Alula Tafesse Shirko | Farmers | Top Researcher Award

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:

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.

 

Christian Coelho | Agricultural practices | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr  Christian Coelho |  Agricultural practices |  Best Researcher Award

UMR Fromage at  VetAgro Sup,  France

Dr. Christian Coelho is an Associate Professor at UMR Fromage / VetAgro Sup, specializing in agricultural and food science. He earned his Master’s degree in Environmental Chemistry from Université Paul Sabatier in 2006 and completed his Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences at Université Blaise Pascal in 2009. With a focus on the quality of fermented foods, particularly wine and cheese, he has authored numerous scientific papers and holds several patents. Dr. Coelho has supervised multiple graduate students and collaborates with various international research institutions and industry partners.

Publication profile:

Academic and Professional Background:

Dr. Christian Coelho obtained his Master’s degree in Environmental Chemistry from Université Paul Sabatier (2006) and a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences from Université Blaise Pascal (2009). He served as an Assistant Professor in Food and Wine Science at the University of Burgundy (2011-2020) and co-led the National Diploma of Enology. In 2021, he joined VetAgro Sup as an Associate Professor, co-leading the Agriculture Environment Health and Territory program.

Research and Innovations:

Dr. Coelho’s research focuses on the impact of agricultural practices on the quality of fermented foods, particularly wine and cheese. He has authored 34 scientific papers, 2 review papers, and holds 2 patents, with an h-index of 20. His ongoing projects include the COST Pimento Programme and various FNADT and FEADER programs. He collaborates with international institutions and industry partners, enhancing the sustainability of food systems.

Contributions and Leadership:

A dedicated mentor, Dr. Coelho has supervised 5 PhD students and 24 Master’s students. He is actively involved in interprofessional associations focused on terroir-specific products and is leading initiatives on the cartography of fermented foods through the PIMENTO COST action.

 

Publication Top Notes:

  • Data fusion of HS-SPME-GCMS, NIRS, and fluorescence, using chemometrics, has the potential to explore the geographical origin of gentian rhizomes
    Food Chemistry
    2024-10 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.141564
  • Exploring the Impact of French Raw-Milk Cheeses on Oxidative Process Using Caenorhabditis elegans and Human Leukocyte Models
    Nutrients
    2024-06-13 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3390/nu16121862
  • Élimination de molécules phytosanitaires par des voies biologiques
    Revue des oenologues
    2024-01-01 | Book chapter
  • Produire des vins sans résidus quantifiables – Synthèse des résultats de 4 ans d’étude
    Revue des Oenologues
    2023-07-01 | Book chapter
  • Development of a Novel Flavored Goat Cheese with Gentiana lutea Rhizomes
    Foods
    2023-01-19 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3390/foods12030468
  • Mid-infrared spectroscopy combined with multivariate analysis and machine-learning: A powerful tool to simultaneously assess geographical origin, growing conditions and bitter content in Gentiana lutea roots
    Industrial Crops and Products
    2022-11 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2022.115349
  • Spectroscopic and microscopic characterization of dipicolinic acid and its salt photoproducts – A UVc effect study on DPA in solution and in bacterial spores
    Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy
    2022-11 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2022.121502
  • L’évolution du marketing digital par la filière viticole au service des consommateurs
    Revue des oenologues
    2022-09-01 | Book chapter
  • Typicité chimique et sensorielle des vins issus de terroirs volcaniques – Cas du gamay de l’AOC Côtes d’Auvergne
    Revue des oenologues
    2022-04-01 | Book chapter
  • Multispectral fluorescence sensitivity to acidic and polyphenolic changes in Chardonnay wines – The case study of malolactic fermentation
    Food Chemistry
    2022-02 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.131370
  • Analytical combinations to evaluate the macromolecular composition of extracellular substances (ECS) from Lactobacillus plantarum cell culture media
    Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry
    2021-01 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1007/s00216-020-03022-8
  • Influence of regionality and maturation time on the chemical fingerprint of whisky
    Food Chemistry
    2020-09 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2020.126748
  • How Chemical and Sensorial Markers Reflect Gentian Geographic Origin in Chardonnay Wine Macerated with Gentiana lutea Roots?
    Foods
    2020-08-05 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3390/foods9081061
  • New advances on the Brettanomyces bruxellensis biofilm mode of life
    International Journal of Food Microbiology
    2020-04 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2019.108464
  • Effect of ageing on lees and distillation process on fermented sugarcane molasses for the production of rum
    Food Chemistry
    2020-01 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2019.125405
  • Sulfites and the wine metabolome
    Food Chemistry
    2017-12 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2017.05.039