Vitalice Owuor | Food Research | Best Researcher Award

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Mr Vitalice Owuor |  Food Research |  Best Researcher Award

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology,  Kenya

Calvin Owuor Vitalice is a dedicated environmental and fisheries professional from Kenya. He is currently pursuing an MSc in Environmental Legislation and Management at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), with a funded project in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Calvin holds a BSc in Fisheries from JKUAT and has worked as a Part-time Teaching Assistant at JKUAT, where he supports students in various academic capacities. His experience also includes serving as a Fisheries Officer in Siaya County, where he contributed to sustainable fisheries practices and beach management. Prior to this, he taught biology and business studies at Unibridge High School. Calvin’s expertise extends to data categorization.

Profile:

Education:

  • MSC in Environmental Legislation and Management (2021 – Present), JKUAT (Funded project with JICA)
  • BSc in Fisheries (2015 – 2019), Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)
  • Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (K.C.S.E.) (2011 – 2014), Chulaimbo Secondary School
  • Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (K.C.P.E.) (2001 – 2010), Ochok Kadongo Primary School

Employment:

  • Part-time Teaching Assistant (Jan 2020 – Present), JKUAT, Nairobi
    Responsibilities include invigilating exams, consultancy services, student counseling, teaching, and data entry.
  • Fisheries Officer (May 2019 – Aug 2019), Siaya County, Rarieda Sub-county
    Oversaw beach cleanliness, maintained order among fishermen, and ensured the use of appropriate fishing gear and compliance with fishing regulations.
  • High School Teacher (May 2016 – Aug 2018), Unibridge High School, Nairobi
    Taught biology and business studies, managed timetabling, and ensured student discipline.

Skills:

  • Excellent in categorizing data, integrity, patience, communication, and teamwork.

Publication:

Nitrogenous Waste Removal in Closed Freshwater Recirculating Aquaculture Systems Using an Innovative DHS-USB Bioreactor
Journal of Agriculture and Food Research
March 2025 | Journal Article
DOI: 10.1016/j.jafr.2024.101577

 

 

Richard Moyo | Food Security | Best Researcher Award

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Mr Richard Moyo |  Food Security  |  Best Researcher Award

Associate Consultant at  University of Malawi,  Malawi

Richard Steven Moyo is a pragmatic and results-driven economist with over five years of hands-on experience in evidence-based monitoring and evaluation. His expertise includes economic modeling, data collection, survey design, data analysis, and preparing research reports. Richard specializes in health economics, public sector economics, and evidence-based decision-making, using tools such as STATA, R, and Excel for economic evaluation.

Profile:

Education:

  • Master of Arts in Economics (2024) – University of Malawi (Health Economics & Public Sector Economics)
  • Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics (2019) – Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Professional Experience:

  • Associate Consultant (2022-Present) – ASPIRE Consultancy
    • Data Manager for the Malawi Water and Sanitation Project-1 (MWSP 1), overseeing customer satisfaction and willingness-to-pay surveys.
  • Research Fellow (2024-2025) – Malawi Environment Protection Authority (MEPA)
    • Co-author of the Malawi State of Environment Outlook Report, contributing to environmental research and policy.
  • Adjunct Lecturer (2024-Present) – University of Livingstonia
    • Teaching courses in Health Economics and Public Health.
  • Research Fellow (2024-Present) – University of Malawi
    • Conducted economic impact assessments on the Art sector and evaluated the Titukulane Project with IFPRI Malawi.
  • Research Supervisor/Data Analyst (2020-2023) – Center for Social Research (CSR)
    • Led impact evaluations of educational programs focused on reducing teenage pregnancies in Malawi.
  • Monitoring & Evaluation Officer (2020-2023) – Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning
    • Conducted data analysis on market trends and evaluated the impact of the COVID-19 Urban Cash Transfer Intervention.

Skills Profile:

  • Technical Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Power BI, STATA, R-Studio, SPSS.
  • Leadership: Led teams in the implementation and evaluation of multiple research projects.
  • Research: Conducted 4 baseline studies and 6 impact evaluations, achieving 20% savings in project budgets.

