages 5. Technical content review of the OER by MSU and RUFORUM 6. Distribution of OER to stakeholders 7. Presentation of experience at an international event 8. Project reports

Accomplishments Modules produced and sent to the reviewers in October, Modules revised and comments by the reviewers received in December, Incorporation of comments and suggestions by the content reviewers is in progress. MSc research topics identified and students recruited in September, Students developed proposals and defended in November, 2014.

Accomplishments Proposals have been approved by the school graduate committee and CGS of HU in November Students developed questionnaires and started data collection in January, Materials required for video case studies were procured and handed over to the students. Budget has been disbursed as per the plan.

Accomplishments Constructive and invaluable comments received and incorporated which significantly improved the quality of the modules Continuous professional support has been rendered by the supervisors Field visits to the study cites of the respective students were made by supervisors Students finished the data collection and started analyzing data. Some even produced preliminary findings of the study

Challenges Late budget release by Saide. Long procedure and duration for defending an MSc thesis in the university mainly due to the school’s recent decision to conduct proposal defences only four times a year. The University wide meeting held for ten days throughout the country. Lengthy procedures in fund disbursement.

Challenges Appointment of the formerly trained and experienced video man to a deanship position and absence of other trained professionals. Distant study cite selection and communication problems. Visa requirement and the cost implications to survey vegetable terminal market (Hargessa, Somali land) from Kombolcha.

Thank you for listening!!!