Mr. Eliyas Assefa Aragaw | Agronomy Award | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Eliyas Assefa Aragaw | Agronomy Award | Best Researcher Award 

Mr. Eliyas Assefa Aragaw, Mercy Corps, Ethiopia

Eliyas Assefa Aragaw, in Ethiopia, is a seasoned professional with over 13 years of extensive experience in monitoring and evaluation (M&E), project coordination, and economic empowerment. He holds an MSc in Agricultural Economics from Bahir Dar University (2019) and a BA in Management from the same institution. Additionally, he earned a BSc in Agricultural Economics from Jimma University in 2011, equipping him with strong expertise in research, statistics, and econometrics modeling. Currently serving as a Regional Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer at Mercy Corps since April 2014, Eliyas plays a pivotal role in enhancing project effectiveness and accountability. His career also includes impactful roles as a Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator and Project Coordinator at Women Empowerment Action, where he led initiatives to support marginalized groups, including women, youth, and people with disabilities. Prior to that, he worked as an M&E Officer for the Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP) under the Ministry of Agriculture, gaining nearly 8 years of experience in government programs focusing on social protection and food security.

Professional Profile:

ORCID

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award:

Eliyas Assefa Aragaw is a well-qualified candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award based on his extensive experience and contributions in the field of agricultural economics, monitoring and evaluation, and project coordination. With over 13 years of professional work experience in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and project management across various sectors, his expertise in agricultural economics is underscored by his two master’s degrees in Agricultural Economics and Management from Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia.

Education:

  1. MSc in Agricultural Economics – Bahir Dar University (2019)
  2. BA in Management – Bahir Dar University (2019)
  3. BSc in Agricultural Economics – Jimma University (2011)

Work Experience:

  • Regional MEL Officer at Mercy Corps (April 15, 2014 – Present)
  • Monitoring & Evaluation Coordinator at Women Empowerment Action (June 1, 2023 – April 12, 2024)
  • Project Coordinator at Women Empowerment Action (June 22, 2019 – May 30, 2023)
  • Monitoring & Evaluation Officer at PSNP – Ministry of Agriculture (July 7, 2011 – June 22, 2019)

Publication top Notes:

Impact of small-scale irrigation schemes on farmers livelihood, the case of Mekdela Woreda, North-East Ethiopia

Diljeet Kaur | Agronomy | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Diljeet Kaur | Agronomy | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Diljeet Kaur, Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Agricultural Technology Application and Research Institute (ICAR-ATARI), Zone-I, Ludhiana, India

Dr. Diljeet Kaur appears to be a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award based on several key factors:

Publication profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Kaur holds a Ph.D. in Agronomy (2024) from Punjab Agricultural University, where she achieved an impressive OCPA of 8.51/10.0 (85.1%). She completed her M.Sc. in Agronomy (2019) with a notable OCPA of 8.78/10.0 (87.8%) and a B.Sc. in Agriculture (Honours) (2017) with an OCPA of 8.55/10.0 (85.5%). Her academic performance reflects a strong foundation in agronomy.

Academic Achievements

Dr. Kaur has received several accolades, including the University Merit Scholarship and University Merit Certificates for both her M.Sc. and B.Sc. degrees. She has also qualified the National Eligibility Test conducted by the Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB), highlighting her expertise and recognition in her field.

Skills

Dr. Kaur possesses a range of essential skills:

Time Management: Effective in organizing, prioritizing, and planning.

Communication: Proficient in verbal and written communication, presentation, and active listening.

Work Ethics and Integrity: Demonstrates responsibility, discipline, and professionalism.

Adaptability: Skilled in self-management, optimism, and analysis.

Leadership: Experienced in management, mentorship, and cultural intelligence.

Attention to Detail: Known for critical observation and introspection.

Technical Skills

She is adept at data analysis and interpretation, with experience using statistical software (R and CPCS1) and advanced agronomy techniques. Her technical proficiency extends to various instruments, including canopy analyzers, SPAD chlorophyll meters, and atomic absorption spectrometers.

Trainings/Courses

Dr. Kaur has participated in several relevant training programs and courses:

Practical Crop Production: One-year experience.

Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWE): Two months of training.

Industrial Training: One month at IFFCO, Punjab, India.

Fertilizer Orientation Course: Conducted by the Fertilizer Association of India.

Green Revolution Global Certificate Program: Online course supported by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Agronomic Research for Food Security and Environmental Stewardship: Short course by the Indian Society of Agronomy.

Hands-on Training on Statistical Analysis: Organized by the Indian Society of Agronomy.

Conclusion

Dr. Kaur’s academic credentials, achievements, skill set, and training make her a well-qualified and deserving candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award.