Publication Title Format:

  • Moyo, R., & Chirwa, G.C. (2025). The economic implications of noncommunicable diseases on food security and resilience in Malawi. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 19, 101646.
  • Moyo, R., Love, D., Mul, M., Mupangwa, W., & Twomlow, S. (2006). Impact and sustainability of low-head drip irrigation kits, in the semi-arid Gwanda and Beitbridge Districts, Mzingwane Catchment, Limpopo Basin, Zimbabwe. Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, 31(15-16), 885–892.

 

 

Tania Merinas-Amo | Food | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Tania  Merinas-Amo | Food |  Best Researcher Award

Dr at Department of Genetics, University of Córdoba (Spain), Spain

Dr. Tania Merinas-Amo is a researcher at the Department of Genetics, University of Córdoba, Spain. She holds a degree in Biology (2008) and a Master’s in Translational Biomedical Research (2011) from the University of Córdoba, where she also earned an international Ph.D. in Biosciences and Agri-Food Sciences in 2017. Her research focuses on food safety, nutraceutical foods, genotoxicity, and chemoprevention, utilizing in vivo and in vitro model systems to evaluate the safety and health benefits of various foods. With over 20 scientific articles, 10 books and book chapters, and an h-index of 10 (Google Scholar), Dr. Merinas-Amo has made significant contributions to the field.

Profile:

📚 Academic Background:

Graduated in Biology (2008) and earned a Master’s in Translational Biomedical Research (2011) from the University of Córdoba. She obtained her international Ph.D. in Biosciences and Agri-Food Sciences in 2017, with research experience at the Laboratory of Ethnobotany and Ethnopharmacology, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague.

🔬 Research Focus:

Food safety, nutraceutical food, genotoxicity, and chemoprevention. Her work involves in vivo and in vitro model systems, such as Drosophila melanogaster and HL-60 tumor cells, to evaluate the safety and nutraceutical potential of various foods.

📊 Achievements:

  • Published 20+ scientific articles in journals with JCR impact.
  • Authored/co-authored 10 books and book chapters.
  • h-index: 10 (Google Scholar/ResearchGate) and 9 (Scopus).

Citation Metrics:

  • Total Citations: 488
  • Citations Since 2020: 388
  • h-index: 10 (overall and since 2020)
  • i10-index: 11 (overall), 10 (since 2020)

Publication Top Notes:

  • Evolution of some physicochemical and antioxidant properties of black garlic whole bulbs and peeled cloves
    MA Toledano-Medina, J Pérez-Aparicio, R Moreno-Rojas, T Merinas-Amo
    Food Chemistry, 199, 135-139 (2016) – 123 citations
  • Biological effects of food coloring in in vivo and in vitro model systems
    R Merinas-Amo, M Martínez-Jurado, S Jurado-Güeto, Á Alonso-Moraga, …
    Foods, 8(5), 176 (2019) – 68 citations
  • Physicochemical characterization and biological activities of black and white garlic: In vivo and in vitro assays
    MÁ Toledano Medina, T Merinas-Amo, Z Fernández-Bedmar, R Font, …
    Foods, 8(6), 220 (2019) – 49 citations
  • Role of zucchini and its distinctive components in the modulation of degenerative processes: Genotoxicity, anti-genotoxicity, cytotoxicity and apoptotic effects
    D Martínez-Valdivieso, R Font, Z Fernández-Bedmar, T Merinas-Amo, …
    Nutrients, 9(7), 755 (2017) – 42 citations
  • In vitro antibacterial activity of extracts from Samoan medicinal plants and their effect on proliferation and migration of human fibroblasts
    A Frankova, L Vistejnova, T Merinas-Amo, Z Leheckova, I Doskocil, …
    Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 264, 113220 (2021) – 38 citations
  • In Vivo and In Vitro Genotoxic and Epigenetic Effects of Two Types of Cola Beverages and Caffeine: A Multiassay Approach
    M Mateo-Fernández, T Merinas-Amo, M Moreno-Millán, Á Alonso-Moraga, …
    BioMed Research International, 2016(1), 7574843 – 22 citations
  • In vivo and in vitro studies of the role of lyophilised blond Lager beer and some bioactive components in the modulation of degenerative processes
    T Merinas-Amo, I Tasset-Cuevas, AM Díaz-Carretero, Á Alonso-Moraga, …
    Journal of Functional Foods, 27, 274-294 (2016) – 17 citations
  • Food safety and nutraceutical potential of caramel colour class IV using in vivo and in vitro assays
    M Mateo-Fernández, P Alves-Martínez, M Del Río-Celestino, R Font, …
    Foods, 8(9), 392 (2019) – 14 citations
  • Nutraceutical potential of two Allium species and their distinctive organosulfur compounds: A multi-assay evaluation
    Z Fernández-Bedmar, S Demyda-Peyrás, T Merinas-Amo, …
    Foods, 8(6), 222 (2019) – 14 citations
  • Role of glucosinolates in the nutraceutical potential of selected cultivars of Brassica rapa
    T Merinas-Amo, MD Lozano-Baena, S Obregón-Cano, Á Alonso-Moraga, …
    Foods, 10(11), 2720 (2021) – 10 citations

