Dr Alula Tafesse Shirko | Farmers |  Top Researcher Award

Dean at  Wolaita Sodo AVET College,  Ethiopia

Dr. Alula Tafesse Shirko is an Assistant Professor at Wolaita Sodo University and currently serves as the Dean of Wolaita Sodo Agricultural Vocational Training College in Ethiopia. He holds a strong academic background and expertise in agricultural sciences, specializing in agricultural education and vocational training. Dr. Alula has contributed significantly to the development of agricultural training programs aimed at improving local farming practices and promoting sustainable agricultural development in the region. His leadership roles at both the university and vocational training college highlight his dedication to the advancement of agricultural education in Ethiopia.

Profile:

• Scopus
• Orcid

Education:

• PhD in Agricultural Economics (2016-2021), Haramaya University, Ethiopia
  Dissertation: Technical Efficiency, Commercialization, and Food & Nutrition Security Impacts of Moringa in SNNP Region, Ethiopia
• MSc in Natural Resource Economics and Policy (2010-2012), Hawassa University, Ethiopia
• BSc in Natural Resource Economics and Management (2007-2009), Mekelle University, Ethiopia

Administrative and Academic Positions:

• Dean, Wolaita Sodo Agricultural Vocational Training College (January 2024 – Present)
• Head, Department of Agricultural Economics, Wolaita Sodo University (2021-2023, 2014-2016)
• Assistant Professor, Wolaita Sodo University (2016 – 2024)
• Lecturer, Wolaita Sodo University (2013 – 2016)
• Lecturer, Mekelle University (2012-2013)
• Graduate Assistant, Mekelle University (2009-2012)

Grants and Research Funding:

• Wolaita Sodo University Research Fund: Integrated watershed management for sustainable fish production for enhanced youth job creation and food security in Wolaita Area, Ethiopia (Completed, 250,000 ETB)
• Ethiopian Ministry of Science and Higher Education Scholarship: PhD research on Moringa commercialization, food security, and technical efficiency (Completed, 60,000 ETB)
• SNNPR and Wolaita Sodo University Research Fund: Assessing development bottlenecks of mixed agricultural production system in Southern Ethiopia (Completed, 1.5m ETB)

Workshop and Conference Participation:

• Presenter at Fourth Annual International Research Conference (2015, Wolaita Sodo University)
• Curriculum reviewer at Curriculum Validation Workshop (2021, Worabe University)

Dr. Tafesse is a seasoned academic and researcher with significant contributions to agricultural economics and policy. He holds leadership roles in both academia and research, with a focus on food security, agricultural efficiency, and rural development.

Publication Top Notes:

• Can asset accumulation weigh the welfare status of mung bean farmers in lowland areas of South Ethiopia?
  Gata, G., Kuma, B., Tafesse, A., Habte, Z. (2025). Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 19, 101611.
• Status and determinants of multi-dimensional poverty in Wolaita Sodo Town, southern Ethiopia
  Esrael, E., Worku, A., Cucchi, C., Recha, J.W., Tafesse, A. (2025). Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 19, 101562.
• Assessment of cumulative incidences of mung bean crop production in lowlands of south Ethiopia through multiple factor analysis
  Gata, G., Kuma, B., Tafesse, A. (2024). Heliyon, 10(10), e31012.
• Digital tools and welfare: adoption determinants among ginger producers in Southern and Central Ethiopia
  Gizachew, F., Kuma, B., Tafesse, A., Lambamo, A. (2024). Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 8, 1443775.
• Effect of credit constraint on yield: the case of ginger producers in southern and central Ethiopia
  Tilore, F.G., Shano, B.K., Shirko, A.T., Hawitibo, A.L. (2024). Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 8, 1334799.
• Impact of credit on household food security: The case of Omo microfinance institution in southern Ethiopia
  Boltana, A., Tafesse, A., Belay, A., Recha, J.W., M.Osano, P. (2023). Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 14, 100903.
• Determinants of Smallholder Farmers’ Income Diversification in Sodo Zuria District, Southern Ethiopia
  W/kidan, A., Tafesse, A. (2023). Advances in Agriculture, 2023, 6038569.
• Irrigated Onion Production Efficiency in Humbo District, Southern Ethiopia
  Tafesse, A., Dema, S., Belay, A. (2023). Cogent Economics and Finance, 11(1), 2207928.
• Determinants of maize farmers market participation in Southern Ethiopia: Emphasis on demographic, socioeconomic and institutional factors
  Tafesse, A., Gechere, G., Asale, A., Demissie, T.D., Solomon, D. (2023). Cogent Food and Agriculture, 9(1), 2191850.
• Cassava Production Efficiency in Southern Ethiopia: The Parametric Model Analysis
  Tafesse, A., Mena, B., Belay, A., Endalamaw, T.B., Solomon, D. (2021). Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 5, 758951.