Workiye Getnet Abera | Sustainable Agriculture | Editorial Board Member 

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Mr. Workiye Getnet Abera | Sustainable Agriculture | Editorial Board Member

Lecturer and Researcher | Debre Tabor University | Ethiopia

Workiye Getnet Abera is a dedicated researcher and lecturer specializing in Chemical and Food Engineering, with a strong focus on sustainable materials, food quality enhancement, and green bioprocessing technologies. His research centers on developing bio-based products, optimizing agro-industrial waste conversion, and advancing innovative materials such as antimicrobial biolubricants, biodegradable films, and functional food products; emerging interests include circular bioeconomy strategies and eco-friendly polymer alternatives. He has served as a lecturer, researcher, and reviewer at Debre Tabor University since 2024 in the School of Chemical Engineering, following four impactful years at Dilla University where he contributed to teaching and research in Food Engineering. His key scientific contributions include the synthesis and optimization of antimicrobial biolubricants derived from Ocimum lamiifolium and lactic acid, the development of biodegradable bioplastic films from banana peel starch blended with cellulosic fibers, and advancements in gluten-free sorghum bread formulation enriched with sweet lupin flour, all of which demonstrate innovation in material science, sustainability, and food technology. In addition to his research outputs, he has provided extensive peer-review service across leading journals in food science, polymer research, environmental chemical engineering, and biomass valorization, supporting academic quality and scientific integrity. His work collectively contributes to global sustainability efforts by creating environmentally responsible alternatives to petroleum-based products, improving food system resilience, and promoting value-added utilization of agricultural residues. With a forward-looking vision, Workiye aims to strengthen the role of green engineering in driving industrial innovation, enhance the accessibility of sustainable materials, and support science-based solutions to environmental and societal challenges worldwide.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications 

1. Abera, W. G. (2024). Synthesis, characterization, and optimization of antimicrobial biolubricant derived from Ocimum lamiifolium and lactic acid. Heliyon, e38972. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e38972

2. Abera, W. G. (2024). Quality assessment of gluten-free sorghum bread prepared with sourdough and the addition of sweet lupin flour. CYTA – Journal of Food, Article 2397022. https://doi.org/10.1080/19476337.2024.2397022

3. Abera, W. G. (2023). Synthesis and characterization of bioplastic film from banana (Musa Cavendish species) peel starch blended with banana pseudo-stem cellulosic fiber. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-023-04207-8

Muhammad Ather Nadeem | Agronomy |  Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Muhammad Ather Nadeem | Agronomy |  Best Researcher Award

Professor/Dean | University of Sargodha | Pakistan

Dr. Muhammad Ather Nadeem is a distinguished researcher specializing in Weed Science and Agronomy, with a particular focus on nano herbicides, herbicide resistance, allelopathy, and sustainable fodder production systems. His research explores the interactions between crops and weeds, emphasizing innovative and eco-friendly weed management approaches, plant–plant biochemical interactions, and the optimization of fertilizer and nutrient application for enhanced yield and quality. Serving as a leading academic at the University of Sargodha, Pakistan, Dr. Nadeem has played a vital role in advancing agricultural science through his extensive teaching, research supervision, and collaborative projects aimed at improving productivity and environmental sustainability. His scholarly contributions encompass over a hundred peer-reviewed publications, including highly cited works such as “Pesticides: Impacts on Agriculture Productivity, Environment, and Management Strategies” and “Can Hormesis of Plant-Released Phytotoxins Be Used to Boost and Sustain Crop Production?” which collectively demonstrate his commitment to balancing agricultural efficiency with environmental health. His pioneering studies on the integrated use of microbial and synthetic nitrogen sources, drought tolerance mechanisms, and sustainable fodder production have provided practical insights into mitigating climate change impacts on crop systems. Dr. Nadeem’s expertise extends beyond laboratory research to field-level innovations, influencing regional agricultural practices and policy discussions related to weed management and food security. Recognized for his remarkable academic metrics with over 5,000 citations, an h-index of 43, and an i10-index of 127, his research continues to shape new paradigms in agro-ecosystem management and resource-efficient farming. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and scientific leadership, Dr. Nadeem envisions a future where advanced biotechnological and ecological principles drive resilient and sustainable agriculture. His ongoing work contributes profoundly to global innovation in sustainable crop protection, positioning him as a key figure in the advancement of eco-agronomic research and an advocate for science-led agricultural transformation.

Profiles: Google Scholar | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

1. Ayub, M., Nadeem, M. A., Sharar, M. S., & Mahmood, N. (2002). Response of maize (Zea mays L.) fodder to different levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. Asian Journal of Plant Sciences, 1(4), 352–354.

2. Khan, B. A., Nadeem, M. A., Nawaz, H., Amin, M. M., Abbasi, G. H., Nadeem, M., & Ali, M. (2023). Pesticides: Impacts on agriculture productivity, environment, and management strategies. Emerging Contaminants and Plants: Interactions, Adaptations and Remediation, 219.

