Gizaw Tilahun | Plant Breeding | Best Researcher Award

Mr.  Gizaw  Tilahun | Plant Breeding | Best Researcher Award

Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research,  Ethiopia

Gizaw Wegayehu Tilahun is a skilled plant breeder and agronomist with over 7 years of experience in research, particularly in plant breeding, agronomy, crop protection, and participatory breeding. He specializes in barley, potatoes, garlic, vegetables, and highland seed spices. He is currently a Researcher I at the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), Kulumsa Center, where he conducts extensive research on crop improvement and disease management. His work involves improving crop varieties for better resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses, and he actively engages smallholder farmers in applying advanced agricultural technologies.

Profile:

Education:

  • MSc. in Plant Breeding – Hawassa University, Ethiopia (2022)
    Thesis: Phenotypic Variability and Participatory Selection of Food Barley Genotypes for Moisture Stress

  • BSc. in Plant Science – Debre Berhan University, Ethiopia (2015)

Professional Experience:

  • Researcher I (2024 – Present) – Focus on potato, garlic, vegetables, spices, root, and tuber crops, proposal writing, data collection, and analysis.

  • Associate Researcher (2022 – 2024) – Conducted research on various crops and their performance under different conditions.

  • Assistant Researcher II (2018 – 2022) – Contributed to studies on vegetables, potatoes, and root crops.

  • Agronomist Supervisor at Almeta Impex (2016), managing disease, insect, and nutrient deficiency monitoring.

Selected Publications:

  • Tilahun, G.W., Zeleke, A.A., & Limeneh, D.F. (2025). Agronomic Evaluation and Genetic Variability Studies on Fenugreek. Ecological Genetics and Genomics

  • Tilahun, G.W., Fufa, N., et al. (2024). Stability and Performance of Potato Varieties in Ethiopia. International Journal of Agricultural Research

  • Tilahun, G.W., Galalcha, D.T., et al. (2023). Genetic Diversity of Ethiopian Coriander Accessions. International Journal of Bio-resource and Stress Management

Memberships:

  • Ethiopian Crop Science Society

  • Ethiopian Horticulture Science Society

  • Coffee Science Society

  • Protection Science Society

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.

 

Xincheng Li | Agricultural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof Xincheng Li |  Agricultural Engineering |  Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at  College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering,Qingdao Agricultural University, China

Xingcheng Li is a Research Assistant at the College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University. His research focuses on agricultural information technology, sensor development, intelligent agricultural machinery control, and automation technology in livestock and poultry farming. He has published over 10 academic papers, secured 5 national invention patents, and led key research projects at both provincial and national levels. With experience in teaching and developing innovative solutions in agricultural engineering, Li contributes to advancing technological applications in agriculture.

 

Publication Profile

Academic and Professional Background:

Xingcheng Li is a Research Assistant at Qingdao Agricultural University, specializing in agricultural engineering and information technology. He has taught various courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels, including Principles and Applications of Sensors, Agricultural Sensing, and Operations Research. His primary research interests include agricultural information technology, sensor development, intelligent agricultural machinery control, and automation in livestock and poultry farming.

Research and Innovations:

Prof. Li has contributed significantly to the development of agricultural technologies. He has published over 10 research papers and secured 5 national invention patents. His ongoing research includes projects on livestock and poultry disease prevention, as well as participation in key national and provincial R&D programs. Notably, he has led the Shandong Province Agricultural Major Application Technology Innovation Project and the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province.

Research Areas:

  • Agricultural Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Engineering
  • Agricultural Engineering and Information Technology