 

Muhammad Zakaria Hossain | Agricultural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Muhammad Zakaria Hossain |  Agricultural Engineering |  Best Researcher Award

Scientific Officer at  Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Gazipur,  Bangladesh

Muhammad Zakaria Hossain has been serving as a Scientific Officer at BARI since 2012. His research focuses on precision agriculture, farm machinery, and renewable energy, with notable contributions to developing IoT-based agricultural systems and robotic mowers for orchard management. He has published 11 journal articles and a book chapter, earning recognition such as the Best Paper Award at the 63rd Annual Meeting of the Japanese Weed Society (2024). With over 12 years of experience, Zakaria has led multiple innovative projects, presented at international conferences, and completed advanced training programs, including a 7-month JICA training in Japan.

 

Publication Profile

📚 Academic and Professional Background:

Muhammad Zakaria Hossain has been a Scientific Officer at BARI since 2012, focusing on precision agricultural techniques for sustainable crop production. His PhD research explored robotic mowers for orchard floor management. With over 12 years of experience, he has published 11 journal articles and a book chapter in reputable platforms like Wiley and MDPI.

🚜 Research and Innovations:

He has led and contributed to various projects, including developing IoT-based systems, solar-powered machinery, and automated agricultural tools. Notable projects include the Farm Machinery Technology Development Project (2020–2025) and the Smallholder Agricultural Competitiveness Project (2024).

🌟 Achievements:

  • Best Paper Award at the 63rd Annual Meeting of the Japanese Weed Society (2024).
  • Presented research at 11 conferences, including ASABE AIM (2021).
  • Completed advanced training programs, including a 7-month JICA training in Japan.

🛠️ Areas of Expertise:

Precision agriculture, farm machinery, renewable energy, UAV imagery, and sensor-embedded systems.

🌐 Professional Memberships:

Member of ASABE, Bangladesh Society of Agricultural Engineers, Japanese Society of Farm Work Research, and JICA Alumni Association Bangladesh.

Publication Top Note:

