Albert Novas Somanje | Sustainable Agriculture | Sustainable Agriculture Innovation Award

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Dr. Albert Novas Somanje | Sustainable Agriculture | Sustainable Agriculture Innovation Award

Ministry of Agriculture | Zambia

Albert Novas Somanje is an agricultural sustainability specialist with over 18 years of experience in climate-resilient farming systems, policy engagement, and institutional capacity building. He holds a PhD in Sustainability Science from the United Nations University and advanced training in climate change and development. Currently serving as Principal Agricultural Officer in Zambia’s Ministry of Agriculture, he has led national and provincial programs in conservation agriculture, sustainable mechanization, and ecosystem restoration in collaboration with FAO, UNDP, and WFP. His research focuses on climate-smart technologies, sustainable intensification, and extension systems, with international recognition through DAAD fellowship, peer-reviewed publications, and IPCC AR6 contributions, advancing evidence-based agricultural transformation.

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Featured Publications

Seyed Reza Fani | Plant Pathology | Plant Disease Control Innovation

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Seyed Reza Fani | Plant Pathology | Plant Disease Control Innovation

Plant Protection Research Department, Agriculture and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Yazd | Iran

Dr. Seyed Reza Fani is an Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology at the Agriculture and Natural Resources Research and Education Center of Yazd, Iran. He holds a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from the Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch of Tehran, completed in 2013. His doctoral research focused on utilizing atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus isolates to control aflatoxin contamination in pistachio nuts. Dr. Fani’s professional journey includes roles as a researcher and expert in plant pathology laboratories within the Iranian Plant Protection Organization and the Agriculture Organization of Sistan-Baluchistan province. His research interests encompass mycotoxin management, biological control agents, and integrated pest management strategies. He has contributed to over 5 H- index, with more than 95 citations. His work has been presented at various international conferences, including the MYCOKEY International Conference and the International Mycotoxin Conference. Dr. Fani’s expertise is instrumental in advancing sustainable agricultural practices in Iran.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

Fani, S. R., Nouri Gharansaraei, S., Rezaee, S., Mohammadi-Moghadam, M., Zamanizadeh, H. R., & Shahbazi, S. (2025, December). Gamma-induced Trichoderma guizhouense mutants: Enhanced biocontrol of Fusarium wilt in cucumbers and improved environmental stress tolerance. Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection.

Fani, S. R., & Moradi, M. (2025, May 15). An overview of pistachio gummosis: A comprehensive analysis. Tropical Plant Pathology.

Nouri Gharansaraei, S., Fani, S. R., Rezaee, S., Mohammadi-Moghadam, M., Zamanizadeh, H. R., & Shahbazi, S. (2025, March 27). Gamma-induced Trichoderma guizhouense mutants: Enhanced biocontrol of Fusarium wilt in cucumbers and improved environmental stress tolerance.

Kazemi, A., Sedaghati, E., Fani, S. R., Moradi, M., & Nadi, M. (2023). Effect of sulfur on toxigenic Aspergillus flavus in vitro. Journal of Nuts.

Mohammadi-Moghadam, M., Fani, S. R., Ghasemi, M., & Aldaghi, M. (2023). Population density of Aspergillus section Flavi and aflatoxin content in different types of pistachio nuts. Journal of Chemical Health Risks.

Samuel Agele | Plant Physiology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Samuel Agele | Plant Physiology | Best Researcher Award

Federal University of Technology, akure | Nigeria

Professor Samuel Ohikhena Agele is a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of plant environmental physiology and agronomy, currently serving as a Professor and Lead Researcher at the Department of Crop, Soil & Pest Management, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria. He holds a B.Agric., M.Sc. in Desert Science, Ph.D. in Crop Physiology, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Protected Crops & Irrigation. With over 25 Master’s and 20 Ph.D. theses successfully supervised, his academic leadership is well recognized. Professor Agele has held significant administrative roles, including Head of Department (2013–2016) and Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Africa, Toru Orua (2017–2019). His research interests encompass soil-plant-climate interactions, conservation agriculture, ecological restoration, and the domestication of medicinal plant species. He has contributed extensively to literature, authoring numerous journal articles and book chapters. His work has been recognized by various professional associations, including the International Horticultural Science Society and the Soil Science Society of Nigeria. Professor Agele’s research has garnered over 390 citations, reflecting his significant impact in his field. His publication count stands at 34, with a predicted h-index of 13.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

Akinseye, F. M., Adam, M., Agele, S. O., Hoffmann, M. P., Traore, P. C. S., & [others]. (2017). Assessing crop model improvements through comparison of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) simulation models: A case study of West African varieties. Field Crops Research, 

Akinseye, F. M., Ajeigbe, H. A., Traore, P. C. S., Agele, S. O., Zemadim, B., & [others]. (2020). Improving sorghum productivity under changing climatic conditions: A modelling approach. Field Crops Research,

Agele, S. O., Iremiren, G. O., & Ojeniyi, S. O. (2000). Effects of tillage and mulching on the growth, development and yield of late-season tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) in the humid south of Nigeria. The Journal of Agricultural Science, 

