As a response to the identified policy gap in human capacity, skill and research, BDU has established the department of DRMSD undergraduate program in 2005 and post graduate program in 2007. The department is promoted to an institute called Institute of Disaster Risk Management & Food Security Studies (IDRMFSS) in 2014.
In Disaster and Risk Management (DRM), Teaching -Learning involves equipping individuals, communities, and institutions with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for effective disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. This often includes creating and implementing educational programs, incorporating DRR into curricula, and promoting community-based learning initiatives.
Disaster risk management (DRM), research is a multifaceted field that investigates how to effectively address the complex challenges associated with disasters, including identifying hazards, evaluating vulnerability, and developing strategies to mitigate risks and enhance resilience. It encompasses a broad range of disciplines, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and public policy, to understand and manage the impacts of disasters on communities, infrastructure, and the environment.
In Disaster and Risk Management (DRM), community engagement refers to the active involvement of local communities in all aspects of DRM, from identifying risks and vulnerabilities to developing, implementing, and evaluating solutions. This approach, often referred to as Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM), emphasizes the importance of local knowledge, participation, and ownership in building disaster resilience.
"My journey at BDU was more than academic; it was a life-shaping experience that helped me discover my purpose. Studying DRMSD gave me the confidence and practical skills to join the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission as an Early Warning Expert. The knowledge, passion, and values I developed at IDRMFSS continue to guide my work every day".
- MEKILT MULUALEM
DRM Graduate Student
"I am deeply grateful for the comprehensive education I received from IDRMFSS at BDU. The unwavering support and dedication of the institute, coupled with the wealth of knowledge provided, have been instrumental in shaping my understanding of this critical field. I'm confident that the knowledge and skills I gained will serve as a strong foundation for a successful career,"
- SALEAMLAK ASIFAW
DRM Graduate Student
"My education in IDRMFSS at BDU provided me a robust foundation for addressing today's complex global challenges. The institute's expertise and real-world focus prepared me to contribute effectively to building resilient and sustainable communities. I am confident in my ability to make a meaningful impact in this vital field,"
- HELINA ZERIHUN
DRM Graduate Student
I am profoundly grateful to Almighty God for the opportunity to be enrolled at Bahir Dar University in Ethiopia, particularly within the Institute of Disaster Risk Management and Food Security Studies.
Bahir Dar University is committed to providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary for their professional development.
This experience has created unforgettable memories, and I cannot express enough gratitude to the people of Bahir Dar who have embraced me as a brother and son. While words may fall short, I hope that my appreciation is conveyed through the blessings I receive from the Almighty.
- Kuajien Burbur Hoth
Graduate Foreign Student
03 June, 2025
Towards a Transformative Leadership Approach to Solar-Powered Institutional Resilience From PPT to Community
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28 April, 2025
Mr. Temesgen Alemu, from the Institute of Disaster Risk Management and Food Security Studies, will defend his PhD dissertation titled, “Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices for Disaster Risk Management in Fogera, Ebenat and Este Woredas of South Gondar Zone."
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