The purpose of conducting research, for ASE, is to support its development venture with research results generated in accordance with local circumstances of the rural setting by having an in-depth understanding of cross cutting development issues. It is also to promote the participation and capacity of same in addressing the food security efforts that the organization is determined for.

The type of research emphasizes field-based, inter alia, learning by doing/ a learning process in which lessons are drawn from farmers’ success for future implement. Most information is generated from day to day activities of people and environments and primarily involves the participation of local people. It also ensures active involvement of stakeholders who consciously participate in the decision making process of the research.

ASE works in partnership and collaboration with Universities that include Mekele and Haromaya and research institutions that include Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) and Ethiopian Institute of Health and Nutrition Research (EHNRI).

ASE tries to maintain key guiding principles such as being Pro poor, Action Oriented, Participatory, Gender sensitive, Sharing, Lobbying and advocacy, and Partnership.

Priority research agendas, among others, include, Agriculture, Natural Resource Management, Gender, Land issues, Marketing, HIV/AIDS, Social and cultural issues, Environment, Community health and nutrition, Indigenous Knowledge/Local innovations.

In terms of scope, it covers applied and basic research in the Natural and Social science disciplines. Initiatives could come from the community, SHs, individuals, staff and partners. Priority, however, is given to community initiated problems.

Research tools in use include Community Learning Forum (COLF) and Participatory Innovation Development (PID).

As of yet, ASE has funded 18 postgraduate researches besides the many research activities conducted by the staff and consultants. More