Birara Gebeyhu Reta | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Birara Gebeyhu Reta | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Birara Gebeyhu Reta, Arba Minch University, Ethiopia

Mr. Birara Gebeyhu Reta is a dedicated researcher and lecturer in water resources and irrigation engineering at Arba Minch University, Ethiopia. With a passion for sustainable water management, he has contributed significantly to irrigation systems, soil reclamation, and crop water productivity. His work focuses on improving agricultural water use efficiency, climate adaptation, and irrigation performance. He has presented his research at international conferences and published extensively in peer-reviewed journals. His expertise in GIS, AquaCrop modeling, and irrigation planning makes him a key figure in water resource engineering and agricultural sustainability. 🌱💧

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

🎓 Education

Mr. Birara holds a B.Sc. in Water Resources and Irrigation Engineering and an M.Sc. in Irrigation and Drainage Engineering from Arba Minch University, Ethiopia (2012-2020). His academic journey has equipped him with strong technical skills in irrigation scheduling, hydrology, and water resource management. His education emphasized climate-smart agriculture, sustainable irrigation techniques, and soil-water interactions. Through rigorous coursework and research, he developed expertise in GIS-based water analysis, crop modeling, and land-use planning, laying the foundation for his impactful contributions to irrigation engineering. 🎓📘

💼 Experience

Since December 2017, Mr. Birara has been a lecturer and researcher at Arba Minch University, Ethiopia, specializing in water resource system planning, irrigation engineering, and drainage management. He has led multiple research projects, including saline soil reclamation, irrigation scheduling, and AquaCrop-based productivity evaluations. His teaching focuses on water resource planning and irrigation management, helping students develop practical skills. Additionally, he has contributed to internationally funded projects, such as the WaterPIP Knowledge and Action Network. His extensive field and academic experience make him a leader in sustainable water management. 🏫📊

🏆 Awards & Honors

Mr. Birara has been recognized for his research contributions through conference invitations, training programs, and professional certifications. He has participated in the International Conference on the Nile River Basin, the Abbay International Water Conference, and the Climate-Smart Agriculture Conference. Additionally, he has received certifications in scientific writing, grant proposal development, and research dissemination. His involvement in global research networks has enhanced his impact on irrigation science and agricultural water management. His dedication to solving water resource challenges has earned him credibility in the scientific community. 🏅🌍

🔬 Research Focus

Mr. Birara’s research explores irrigation performance, soil reclamation, drought analysis, and climate adaptation in agriculture. His studies include saline-sodic soil improvement, optimal irrigation scheduling, and crop water productivity. He specializes in AquaCrop modeling, GIS-based hydrological analysis, and water use efficiency improvement. His research aims to enhance agricultural sustainability, mitigate climate change effects on irrigation, and optimize water resource allocation. By integrating advanced computational tools and field-based experiments, he provides practical solutions to water scarcity and food security challenges in Ethiopia and beyond. 🌾💡

Publication Top Notes

📘 Effect of furrow irrigation systems and irrigation levels on maize agronomy and water use efficiency in Arba Minch, Southern, EthiopiaCited by: 17 (2023) 🔗 Heliyon 9(7) 🌽💧

📘 Assessment of soil mulching field management, and deficit irrigation effect on productivity of watermelon varieties, and AquaCrop model validationCited by: 12 (2023) 🔗 Heliyon 9(11) 🍉🌱

📘 Crop water requirement and irrigation scheduling under climate change scenario, and optimal cropland allocation in lower kulfo catchmentCited by: 5 (2024) 🔗 Heliyon 10(10) 🌍💦

📘 Power Data Access Viewer‐Based Meteorological Drought Analysis and Rainfall Variability in the Nile River BasinCited by: 3 (2024) 🔗 Advances in Meteorology 2024(1) ☀️🌧️

📘 Soil moisture-based irrigation interval and irrigation performance evaluation: In the case of lower kulfo catchment, EthiopiaCited by: 1 (2024) 🔗 Heliyon 10(16) 🌾📊

📘 Assessment of irrigation water management performance indicators and mitigation measure in Arba Minch irrigation scheme, EthiopiaCited by: 1 (2024) 🔗 Advances in Agriculture 2024(1) 🚰⚙️

📘 Evaluation of Small‐Scale Irrigation Scheme Performance and Proposed Alternative Mitigation for Improved Water Management on Wezeqa and Gatto Irrigation Schemes, Southern, EthiopiaCited by: 1 (2024) 🔗 Advances in Agriculture 2024(1) 🌊🌍

📘 Optimizing Tomato Yield in Saline‐Sodic Soils With Gypsum and Mulching Techniques Near Lake Abaya, EthiopiaCited by: – (2025) 🔗 Applied and Environmental Soil Science 2025(1) 🍅🧂

📘 Review of Soil Erosion and Sediment Transport, and Management Status in the Blue Nile River Basin: The Case of EthiopiaCited by: – (2023) 🔗 Abbay Journal of Water and Environmental Sciences 🌊🛤️

🔍 Conclusion

Mr. Birara Gebeyhu Reta is a highly qualified researcher with a strong background in irrigation engineering, water management, and climate adaptation studies. His extensive research output, international conference participation, and scientific contributions make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work significantly impacts sustainable water use, making him deserving of recognition in his field. 🌍💧

Muhammad Waqar Khan | Plant Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Muhammad Waqar Khan | Plant Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Muhammad Waqar Khan, University of Swat, Pakistan

Dr. Muhammad Waqar Khan 🧬 is a Pakistani geneticist with expertise in soybean transformation and genetic diversity. He earned his PhD in Genetics from Henan University, China (2019-2023), and has a solid academic background with an MPhil and MSc in Genetics from Hazara University, Pakistan. His research focuses on genetic diversity, plant breeding, and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Dr. Khan has published multiple studies, including on soybean hybrids and genetic resistance in rice. He is an active reviewer for Elsevier’s Horticulture Plants journal. Additionally, Dr. Khan is experienced in molecular lab techniques and bioinformatics software. 🌱🔬📚