  • Hanging as a method of suicide: Retrospective analysis of postmortem cases
    M Ahmad, MZ Hossain
    Journal of Armed Forces Medical College, Bangladesh, 2010
  • Design and development of solar dryer for chilli drying
    MZ Hossain, MA Hossain, MA Awal, MM Alam, A Rabbani
    International Journal of Research, 2015
  • Weed management and economic analysis of a robotic lawnmower: A case study in a Japanese pear orchard
    MZ Hossain, M Komatsuzaki
    Agriculture, 2021
  • Performance evaluation of a cabinet solar dryer for drying red pepper in Bangladesh
    MZ Hossain, MM Alam, MFB Hossain, MSH Sarker, MA Awal, N Jahan
    Journal of Agricultural Engineering, 2018
  • Design of a new beneficial single-axis automatic controlled solar tracker
    MRI Sarker, RA Beg, MZ Hossain, MT Islam
    Proceedings of the 11th APM, 2006
  • Drying and dehydration kinetics of ginger
    MM Alam, MZ Hossain, M Aktar, MS Islam, Z Hasan
    International Journal of Innovation and Applied Studies, 2014
  • Robotic lawnmower saves labor and operation costs in a pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) orchard
    MZ Hossain, K Takahashi, M Komatsuzaki
    Japanese Journal of Farm Work Research, 2020
  • Rehydration characteristics of dried summer onion
    MM Alam, MZ Hossain, MN Islam
    International Journal of Research, 2014
  • Optimization of the year‐round mowing schedule of a robotic lawnmower in a Japanese pear orchard
    MZ Hossain, S Watanabe, T Okayama, M Komatsuzaki
    Weed Biology and Management, 2022
  • Risk of High Systolic Blood Pressure among the Air Crew in Bangladesh Air Force
    MM Rahman, MA Wahab, MZ Hossain, MM Yasin, NKBG Quddus
    Journal of Armed Forces Medical College, Bangladesh, 2021
  • Osmotic development of value-added garlic products through dehydration and mechanical drying
    M Alam, MZ Hossain, W Ahmed, S Nahar
    Scientia, 2017
  • Architecture program structure in Bangladesh: A critical study
    M Ahsan, SI Raj, M Hossain, A Kundu
    International Seminar on Architecture: Education, Practice and Research, 2012
  • The need to incorporate ergonomics in smart agriculture and organic farming in agricultural and biological engineering education
    M Komatsuzaki, MZ Hossain, NS Dewi
    Agricultural, Biosystems, and Biological Engineering Education, 2024
  • RTK-UAV monitoring of oat cover crop termination by a straight-bar roller-crimper amid weeds
    MZ Hossain, M Komatsuzaki
    2021 ASABE Annual International Virtual Meeting, 2021
  • Design and development of a low-cost power tiller operated potato harvester for small farmers, Bangladesh
    MZHKKS MI Hossain
    Bangladesh Journal of Agricultural Engineering, 2016
  • Computer vision technique for optimum nitrogen application in rice
    MZ Hossain, MM Alam, MA Haque, A Rahman, MA Awal
    International Journal of Research (IJR), 2014
  • Impact study of a generation-rich island and development of auto load shedding scheme to improve service reliability
    M Hossain, MS Alam, MI Hossain, MQ Ahsan
    1st International Conference on Electrical Engineering and Information, 2014
  • Study of impacts on operation of island and frequency-based auto load shedding to improve service reliability using CYME PSAF
    M Hossain, H Rahman, MQ Ahsan
    7th International Conference on Electrical and Computer Engineering, 2012
  • Effects of gibberellic acid and indole-3-acetic acid on growth, development, and yield of Arahar plants (Cajanus Cajan (L.) millsp. cultivar 76013)
    R Parveen, SN Hossin, F Hossain, M Hossain
    Bangladesh Journal of Life Sciences, 1994
  • 日本のナシ果樹園におけるロボット芝刈り機の評価と草刈りの最適化
    MZ Hossain

 

Anelia Iantcheva | Agricultural Science | Excellence in Research

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Prof Anelia  Iantcheva |   Agricultural Science  |  Excellence in Research

Prof. Principal Investigator at  AgroBioInstitute, Agricultural Academy,  Bulgaria

Prof. Anelia Iantcheva is a distinguished researcher in plant genetics and biotechnology, currently serving as a Professor and Principal Investigator at the Agrobioinstitute of the Agricultural Academy in Bulgaria. She obtained her Master’s degree from Sofia University in 1987, followed by a Ph.D. in 1997 and a DSc in 2019 from the Agricultural Academy.

 

Publication Profile

Academic Background:

Prof. Iantcheva earned her Master’s degree from Sofia University in 1987, followed by a Ph.D. from the Agricultural Academy, Bulgaria in 1997, and a DSc degree in 2019. She became a professor and principal investigator at Agrobioinstitute in 2022.

Research Focus:

Her expertise lies in plant genetics, genomics, transcriptomics, molecular biology, and biotechnology of model and grain and forage legumes.

