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Bahir Dar University has recognized Prof. Atsushi Tsunekawa's outstanding contribution towards the advancement of science and capacity development in dryland regions, including Ethiopia, by awarding him this year's Honorary Doctorate, selected unanimously by the University's Senate out of the 23 nominees.

The ceremony took place on September 18, 2021, during the University's annual graduation ceremony held at Bahir Dar Stadium, in the presence of government and university officials, graduates and their parents.

Prof. Tsunekawa, who is currently working from Japan due to the COVID-19 pandemic, sent a 10-minute video message to the stadium, which was also broadcasted live by local media.

• Amhara Media Cooperation
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_0In_KMKfs (external link)
  1:03:42 Award announcement
  1:14:40 Award to the winners
  1:32:30 Video message from Prof. Tsunekawa

Tottori University has a long history of collaboration with Bahir Dar University, and has been accepting international students. Since 2017 the University has been implementing the SATREPS project "Development of Next-generation Sustainable Land Management (SLM) framework to combat desertification in Ethiopia " in order to use the research assets for the social implementation.

The results of this research are now being integrated to create alternative simulation maps between different land managements, to develop manuals and guidelines, and to develop tools for farmers to select and implement SLMs on their own.

Discussions are also underway to create partnerships with Bahir Dar University, Amhara Bureau of Agriculture, Amhara Regional Agricultural Research Institute to build a network that will incorporate fruitful research results into local extension systems in future.

Professor Atsushi Tsunekawa was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Bahir Dar University on September 18, 2021. A congratulatory poster was displayed for him alongside the graduating class of 2021.

Mr. Akiog (currently a board member at Bahir Dar University) was the first Ethiopian researcher at Tottori University and he received the award on behalf of Professor Atsushi Tsunekawa.