http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/15 Mon, 13 Apr 2026 10:30:47 GMT 2026-04-13T10:30:47Z http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/8807 Title: Proceedings of the 23rd International Conference on Private Higher Education in Africa Authors: Research and Knowledge Management Office (RaKMO) Abstract: This paper critically examines the concept of autonomy in Ethiopia’s higher education reform, focusing on the epistemic dimension of autonomy. Ethiopia's recent efforts to grant autonomy to its public universities have predominantly been framed as a matter of financial independence, with an emphasis on the government’s progressive withdrawal of budgetary support. This narrow understanding overlooks a critical dimension: the epistemic foundation underpinning true autonomy in higher education. Historically, Ethiopian universities have been structured and organized to validate and perpetuate Western epistemological frameworks, limiting their ability to cultivate subjectivity and knowledge systems. This Eurocentric orientation constrains genuine academic freedom and innovation, hindering the transformative potential of educational reform. This paper argues that achieving meaningful autonomy requires a fundamental re-examination of epistemic structures within Ethiopian universities. By focusing on the philosophical dimensions of knowledge production, this analysis reveals that autonomy must extend beyond financial and administrative matters to encompass the content and direction of knowledge creation. Without addressing the epistemic imbalance and fostering a more inclusive, locally meaningful approach to knowledge, the current push for institutional autonomy is unlikely to yield lasting success. Using a philosophical discursive analysis method, this study engaged in an extensive review of relevant literature to explore the intersection of autonomy and epistemic transformation. By highlighting the importance of reclaiming subjectivity and reorienting knowledge systems, the paper seeks to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding autonomy beyond its fiscal connotations, advocating for a model of higher education that empowers Ethiopian institutions to define and pursue their own epistemic goals. Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/8807 2025-05-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/8805 Title: Proceedings of the 19th National Student Research Forums (SRF) Authors: Research and Knowledge Management Office (RaKMO) Abstract: Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in Ethiopia face critical challenges in managing their inventory, sales, supplier coordination, credit tracking, and payment collection processes. Manual approaches are prone to inefficiencies, inaccuracies, and a lack of visibility into business performance. This research introduces a Smart Stack Management System with Supply Chain and Payment Integration, a mobile-based solution designed to automate and streamline core operations for MSEs. Developed using Flutter and Django Rest Framework, the system supports real-time inventory tracking, credit sales handling, supplier–retailer interaction, payment via Chapa, and subscription-based access. Findings from testing and evaluation show that the system significantly enhances operational efficiency, reduces stock outs, and provides valuable insights to retailers. This paper presents the system architecture, development methodology, user flows, and potential impact on the Ethiopian business ecosystem. Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/8805 2025-07-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/8803 Title: Proceedings of the 17th Multi-disciplinary Seminar (MDS) Authors: Research and Knowledge Management Office (RaKMO) Abstract: Water scarcity and inefficient irrigation practices continue to limit agricultural productivity in Ethiopia, particularly in peri-urban and semi-arid smallholder farming systems. This study evaluated the effectiveness of Internet of Things (IoT)-based digital irrigation systems in enhancing crop yield, water use efficiency (WUE), and economic returns in two contrasting environments: tomato cultivation in peri-urban Arba Minch and wheat production in the semiarid Shele lowlands. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used to compare conventional and IoT-managed irrigation treatments. The results revealed that IoT-based irrigation significantly improved tomato fresh fruit yield by 19.8% (38.8 vs. 32.4 t/ha) while reducing water usage by 26.7% and increasing WUE by 63.9% (from 7.2 to 11.8 kg/m³). Similarly, wheat grain yield increased by 19.2% (3.1 vs. 2.6 t/ha), with a 21.9% reduction in water use and a 52.6% increase in WUE (from 0.812 to 1.240 kg/m³). Yield variability was lower under IoT systems, indicating more stable performance. Economic analysis showed higher net profits and benefit-cost ratios for IoT-treated plots in both sites, especially in tomato production, where the BCR reached 3.19 in subsequent years. These findings support the adoption of IoT based digital irrigation as a sustainable solution to improve water productivity and profitability in diverse Ethiopian agroecology. Wider implementation is recommended through policy support, local technology development, and capacity building to ensure affordability and accessibility for smallholder farmers. Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/8803 2025-07-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/8801 Title: Proceedings of the 13th Open and Distance Learning Seminar (ODLS) Authors: Research and Knowledge Management Office (RaKMO) Abstract: Open and Distance Learning rather than conventional learning, commands a higher potential in creating a knowledgeable society and related socio–economic transformation benefits. ODL offers many benefits and presents significant challenges that can hinder the learning experience. Using desk review methods, this paper identified major challenges in ODL, assessed the importance of ODL, and approached to designing effective instructional materials. Evidence from international experiences reveals that most of educational institutions adopt multiple and comprehensive materials targeting at diverse students’ backgrounds such as location, access to internet and library, students’ awareness to technologies, age of the students, and employment backgrounds. The review also identified various factors affecting ODL in different contexts. These factors are access to technology, students’ self-motivation, social isolation and limited interaction, inadequate support systems, cultural and linguistic barriers. The potential of these and other ODL factors in various countries in general and in Ethiopia in particular affected the provision of quality education due to underdeveloped infrastructure and resource limitations. Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/8801 2025-09-01T00:00:00Z