3. Ayub, M., Nadeem, M. A., Tanveer, A., & Husnain, A. (2002). Effect of different levels of nitrogen and harvesting times on the growth, yield and quality of sorghum fodder. Asian Journal of Plant Sciences, 1(4), 304–307.

4. Nadeem, M. A., Ahmad, R. A. R., & Ahmad, M. S. (2004). Effects of seed inoculation and different fertilizer levels on the growth and yield of mung bean (Vigna radiata L.). Asian Journal of Plant Sciences, 3(4), 299–303.*

5. Ayub, M., Nadeem, M. A., Tahir, M., Ibrahim, M., & Aslam, M. N. (2009). Effect of nitrogen application and harvesting intervals on forage yield and quality of pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum L.). Pakistan Journal of Life and Social Sciences, 7(2), 185–189.

Chrispin Kaphaika | Agri-food systems and innovation | Young Researcher Award

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Chrispin Kaphaika | Agri-food systems and innovation | Young Researcher Award

Chrispin Kaphaika | Agri-food systems and innovation - Research and Innovation Specialist/Technology Transfer Officer at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Malawi

Chrispin K. Kaphaika is an intellectual property management specialist and innovation advocate with deep expertise in technology transfer, agribusiness entrepreneurship, and research commercialization. With an interdisciplinary academic background and a strong orientation toward inclusive development, Chrispin supports enterprise growth, innovation-driven policies, and sustainable commercialization strategies. Their professional focus integrates agribusiness economics, startup support, and IP policy reform. Chrispin thrives in multicultural research and institutional settings, consistently driving impact through capacity building, policy engagement, and cross-sector collaboration aimed at fostering inclusive economic transformation in Malawi and beyond.

ACADEMIC PROFILE

ORCID

EDUCATION

Chrispin holds a PhD candidacy in Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship at LUANAR, and a Master's in Intellectual Property from Africa University. They also completed an MSc in Agricultural and Applied Economics at LUANAR, with a specialization in climate economics through a joint program with NMBU. Chrispin’s academic journey began with a BSc in Agricultural Economics at LUANAR. This multidisciplinary education equipped them with solid analytical, economic, and legal knowledge, enabling a unique perspective in areas like technology commercialization, innovation policy, and startup support across agriculture and allied industries.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Chrispin’s experience spans roles at LUANAR, University of Cape Town, CIIER, UNICEF, and various consulting projects. They currently serve as Technology Transfer Specialist at LUANAR and Co-Director at CIIER Consult. They have led national research initiatives, coordinated innovation projects, and managed IP portfolios. Their practical contributions include supporting university TTO functions, drafting commercialization agreements, and facilitating stakeholder engagement. With years of experience in research assistance and tutoring, they continue to build networks and support systems that drive institutional innovation and entrepreneurial success across multiple sectors.

RESEARCH INTEREST

Chrispin’s research interests lie at the intersection of intellectual property rights, agribusiness development, and sustainable innovation systems. They explore how IP and commercialization mechanisms can foster entrepreneurship, particularly in agriculture and food systems. Their focus extends to climate economics, policy impact evaluation, seed system adoption, and biofortified crop technologies. They are deeply engaged in assessing innovation ecosystems and contributing to frameworks that enable equitable access to knowledge, increase technology adoption, and support inclusive economic empowerment through research-led enterprise development.

AWARD AND HONOR

Chrispin has received several accolades recognizing their leadership and research excellence. These include the Research Award for Outstanding Contribution, Best Graduate and Best Student Awards in Intellectual Property Studies, and multiple Leadership Awards. These honors reflect their commitment to academic excellence, impactful research, and contributions to institutional and national innovation ecosystems. Their accolades are a testament to their consistent pursuit of high standards in both scholarly and professional capacities, particularly in shaping the future of IP and innovation in agriculture and beyond.

RESEARCH SKILL

Chrispin is highly skilled in technology transfer, IP policy design, commercialization strategies, and innovation management. They are proficient in patent search and drafting, market analysis, IP valuation, contract negotiation, and institutional policy development. With experience conducting field research, facilitating focus groups, and managing research ethics, they effectively bridge research and practice. Their ability to communicate technical concepts to diverse stakeholders and mentor early-career innovators underlines their capacity to lead innovation platforms and enhance institutional research translation across academic and entrepreneurial domains.

PUBLICATIONS

Chrispin’s publications reflect their research interest in seed systems, agricultural innovation, and pro-nutritional technology adoption. Notable works include: "More Interventions, Low Adoption: To What Extent Are the Existing Seed Sources to Blame?" and "Does the Adoption of Pro-nutritional Technologies Spur Farmers’ Yields? Evidence from Biofortified Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato in Rural Malawi." These contributions underscore their commitment to evidence-based policy reform and inclusive innovation. Their research is informed by practical field experience and aims to generate insights that support transformative agricultural development.