Research Contributions:

Prof. Iantcheva has coordinated several EU-funded projects, including Horizon 2020 “Legumes Translated” and the ongoing Horizon Europe “Legume Generation.” She has published 64 articles in indexed journals and contributed chapters to five books on somatic embryogenesis and genetic transformation.

Innovations:

Her research has led to the development of efficient plant regeneration systems and insertional mutant collections in Medicago truncatula, laying the groundwork for functional genomics in legumes. She has also innovated a low-temperature pre-treatment method for soybean seeds to enhance agricultural practices.

Publication Top Notes

  1. A novel Microbacterium strain SRS2 promotes the growth of Arabidopsis and MicroTom (S. lycopersicum) under normal and salt stress conditions
    • Journal: Planta
    • Publication Date: October 2024
    • DOI: 10.1007/s00425-024-04510-2
    • Contributors: Ho Manh Tuong, Sonia García Méndez, Michiel Vandecasteele, Anne Willems, Anelia Iantcheva, Pham Bich Ngoc, Do Tien Phat, Chu Hoang Ha, Sofie Goormachtig.
  2. Transcriptional and Metabolic Profiling of Arabidopsis thaliana Transgenic Plants Expressing Histone Acetyltransferase HAC1 upon the Application of Abiotic Stress—Salt and Low Temperature
    • Journal: Metabolites
    • Publication Year: 2023
    • DOI: 10.3390/metabo13090994
    • EID: 2-s2.0-85172238091
    • Contributors: T. Ivanova, I. Dincheva, I. Badjakov, A. Iantcheva.
  3. Transition to legume-supported farming in Europe through redesigning cropping systems
    • Journal: Agronomy for Sustainable Development
    • Publication Year: 2023
    • DOI: 10.1007/s13593-022-00861-w
    • EID: 2-s2.0-85146474358
    • Contributors: I. Notz, C.F.E. Topp, J. Schuler, S. Alves, L.A. Gallardo, J. Dauber, T. Haase, P.R. Hargreaves, M. Hennessy, A. Iantcheva, et al.
  4. Auxin and stringolactone interaction in extreme phosphate conditions
    • Book Chapter: In Agricultural Biocatalysis: Biological and Chemical Applications
    • Publication Year: 2022
    • EID: 2-s2.0-85142565230
    • ISBN: 9781000635287, 9781003313144
    • Contributors: M. Revalska, A. Iantcheva.
  5. Functional characterization of Medicago truncatula GRAS7, a member of the GRAS family transcription factors, in response to abiotic stress
    • Journal: Biotechnology and Biotechnological Equipment
    • Publication Year: 2022
    • DOI: 10.1080/13102818.2022.2074893
    • EID: 2-s2.0-85130201236
    • Contributors: M. Revalska, M. Radkova, A. Iantcheva.
  6. Legumes in natural post-fire successions of forest meadows and pastures in Northern Bulgaria
    • Journal: Thaiszia Journal of Botany
    • Publication Year: 2022
    • DOI: 10.33542/TJB2022-1-05
    • EID: 2-s2.0-85133384347
    • Contributors: G. Naydenova, M. Radkova, A. Iantcheva.
  7. Long-lasting low temperature pretreatment of soybean seeds enhances plant field performance and content of free metabolites
    • Journal: Bulgarian Journal of Agricultural Science
    • Publication Year: 2022
    • EID: 2-s2.0-85143811831
    • Contributors: G. Naidenova, I. Dincheva, I. Badjakov, M. Radkova, M. Revalska, A. Iantcheva.
  8. Moldovan soybean varieties testing in the condition of North Bulgaria
    • Journal: Bulgarian Journal of Agricultural Science
    • Publication Year: 2022
    • EID: 2-s2.0-85127731032
    • Contributors: G. Naydenova, M. Radkova, A. Iantcheva.

 

Reem Hashad | Food Systems | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Reem Hashad |  Food Systems |  Best Researcher Award

Collaborator at  International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI),  Egypt

Reem Nabil Hashad is a dual U.S. and Egyptian citizen and an economist specializing in development economics, food policy, and public finance. She earned her Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) in 2021, with a dissertation on public policy’s impact on nutrition, childhood stunting, and corruption. She holds two master’s degrees in economics from UIC and the American University in Cairo (AUC), where she graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in Economics.

