Research for Sustainable Development in Addis Ababa and Bahir Dar Universities: Policy and Practices from a Comparative Perspective
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Date
2021-02
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AAU
Abstract
Globally and nationally, there is a significant lack of empirical studies investigating research
for Sustainable Development (SD) at higher education institutions (HEIs). This study
attempted to address this gap from a comparative perspective on research for SD policies and
practices at two major HEIs in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa and Bahir Dar Universities. The study
aimed to explore through three primary research questions: how is SD manifested in
Ethiopian national policy and university documents; how do the studied universities practice
research for SD; and what are the similarities and differences between the two universities in
research for SD policy and practice. Bernstein‟s (2000) theory of educational sociology,
supplemented by Lindensjo and Lundgren (2000) provided the theoretical impetus of the
study. The comparative designs relied on the qualitative data collected from in-person
interviews, written interviews, and the documents used in this analysis. Fifty-eight
participants were selected for the study and the empirical data were generated in both
universities in 2019 and 2020. The analysis was done based on Philips‟s (2006) six steps
comparative data analysis. The findings show clear variation vertically (macro to micro) and
similarity horizontally between the two universities. The global development approaches
(mega) were influencing factors for the incorporation of SD policies and practices in the
Ethiopian national context (macro). However, it was not immediately apparent how SD
integrates into the national education system (meso). At the micro-level, the overall strategies
of both the universities lack clear communication regarding SD. Finally, the study implied
that active coordinating, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms of the national policy are
essential to enhance horizontal and vertical coherence in SDG implementation. Sustainable
Development needs to be articulated in national education documents. Beside, university wide transformation is vital following the national context, and detailed university mission
statements should reflect a commitment to SD policy and practice. The SD research policy at
Research for Sustainable Development…
both universities needs to be formulated and introduced to prevent implementation problems
as multiple university actors‟ work independently. In terms of contribution, research for SD
could tie the locations in which each university is resilient and could benefit both policy and
practice development
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Keywords
Comparative study, Critical theory, Higher Education Institutions, Research, Sustainable Development