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Educational Background

Dr. Muhammad Waqar Khan holds an impressive academic background in genetics and related fields. He completed his PhD in Genetics at Henan University, China (2019-2023), where he focused on soybean transformation. He also holds an MPhil in Genetics (2008-2012) and an MSc in Genetics (2005-2008) from Hazara University, Pakistan. Dr. Khan’s undergraduate studies were in Botany, Zoology, and Chemistry at the University of Malakand, Pakistan (2002-2005). Additionally, he pursued a B.Ed. in Education (2011-2012) from Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad. His diverse academic journey reflects his dedication to both research and education. 📚🌱

 

 

Professional Experience

Dr. Muhammad Waqar Khan has a diverse professional background in both education and research. He has five years of teaching and administrative experience at a school (2014-2019), where he honed his leadership and organizational skills. Additionally, he gained valuable research experience as a research intern in the Department of Genetics at Hazara University, Mansehra, Pakistan, for one year. This combination of teaching expertise and hands-on research experience has equipped Dr. Khan with a strong foundation in academia, making significant contributions to both educational and scientific communities. 📚👩‍🔬

 

 

Professional Skills and Business Ventures

Dr. Muhammad Waqar Khan possesses a wide range of professional skills and business expertise. He has significant experience in school administration and curriculum development, where he played a pivotal role in shaping educational frameworks. Additionally, Dr. Khan is passionate about honeybee keeping and management 🐝, using his knowledge to contribute to sustainable agricultural practices. He is also skilled in poultry (layer) keeping and management 🐔, ensuring the healthy and efficient operation of poultry farms. These diverse skills reflect his versatility in both academic and entrepreneurial ventures. 🌱📈

 

 

Research Focus

Dr. Muhammad Waqar Khan’s research spans several areas within genetics, plant sciences, and agricultural biotechnology. His work includes genetic diversity studies in walnuts 🌳, the identification of bacterial blight resistance genes in rice 🌾, and advancements in soybean transformation techniques 🌱. His expertise also extends to environmental research, focusing on forest structure, biomass carbon potential, and ecological diversity 🌍. Furthermore, Dr. Khan has contributed to agricultural economics with research on the cherry marketing system 🍒. These diverse research interests showcase his interdisciplinary approach, combining genetics, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. 🌿

 

 

Publication Top Notes

  • Estimation of genetic diversity in walnut – 38 citations, 2010 🌰
  • Identification of bacterial blight resistance gene Xa7 in rice through STS marker – 15 citations, 2015 🌾
  • Evaluation of the forest structure, diversity, and biomass carbon potential in Guangxi, China – 8 citations, 2020 🌳
  • Cherry marketing system in Gilgit District, Northern Areas of Pakistan – 8 citations, 2008 🍒
  • Pulmonary Embolic Disease – 5 citations, 1965 💉
  • Generation and Assessment of Soybean Hybrids for High-Efficiency Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation – 2024 📈
  • A Novel Solid Media-Free In-Planta Soybean Transformation Approach – 2024 🌱
  • Fluid leak Following Deep Midfacial Laceration – 2017 🩹

Jimson Mwikamba | Agricultural Ecomics Award | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Jimson Mwikamba | Agricultural Ecomics Award | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Jimson Mwikamba, University of Nairobi, Kenya

🌱 Jimson Mwikamba is a Kenyan agricultural economist with a Masters from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor’s from Egerton University. His expertise spans food security, environmental impact assessment, and agricultural training. He’s certified as a Plantwise Plant Doctor and has completed professional courses in monitoring and evaluation, education, and andragogy. With a solid educational foundation and practical training, Jimson is dedicated to enhancing agricultural practices and sustainable development in Kenya. 🌾

 

Publication Profile

Educational Background 

📚 Jimson Mwikamba’s educational journey is rooted in Kenya, where he pursued a diverse range of studies. He obtained his Masters in Agricultural and Applied Economics from the prestigious University of Nairobi, building upon his Bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness Management from Egerton University. His academic prowess traces back to Canon Kituri Secondary School, where he earned an impressive A- in his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education. His educational foundation was laid at Nyache Primary School, Taita, Kenya, where he completed his Kenya Certificate of Primary Education with a commendable C+. Jimson’s commitment to learning has shaped his expertise in agricultural economics and management. 🌱

 

Work Experience

🌱 Jimson Mwikamba’s career in academia and community service reflects his passion for agricultural education and leadership. Since May 2021, he has served as a Principal Lecturer at the Kenya School of Agriculture’s Nyeri campus, under the State Department for Crops Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries. Prior to this role, he held positions as a Senior Lecturer and Lecturer at the same institution. He also contributes to his community as the Secretary of the Building Committee at Nyeri Town PEFA Cathedral of Grace since June 2020. His dedication to education and community development is further demonstrated by his previous role as a Tutor at St. Andrew East Africa College of Management. 📚

 

Research Focus

🔬 Jimson Mwikamba’s research primarily focuses on the adoption and impact of climate-smart horticulture practices, particularly in Taita-Taveta County, Kenya. His studies delve into the determinants and factors influencing the intensity of adoption of these practices, as well as the use of mobile phones in enhancing productivity in agricultural settings. Through publications in reputable journals like Cogent Food & Agriculture and the East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal, Jimson contributes valuable insights into sustainable agricultural development and the integration of technology in farming practices. His dedication to understanding and promoting climate-smart agriculture underscores his commitment to addressing environmental challenges and improving livelihoods. 🌱