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Department of Agricultural Engineering

The Department of Agricultural Engineering (DAE) is a specialised academic and research unit that focuses on applying engineering principles and technologies to improve agricultural productivity, sustainability, and resource management. It integrates disciplines such as soil and water conservation, farm machinery, irrigation and drainage systems, renewable energy, post-harvest technology, and environmental management to address challenges in modern agriculture. The department equips students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to design, develop, and implement innovative solutions that enhance food security, promote efficient use of natural resources, and support rural development.  

The department offers two academic programs:

Programs from the Department of Agricultural Engineering

BSc in Agricultural Engineering

The program targeted to produce high-level skilled manpower that directly take part in the management, design and production of Farm Implements, Irrigation, Soil and Water Conservation, and Post-Harvest and Processing Technologies. From 2002 to 2010 the Department was named as Bio-systems Engineering. And know it is named as Agricultural Engineering.

Duration to complete the program:  Five years

MSc in Soil and water conservation Engineering        

The two-year regular M.Sc. (Master of Science) program in Soil and Water Conservation Engineering under the Department of Agricultural Engineering is a postgraduate academic program designed to train students in the scientific principles and engineering practices related to the conservation, management, and sustainable use of soil and water resources.           

Duration to complete the program:  Two years

PhD program in Natural Resources Engineering and Management   

A three-year regular PhD program in Natural Resources Engineering and Management is typically focuses on advanced study and original research in sustainable management and engineering of natural resources, such as soil, water, forestry, and environmental systems. The program is designed to equip scholars with deep technical, analytical, and research skills needed to tackle complex challenges in the management and conservation of natural resources. It blends engineering principles with environmental science, focusing on sustainable use and policy development.    

Duration to complete the program:  Three years

PhD in Agricultural Engineering           

A three-year PhD program in Agricultural Engineering typically involves advanced, research-intensive study focused on applying engineering principles to solve problems related to agriculture and biological systems. The core of the program is original research leading to a dissertation. Common research areas include: Farm Machinery and Power (e.g., design and automation of agricultural equipment), Agricultural Structures and Environmental Control (e.g., greenhouses, livestock housing), Precision Agriculture (e.g., use of sensors, drones, AI in farming), Renewable Energy in Agriculture (e.g., bioenergy, solar drying) and Climate-smart agriculture and sustainable practices   

Duration to complete the program:  Three years

Graduate profile of each program under Agricultural Engineering Department

Agricultural Engineering in BSc program


Agricultural Engineering in BSc program, the individual possesses a broad and in-depth knowledge base spanning mathematical techniques, numerical methods, and various branches of science including mechanics, physics, chemistry, biology, and agricultural sciences. They are well versed in core agricultural engineering topics such as farm machinery design, testing, and maintenance; renewable energy utilisation; post-harvest processing; animal feed processing; irrigation and drainage systems; and soil and water conservation. Additionally, they demonstrate proficiency in system analysis, electrical installations, fluid mechanics, hydrology, watershed and environmental management, as well as the planning, design, and execution of agricultural infrastructure. Complementing their technical expertise, the individual exhibits strong practical skills in research, sales, marketing, and technology development to enhance agricultural productivity. They are capable of managing and supervising various agricultural operations, including machinery use, food and feed processing, and environmental impact assessments. Their skill set is further reinforced by solid communication, computational, reasoning, and managerial abilities—ranging from technical report writing and GIS-based decision-making to financial analysis and project management. They uphold high occupational ethics, emphasising teamwork, confidentiality, respect, and integrity in the professional environment.

Soil and water Conservation Engineering in MSc program


Soil and water Conservation Engineering in MSc program, Graduates of the MSc in Soil and Water Conservation Engineering program emerge as skilled professionals capable of addressing challenges related to water scarcity, soil erosion, land degradation, and sustainable agricultural development. With a mix of theoretical knowledge and practical expertise, they are well-prepared to work in research institutions, governmental and non-governmental organisations, consulting firms, and international development agencies. Based on the outlined knowledge areas, the MSc in Soil and Water Conservation Engineering program equips graduates with a robust, interdisciplinary foundation designed to tackle critical environmental and agricultural challenges related to land and water resources.

A PhD graduate in Agricultural Engineering is expected to:


Possess knowledge to teach, conduct research, and engage in community service. Address and manage policy issues related to agricultural engineering, including soils & water conservation, watershed management, and farm power/mechanisation. Have advanced expertise to design and implement: Precision agriculture technologies and information systems. Farm power and mechanisation systems for optimised performance. Variable rate application technologies in farm mechanisation. Renewable energy solutions (solar, wind, geothermal, hydro-power, biomass) for farm power.

Be skilled in designing, planning, and executing: Agricultural mechanisation, soil/water conservation projects, and agricultural engineering research. Consulting activities and energy resource management. Possess advanced technical writing, presentation, and data analysis skills. Be proficient in computational skills, including GIS, simulation techniques, and decision support systems. Demonstrate strong reasoning skills for problem-solving and decision-making. Show professional ethics in teaching, research, and community service, with a creative, socially conscious, and responsible approach to national development goals.

​PhD graduates in Natural Resource Engineering and Management


PhD graduates in Natural Resource Engineering and Management are trained to plan, design, implement, and manage infrastructure related to soil and water resources, while also advising on their evaluation and management. They are equipped to conduct both basic and applied research in areas such as water resources, irrigation, environment, and soil conservation. Additionally, these graduates are involved in policy formulation, research, and development activities. They are expected to use an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach to collaborate effectively on teams, developing practical and cost-effective solutions to complex natural resource challenges. They will also play a key role in generating essential data for policy drafting and strategy development, helping to explore and manage the untapped potential of natural resources.

Graduates of the program will contribute to sustainable resource use and help bridge the gap in qualified manpower in the field by replacing expatriates in local institutions. They will validate and adapt existing models for resource management, ensuring they work under specific national conditions. Moreover, they will test and disseminate new technologies related to natural resource management, leading research efforts and generating knowledge in the field. As practitioners, these graduates are expected to take on leadership roles, actively participating not only in technical and professional societies but also in shaping policy and strategic development in natural resource management.

Potential employers of graduates of each program

Potential employers of graduates of BSc in Agricultural Engineering, MSc in Soil and Water Conservation Engineering, PhD in Agricultural Engineering and PhD in Natural Resource Engineering and Management are; NGO (agricultural sector), and Research center (ERI), Sugar factories (i.e Melkasa, wenji, etc), TVT Institution, and Energy sector, Different Machinery and Implement importer and supplier (i.e. Kleb Eng., Gedeb Eng., etc.), Different Agricultural sectors (Ag. Minster), Academician (University; Ambo, Haramaya, Jimma, Hawassa, etc.), Food factories (i.e Assela) and Flower factories, and Project Manager (soil, water, farming related)

Publications with brief description, sorted by department

There are more than 74 collection of research articles were published and sorted in Agricultural Engineering department those mainly focusing on various environmental and agricultural challenges in Ethiopia, particularly in relation to water resources, land suitability, soil erosion modelling, conservation prioritisation, hydro-meteorological, Rainfall Variability, Assessment on flooding, Domestic Sludge, farm machinery utilisation, forest and landscape restoration, land degradation, ground water, sediment yield modelling, Land Use Land Cover Change analysis, climate change, and Mechanical Engineering problems. Most of those article were published on the Scopus indexed journals.

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