Needs Assessment Survey for M.Sc. Studies in Entomology in Ethiopia

Abstract

Needs assessment survey were conducted in Ethiopia for launching M.Sc. studies in Entomology at Wollega University (WU), one of the public universities that aims to develop graduate programs in the western part of the country. The objective of the survey was to obtain training needs, gaps, specialization options, program structure and courses that are relevant to the needs of stakeholders associated with entomology. A facility-based data survey, focus group discussion (FGD) with key informants and needs assessment questionnaire to the stakeholders were used for data collection for the study. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. Facility survey results showed that average number of MSC holder Entomologists were very low. On average there were 0.19 MSc holder entomologists in Ethiopian universities, 0.33 in Ethiopian research sector and 0.15 in industrial sector. In line with these findings, participants of FGD revealed that most of the organization where they work need M.Sc. degree and above in entomology. Need assessment questionnaire survey results indicated 98.7% need for M.Sc level qualification in entomology, 96.0% need to employ new M.Sc graduates in entomology and 93.3% need for the Ethiopian organizations to upgrade their existing staff to M.Sc. level in entomology. In conclusion, the survey results underline high demand for M.Sc. training in Entomology in Ethiopia. Furthermore the concern of topsoil depletion and agricultural loss impacted by termite pests and white mango scale insects and biodiversity loss impacted by deforestation by insecticides warrant advanced entomological studies in western Ethiopia.

Keywords: Insects, M.Sc. in Entomology, Need Assessment, Wollega University