Publication profile:

🎓 Education:

  • Ph.D. in Economics – University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), 2021
    Dissertation: “The Role of Public Policy in Nutrition, Childhood Stunting, and Corruption”
  • M.A. in Economics – UIC, 2017
  • M.A. in Economics – American University in Cairo (AUC), 2014
    Dissertation: “Repayment Determinants for Egyptian Microfinance Institutions”
  • B.A. in Economics – AUC, Magna Cum Laude, 2012

🔬 Research Fields:

  • Development Economics
  • Food Policy
  • Public Finance
  • Applied Microeconomics

💼 Professional Experience:

  • Consultant – International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) & World Bank, 2023-24
    Designed and implemented projects related to smallholder farmers, gender equality, and entrepreneurship.
  • Research Economist – USDA, 2021-22
    Focused on food security research, policy evaluation, and nutrition assistance programs.
  • Financial, Market, and Economic Analyst – HLB Egypt Makary Consulting, 2014-15
    Conducted feasibility studies and market research for national projects.

📊 Research & Teaching Experience:

  • Research Assistant – UIC, 2018-19
    Collaborated on economic and health research projects.
  • Instructor – Econometrics, UIC, 2017-18
    Taught graduate and undergraduate courses in econometrics, microeconomics, and statistics.

🏅 Awards & Honors:

  • Team Recognition – CIA’s Center for the Study of Intelligence, 2022
  • Graduate Student Excellence in Teaching Award – UIC, Honorable Mention, 2021
  • Top GPA – Master’s in Economics, AUC, 2014

Publication Top Notes:

  • Global food value chains and obesity in low- and middle-income countries

 

Sewareg Demelash | Sustainable Food System | Best Researcher Award

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Mrs. Sewareg Demelash | Sustainable Food System | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Sewareg Demelash, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia

Mrs. Sewareg Adamu Demelash is a seasoned Ethiopian researcher and consultant with extensive experience in international trade policy, food systems sustainability, and social development. She holds a Master’s in International Trade Policy and Trade Law from Lund University and is currently a PhD student at Addis Ababa University. Sewareg has worked on various impactful projects, including drought resilience programs and social cash transfers, with notable organizations like the World Bank and UNICEF. Her publications focus on sustainable food systems and trade dynamics. Fluent in Amharic and English, she brings exceptional skills in research, consultancy, and project management. 📊🌍✍️

 

Publication Profile

Scopus

Education 🎓

PhD Student, Addis Ababa University

Masters in International Trade Policy and Trade Law, Lund University & TRAPCA

B.A. in Economics, Haramaya University

Experience 💼

Sewareg Adamu Demelash is an Ethiopian researcher with extensive experience in economic and policy consultancy. She has managed significant projects, including baseline surveys for various programs and consultancy roles for major organizations such as the World Bank and UNICEF. Sewareg has also contributed to academic research on sustainable food systems and development projects.

Professional Achievements 🏆

Sewareg has successfully led various projects, supported youth employment initiatives, and contributed to the development of technical proposals worth over $500,000. She has held key roles in different organizations, including Big Win Philanthropy and Frontieri Consult.

 

Research Focus

Sewareg Adamu Demelash’s research primarily focuses on sustainable food systems and economic policy. Her recent work includes examining the sustainability of food systems in Ethiopia from a multi-dimensional perspective and analyzing national performance in a global context. Her research contributes to understanding and improving food security, resilience, and policy frameworks in developing regions. This focus is crucial for developing strategies to enhance food system sustainability and address challenges related to economic development and environmental impact. Her expertise is instrumental in shaping policies for more resilient and sustainable agricultural systems. 🌍📈

 

Publication Top Notes

Measuring food system sustainability in Ethiopia: Towards a Multi-Dimensional perspective

Investigating the Dynamics and Trends of Sustainable Food Systems in Ethiopia: Characterizing the National Performance within the Global Context