Amid security challenges in the Amhara region, including travel warnings and restricted mobility, the project adjusted its workplan, moved meetings to safer locations, and received a one-year extension to 30 June 2027. These steps ensure continuity and on-time delivery. Also caused by security issues, the annual project meeting has to be moved from Debre Markos University to a hotel in Addis Ababa.
The Master’s programme in Geomatics was established at Debre Markos University (DMU) and is running since October 2024. Six students of the first year (one female) are currently working on their master thesis. Seven students (three of them female) enrolled in the second year, which began in October 2025. Targeted outreach and online team-teaching with Austrian partners helped to overcome the travel restrictions imposed by the Austrian Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs.
Ethiopia’s land administration network was strengthened through professional trainings organised and delivered by DMU and the two Austrian universities. Three courses improved practical skills and peer links across institutions. A Photogrammetry course reached 20 participants, and a Spatial Statistics and Adjustment Computations course reached 15. Both were delivered via Zoom with on-site support from DMU staff to ensure hands-on guidance.
Key infrastructure – including online/hybrid teaching systems, laboratory PCs, RTK/GNSS-equipped UAVs and permanent GNSS station facilities - was successfully delivered, installed, and deployed at DMU and BDU, significantly enhancing high-quality teaching and applied research. Research on UAV-based cadastral data acquisition is now in post-processing to assess orthophoto and DSM accuracy. Additionally, a study assessing the impact of land certification on women’s land rights was completed and presented at the World Bank conference. Finally, community outreach initiatives at DMU strengthened women’s tenure awareness and encouraged peer-to-peer learning among female farmers.
An external review rated overall progress positively while noting delays and enrolment challenges. Corrective actions are underway, and momentum is being maintained within the revised timeline.
Edu4GEO2 project website
