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.

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

Birhanu Zemadim Birhanu | Irrigation & Water Management | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Agri Scientist

Dr. Birhanu Zemadim Birhanu | Irrigation & Water Management | Best Researcher Award

Senior Researcher | International Water Management Institute | Ghana

Birhanu Zemadim Birhanu is a distinguished research scientist and Deputy Country Representative at the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) in Ghana, with over 23 years of experience across Eastern, Southern, Western, and Central Africa, as well as Asia. He holds a PhD and MSc in Water Resources Engineering from the University of Dar es Salaam and a BSc in Civil Engineering from Bahir Dar University. His key research areas include sustainable farming systems, water and land management, multifunctional landscapes, climate actions, and research for impact. Dr. Birhanu has made significant contributions through over 25 peer-reviewed journal articles, nine book chapters, multiple technical reports, and several conference presentations, highlighting innovative practices in integrated watershed management, agroecological intensification, and sustainable intensification of mixed farming systems. He has played a pivotal role in major projects like Africa RISING, ResComm Tanzania, and Nature+ Solutions, advancing sustainable and inclusive agricultural development. His exemplary contributions have been recognized by several awards, such as Best Scientific Paper (ICRISAT Research Program) and Outstanding Resource Mobilizer. He holds a certificate in Leadership Essentials from Cornell University. Additionally, Dr. Birhanu serves as an editorial contributor to various scientific journals, supervises graduate research, and fosters knowledge exchange and capacity building in the water management domain. His expertise extends to hydrological modeling, GIS and remote sensing applications, and participatory research methods, contributing extensively to climate-resilient agricultural practices in sub-Saharan Africa.

Profiles: Google Scholar | ORCID 

Featured Publications

1. Awulachew, S. B., Bekele, S., Awulachew, S., & Molden, D. (2013). The Nile River Basin.
Cited 111 times.

2. Tadese, M. T., Kumar, L., Koech, R., & Zemadim, B. (2019). Hydro-climatic variability: A characterisation and trend study of the Awash River Basin, Ethiopia. Hydrology, 6(2), 35.
Cited 81 times.

3. Akinseye, F. M., Ajeigbe, H. A., Traore, P. C. S., Agele, S. O., Zemadim, B., … (2020). Improving sorghum productivity under changing climatic conditions: A modelling approach. Field Crops Research, 246, 107685.
Cited 79 times.

4. Melesse, A. M., & Abtew, W. (2016). Landscape dynamics, soils and hydrological processes in varied climates. Springer International Publishing.
Cited 66 times.

5. Schmidt, E., & Zemadim, B. (2015). Expanding sustainable land management in Ethiopia: Scenarios for improved agricultural water management in the Blue Nile. Agricultural Water Management, 158, 166–178.
Cited 58 times.