CONCLUSION

Chrispin K. Kaphaika exemplifies leadership in research commercialization and intellectual property management with a passion for agribusiness transformation and institutional innovation. Their trajectory reflects a rare blend of academic depth, professional engagement, and policy insight. With a vision anchored in inclusive development, Chrispin continues to contribute to building ecosystems that empower communities, elevate startups, and promote knowledge-driven economies. Their career is a model of how multidisciplinary expertise and dedication to equity can drive meaningful change across education, research, and enterprise.

Ofentse Moseki | Agronomy | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Ofentse Moseki | Agronomy | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Ofentse Moseki | Agronomy - PhD Student at NAMIBIA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Ofentse Moseki is a dedicated agronomist with strong expertise in crop science, natural resource management, and climate-resilient agriculture. She is passionate about advancing sustainable farming systems, especially in semi-arid regions. With solid experience in field research, data analysis, and community engagement, she contributes to food security and environmental resilience. Her interdisciplinary background enables her to work effectively in both academic and applied research settings. Ofentse is seeking opportunities in fast-paced, impact-driven environments where she can expand her contributions to agricultural science and rural development.

ACADEMIC PROFILE

Google Scholar | ORCID | Scopus

EDUCATION

Ofentse Moseki is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Natural Resource Sciences at the Namibia University of Science and Technology. She previously completed a Master of Philosophy in Natural Resources Management at the Okavango Research Institute. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Crop Science and Production from the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Her academic foundation has equipped her with deep knowledge in crop management, irrigation, and environmental sustainability.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Ofentse's career includes diverse roles such as Research Assistant at the Okavango Research Institute and Scientific Mobility Participant at ICWRGC in Germany. She has also worked as a Horticultural Officer, Field Research Assistant, and interned with both government and private agricultural entities. Her responsibilities have included conducting field surveys, engaging with communities, analyzing data, and disseminating findings through reports and presentations. Each role has contributed to her multidisciplinary skillset and real-world agricultural problem-solving ability.

RESEARCH INTEREST

Her research interests revolve around improving crop productivity and resilience in semi-arid regions through efficient water use, sustainable soil management, and climate adaptation strategies. She is particularly focused on crop water requirements, modeling, irrigation management, and the environmental impacts of agriculture. Ofentse is driven by the goal of finding innovative solutions to mitigate climate change effects on agriculture and to support smallholder farmers in developing regions.

AWARD AND HONOR

Ofentse has been awarded competitive scholarships, including a PhD grant from SASSCAL and an MPhil scholarship jointly sponsored by JST, JICA, and the Government of Botswana. Her presentation on crop modeling won the Outstanding Oral Presentation Award at the 19th WaterNet Symposium. These accolades reflect both her academic excellence and her communication skills in disseminating research findings at regional and international platforms.

RESEARCH SKILL

Ofentse demonstrates strong technical capabilities in agricultural research design, data analytics using R, SPSS, and GenStat, and crop modeling using CROPWAT. She is also proficient in GIS applications and community-based data collection methods. Her skills extend to scientific writing, technical reporting, and public presentation. She integrates her knowledge across plant science, irrigation systems, and resource economics to tackle interdisciplinary agricultural challenges.

PUBLICATIONS

Ofentse Moseki has co-authored peer-reviewed articles in reputed journals such as Agronomy and Agricultural Water Management. Her published work addresses water use efficiency in crops like rice, jatropha, and pearl millet under semi-arid conditions. She has also delivered multiple oral and poster presentations at WaterNet and other regional symposiums. Her BSc and MPhil research on tomato yield and organic fertilizers further highlight her hands-on approach to agronomic studies.

Title: Crop water and irrigation requirements of Jatropha curcas L. in semi-arid conditions of Botswana: applying the CROPWAT model
Authors: O. Moseki, M. Murray-Hudson, K. Kashe
Journal: Agricultural Water Management

Title: Yield and yield attributes of tomato as influenced by organic fertilizer
Authors: W. Mojeremane, O. Moseki, T. Mathowa, G.M. Legwaila, S. Machacha
Journal: SCIENCEDOMAIN International

Title: Agro-Physiological and Morphological Responses of Pearl Millet to Varying Water Regimes in Semi-Arid Conditions of Namibia
Authors: O. Moseki, G. Kangueehi, V. Chiteculo, M. Zink, M.A. Wanga
Journal: Agronomy

Title: Structure and regeneration status of woody seed oil species in Northern Botswana
Authors: K. Kashe, G. Tsheboeng, D.L. Kgathi, G. Mmopelwa, M. Mmusii, O. Moseki

Title: Using the Cropwat model to estimate the effects of climate change and shifting planting dates on Jatropha water requirements in semi-arid conditions of Botswana
Authors: O. Moseki, M. Murray-Hudson, K. Kashe, O. Moses, D.L. Kgathi, T.S. Moroke

CONCLUSION 

Ofentse Moseki stands out as a researcher committed to practical and scientific advancement in sustainable agriculture. Her blend of academic rigor, field experience, and collaborative engagement positions her to drive impactful solutions in resource-limited environments. With a clear vision to influence agricultural development and climate adaptation, she continues to grow as a leader in her field, contributing meaningfully to both local and international research communities.