Research and Community Engagement
The Ethiopian government has demonstrated a robust commitment to enhancing science and technology programs in higher education as part of its growth and transformation agenda. Higher education institutions in Ethiopia are centered around three interconnected pillars: teaching and learning, research, and community engagement. These pillars aim to improve educational quality, foster innovation, and support societal development. The Menschen Für Menschen Foundation Agro-Technical and Technology College is one of the private higher education institutions in the country. Established by Karlheinz Böhm in September 1992 as an Agro-Technical Training Centre, it was renamed Agro-Technical and Technology College in 2009. As a result, a primary responsibility of the academic staff at this institution is to conduct research that addresses community needs and fosters knowledge-based community engagement. Consequently, there is a strong aspiration for colleges to take an active role in the development of society. Furthermore, the institute seeks to transfer knowledge to its community through a program known as technology transfer.
The Office of Research and Community Engagement Coordinator organizes the coordination of research, technology transfer, and community engagement activities undertaken by all members of the MfM Agro-Technical and Technology College. This office aims to research collaboration by increasing interdisciplinary research projects, establish partnerships with local organizations and promote quarterly community engagement events to raise awareness of research events and gather community input.
Vision
To foster a collaborative environment that enhances research initiatives and strengthens community engagement at Menschen Für Menschen Agro-Technical and Technology College.
Mission
To connect academic research with community needs, promoting innovation and sustainability through active partnerships.
Research
Research is a vital process that bridges knowledge creation and practical application, particularly when it aims to address community challenges or foster innovative solutions for commercialization. In interdisciplinary projects spanning Manufacturing, Automotive, and Electrical and Electronics fields, applied research serves as a powerful tool to develop interventions that tackle pressing community issues or to generate innovative ideas ripe for technology transfer. For teaching staff, such research extends their focus beyond academic pursuits towards improving society through the conduct of outreach activities or the application of new knowledge. As a result, these research programs facilitate the integration of various fields and allow different stakeholders to take ideas from theory to practice, which is beneficial for social and economic development.
Community Engagement
Community engagement is a vital process that involves actively collaborating with individuals and groups within a community to achieve sustainable outcomes. This approach not only promotes equitable decision-making but also strengthens the relationships and trust among community members. In this context, the term “community” encompasses all individuals who are affected by, or who have the potential to be influenced by, the MfM Agro-Technical and Technology College (ATTC). This includes a diverse range of stakeholders, such as current students enrolled at ATTC, the academic staff who teach and support them, various organizations and companies that interact with the college, and the surrounding community members who may be impacted by the college’s activities.
The community engagement programs at ATTC are specifically designed to focus on several key areas. Firstly, they aim to provide a high-quality education to the current students, ensuring that they receive the knowledge and skills necessary for their future careers. Additionally, these programs facilitate technology transfer, allowing innovations and advancements developed at ATTC to be shared with local organizations and companies. Furthermore, the initiative includes providing maintenance services for broken machinery in various organizations, thereby supporting local businesses and enhancing their operational efficiency. Through these efforts, ATTC strives to foster a collaborative environment that benefits both the college and the wider community.
Technology Transfer
MfM Agro-Technical and Technology College is dedicated to fostering innovation and driving technological advancements. Through its Manufacturing, Electrical, Automotive, and interdisciplinary departments, the college encourages students and lecturers to undertake projects that lead to practical solutions. To ensure the protection of intellectual property rights, the college collaborates with the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Organization to safeguard the rights of stakeholders involved in developing these innovations. This proactive approach allows for the seamless transfer of technology to local industries and communities, while acknowledging and rewarding the contributions of the innovators.

Contact Research and Community Engagement Office
Mr. Nigussie Adem (M.Sc)
Research and Community Engagement Coordinator
Email: n.adem@menschenfuermenschen.org