Publication Top Notes

  1. A seed-epidermis-feature-recognition-based lightweight peanut seed selection method for embedded systems
    Li, D., Huang, J., Li, X., Xu, P., Yun, Y.
    Measurement and Control (United Kingdom), 2024.
    This paper introduces a lightweight peanut seed selection method based on seed-epidermis feature recognition, suitable for embedded systems in agricultural automation.
  2. Optimization Design and Experiment of Automatic Leveling System for Orchard Operating Platform in Hilly and Mountainous Areas
    Shang, H., Li, X., Zhang, C., Hou, Y., Jia, M.
    INMATEH – Agricultural Engineering, 2024, 73(2), pp. 364–374.
    Focuses on optimizing the design and conducting experiments on an automatic leveling system for orchard platforms in challenging terrains.
  3. Domestic Conflicts and Trade Protectionism: Evidence from Tweets
    Kun, L., Xincheng, L., Ming, F.
    China Journal of Economics, 2022, 9(1), pp. 56–84.
    Analyzes the relationship between domestic conflicts and trade protectionism, based on Twitter data analysis.
  4. Grain Yield Data Collection and Service for Heterogeneous Platforms
    Zheng, L., Guo, X., Li, M., Chen, Y., Xiao, C.
    Nongye Gongcheng Xuebao/Transactions of the Chinese Society of Agricultural Engineering, 2016, 32(9), pp. 142–149.
    This work discusses systems for collecting and providing grain yield data across different agricultural platforms.
  5. Test and Optimization of Sampling Frequency for Yield Monitor System of Grain Combine Harvester
    Li, X., Li, M., Zheng, L., Wang, X., Sun, M.
    Nongye Jixie Xuebao/Transactions of the Chinese Society for Agricultural Machinery, 2015, 46, pp. 74–78.
    Examines the optimization of sampling frequency for a grain yield monitor in combine harvesters.
  6. Modeling Algorithm for Yield Monitor System of Grain Combine Harvester
    Li, X., Sun, M., Li, M., Zhang, M., Wang, X.
    Nongye Jixie Xuebao/Transactions of the Chinese Society for Agricultural Machinery, 2015, 46(7), pp. 91–96.
    Proposes a modeling algorithm for improving the yield monitor system of grain combine harvesters.
  7. Development and Denoising Test of Grain Combine with Remote Yield Monitoring System
    Li, X., Li, M., Wang, X., Sun, M., Sun, H.
    Nongye Gongcheng Xuebao/Transactions of the Chinese Society of Agricultural Engineering, 2014, 30(2), pp. 1–8.
    This paper focuses on the development and testing of a grain combine equipped with a remote yield monitoring system.
  8. Structure Design and Signal Processing of a New Grain Flow Sensor
    Li, X., Li, M., Zheng, L., Yang, W., Sun, H.
    American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting, ASABE 2014, pp. 4330–4336.
    Presents the design and signal processing methods for a new grain flow sensor.
  9. A Remote Monitoring System of Automatic Soil Sampler Based on ZigBee WSN
    Yang, W., Li, M., Zheng, L., Li, X., Zhang, M.
    American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting, ASABE 2013, pp. 4023–4028.
    Describes a remote monitoring system for an automatic soil sampler based on ZigBee wireless sensor networks (WSN).
  10. A Remote Operating System of Grain Yield Monitor
    Li, X., Li, M., Zheng, L., Yang, W., Zhang, M.
    American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting, ASABE 2013, pp. 4091–4096.
    Introduces a remote operating system for monitoring grain yield during harvesting.

 

Radwa El-Behairy | Agricultural Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Radwa El-Behairy | Agricultural Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

PhD student, Tanta University, Egypt

Radwa Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah El-Behairy is a dedicated PhD student at the Faculty of Agriculture, Tanta University, Egypt. Her research focuses on integrating AI and GIS to evaluate soil quality and crop suitability in arid areas, aiming to enhance food security sustainably. In addition to her studies, she serves as an assistant lecturer at the Higher Institute for Agricultural Cooperation in Shubra El Kheima.

Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Education 🎓

Radwa Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah El-Behairy is a dedicated scholar in the field of agricultural and soil sciences. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Science from Tanta University, Egypt, in 2017. Building on her foundational knowledge, she pursued a Master of Science in Soil Science, also at Tanta University, which she completed in 2021. Currently, Radwa is a Ph.D. student at the same institution, where she is focusing on integrating artificial intelligence and geographic information systems to evaluate soil quality and crop suitability in arid areas. Her academic journey is marked by a strong commitment to advancing agricultural practices and sustainability through innovative research methodologies.

Experience 🏫

Radwa Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah El-Behairy is an Assistant Lecturer at the Higher Institute for Agricultural Cooperation in Shubra El Kheima and a PhD student at the Faculty of Agriculture, Tanta University, Egypt. Her research focuses on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to evaluate soil quality and crop suitability in arid regions. With a solid background in soil science and agricultural science, Radwa has published seven research articles, contributing valuable insights into soil management and crop optimization. Her work aims to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability through innovative technologies.

Research Interests 🔍

Radwa Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah El-Behairy’s research interests encompass a broad spectrum of fields related to agricultural and environmental sciences. Her primary focus is on agricultural sustainability and pedology, where she explores methods to enhance the resilience and productivity of agricultural systems. She employs remote sensing and GIS technologies to monitor and analyze soil and water resources, integrating these with modeling of irrigation water quality to improve resource management. Her work also addresses environmental contamination through advanced artificial intelligence techniques, contributing to assessments of crop suitability and soil quality. Radwa’s expertise in machine learning and deep learning further supports her efforts to develop innovative solutions for optimizing agricultural practices and ensuring environmental sustainability.

Awards 🏆

Training in the research project “Monitoring land and water productivity through remote sensing WaPOR II”

Publications Top Notes 📚

An Accurate Approach for Predicting Soil Quality Based on Machine Learning in Drylands Agriculture, 2024-04-18 | link

A Novel Approach for Predicting Heavy Metal Contamination Based on Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System and GIS in an Arid Ecosystem Agronomy, 2023-07-15 | link

Artificial Intelligence Integrated GIS for Land Suitability Assessment of Wheat Crop Growth in Arid Zones to Sustain Food Security Agronomy, 2023-04-29 |link

Assessment of Potential Heavy Metal Contamination Hazards Based on GIS and Multivariate Analysis in Some Mediterranean Zones Agronomy, 2022-12-19 | link

Combination of GIS and Multivariate Analysis to Assess the Soil Heavy Metal Contamination in Some Arid Zones
Agronomy, 2022-11-16 | link