Strategic Priorities

1. Research and innovation

The research agenda of CCERC will be ambitious and multidisciplinary, designed to address Ethiopia’s most pressing environmental challenges. Key thematic areas will include:

1. Climate Change Adaptation in Agriculture and Pastoralism: supporting research focusing on drought-resistant crops, climate-smart agriculture, and resilience strategies for pastoralist communities.
2. Renewable Energy and Green Technologies: Promoting solar, wind, and biomass energy solutions for rural and urban settings.
3. Environmental Health and Climate-Induced Diseases: supporting research linkages between climate change and health outcomes, such as malaria, respiratory diseases, Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD), malnutrition and other public health issues.
4. Water and Land Management: Developing sustainable practices for watershed management, soil conservation, and combating desertification.
5. Urbanization and Green Development: Designing environmentally sustainable urban planning and waste management models including pollution prevention
6. Green Transportation: mobility systems that minimize environmental impact through reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, efficient energy use, and sustainable urban planning.
7. Green industry: research focusing on making manufacturing and industrial processes more resource-efficient, low-emission, and environmentally sustainable. It emphasizes clean production technologies using renewable energy and recycling, improved resource efficiency, effective pollution control, and the development of sustainable value chains through eco-labelling, circular economy practices, and local sourcing.
8. Climate-resilient cross-cutting: research integrating scientific, social, and policy perspectives to address climate change impacts across sectors like health, agriculture, water, energy, and industry. It aims to identify vulnerabilities, develop adaptive solutions, promote innovation through sustainable practices, and generate evidence to inform climate-smart policies and actions for sustainable development.

2.  Academic Development

To strengthen academic integration, climate and environment modules will be incorporated into undergraduate and postgraduate curricula at Jimma University with suitable modalities including short training courses. Graduate students will be embedded in CCERC projects through research fellowships, internships, and joint supervision programs. The Center will also organize workshops, seminars, and short courses to build capacity among faculty, students, and practitioners. Over time, CCERC will establish a research repository and knowledge-sharing platform that archives and disseminates publications, datasets, and best practices.

3.  Collaboration and Partnerships

CCERC’s strength will depend on the partnerships it builds. Nationally, the Center will work closely with government ministries, research institutes, and universities to align with policy and research priorities. Internationally, the Center will establish partnerships with institutions working on climate change mitigation and adaptation and environmental protection. The center will also establish sustainable collaboration with regional and national institutions working on climate change mitigation and adaptations and Environmental sustainability. University based climate change and environment focused research institutions also will be identified and connected through our established research networks.

These partnerships will enable joint research projects, faculty and student exchanges, and access to funding opportunities. The Center will also prioritize community partnerships, ensuring that research is co-designed with local populations and that outcomes directly benefit communities. Engagement platforms will be created for regular dialogue between researchers, policymakers, and community representatives.

4. Resource Mobilization and Management

Sustainable operations will require a diverse funding portfolio. The Center will spearhead the development of a resource mobilization strategy to secure funding from bilateral and multilateral donors, foundations, and private sector partners. Opportunities will also be sought in global climate financing mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund and the Adaptation Fund.

The Center will pursue income-generating activities, including consultancy services, training programs, and policy advisory work. Strong financial management systems will be followed to ensure accountability and transparency, supported by modern accounting and reporting systems.

5. Policy and Community Engagement

The translation of research into practice will be a defining feature of CCERC. The Center will produce policy briefs, technical guidelines, and toolkits for decision-makers at local, regional, and national levels. Pilot projects will be implemented in collaboration with communities, showcasing innovations such as solar-powered irrigation systems, community-managed reforestation projects, climate resilient adaptation strategies, circular economies, and waste-to-energy technologies

Community engagement will also involve documenting and integrating indigenous knowledge systems into climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. Regular workshops and policy dialogues will provide platforms for exchanging knowledge between scientists, policymakers, and community leaders. By directly linking research outputs to policy and practice, CCERC will bridge the gap between academia and society.