Lajide, L., Adedire, C. O., Muse, W. A., & Agele, S. O. (1998). Insecticidal activity of powders of some Nigerian plants against the maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Motsch.). The Journal of Agricultural Science, 

Agele, S. O., Iremiren, G. O., & Ojeniyi, S. O. (1999). Effects of plant density and mulching on the performance of late-season tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) in southern Nigeria. The Journal of Agricultural Science, 

Chala Hussen | Agri-Food System | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Chala Hussen | Agri-Food System | Best Researcher Award

Ambo University | Ethiopia

Chala Hailu Hussen is an Ethiopian academic and researcher specializing in Agricultural Economics, currently serving as Assistant Professor and Research & Community Service Coordinator at the College of Agriculture & Veterinary Science, Ambo University, Ethiopia. He holds a BSc and MSc in Agricultural Economics from Haramaya University and is pursuing a PhD in Agri-food Systems at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Italy, focusing on agricultural transformation. His professional journey includes teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, agricultural production economics, and climate change economics, along with supervising more than twenty MSc theses and serving as examiner and chairperson in defense boards. He has actively contributed to research on rural credit, market information, farm input commercialization, cluster farming, and climate adaptation strategies, publishing several scientific papers with an h-index of 2, 7 documents, and over 35 citations. In addition, he has participated in national and international training programs on climate information services, decision support systems, and rural development planning, enhancing his expertise in agricultural resilience and sustainability. Recipient of various certificates and recognitions, Chala continues to advance research and education in agricultural economics, with a strong commitment to capacity building, policy engagement, and promoting sustainable agricultural systems.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Hailu, C., Canali, G., & Tabaglio, V. (2025). High-value farm product transformation in contract marketing: Evidence from smallholder farmers in central Ethiopia. Environment, Development and Sustainability.

Besha, T. B., Fikadu, M., & Chala, H. (2022). Marketable supply of honey: Evidence from farmers households in Ethiopia. Journal of Agribusiness and Rural Development.

Alemayehu, G., Rikitu, A., & Hailu, C. (2022). Producers’ participation decision in tomato and onion marketing with level of participation in Ejersa Lafo District of West Shewa Zone, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia. Malaysian Business Management Journal.

Hussen, C. H., & Geleta, F. T. (2021). Factors affecting smallholder farmers’ participation in cluster crop production: Evidence from selected districts of West Shewa Zone, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia. Sarhad Journal of Agriculture.

Wakjira, M., Temesgen, F., Hailu, C., & Wegari, D. (2021). The economic impacts of COVID-19 on micro and small enterprises: Empirical evidences from Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia. Sarhad Journal of Agriculture.

Hussen, C. (2018). Factors affecting credit use for rural farming at household level: Evidence from smallholder farmers of Toke-Kutaye district.

Hussen, C. (2017). Effect of access to market information services on supply of major vegetables: Evidence from farm households of Ambo and Toke-Kutaye Districts, West Shewa, Ethiopia. Information and Knowledge Management.

Martha Sheepo | crop science | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Martha Sheepo | crop science | Best Researcher Award

University of KwaZulu Natal, Pietermaritzburg | South Africa

Author Profile

Orcid ID

🌟  Suitable for this Best Researcher Award

Martha Ligola Gorases (née Sheepo) is an exceptional agriculturalist with over 15 years of expertise in crop science, research, and training. She has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainable agriculture, focusing on optimizing crop production, improving soil health, and empowering farmers with cutting-edge agricultural techniques. As an Agricultural Scientific Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform, she has played a key role in policy development, research extension, and farmer support programs. Her doctoral research on cattle manure as a nutrient source for sweet potato production exemplifies her dedication to sustainable farming solutions. Martha’s work in conservation science and agricultural advisory services highlights her multidisciplinary approach to food security and land management. With a passion for knowledge dissemination, she has trained countless farmers and students, contributing to the advancement of crop science in Namibia. Her significant contributions make her a worthy recipient of this prestigious award.

🎓 Education 

Martha Ligola Gorases is a Doctoral Candidate in Crop Science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (2023-2025), researching the potential of cattle manure as a sustainable nutrient source for sweet potato cultivation. She holds a Master’s degree in Sustainable Agriculture Management (2018) from the University of the Free State, where she studied the adoption of food bank initiatives in peri-urban Namibia. Her Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Management (2010) and National Diploma in Natural Resource Management (2008) from the Namibia University of Science and Technology provided a strong foundation in sustainable crop production. She has also obtained a Certificate in Applied Business Process Management (2011) to enhance her leadership skills in agricultural projects. With a diverse academic background integrating research, extension, and policy development, Martha’s education reflects her dedication to improving agricultural systems for both smallholder and commercial farmers.

 💼  Professional Experience

Martha Ligola Gorases has over 15 years of hands-on experience in crop science, agricultural research, and extension services. Since 2021, she has served as an Agricultural Scientific Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform, where she provides agricultural extension services, develops policy frameworks, and empowers farmers through training. From 2020 to 2021, she worked as a Conservation Scientist at the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, contributing to sustainable tourism and environmental conservation initiatives. Her experience also includes serving as a Research Technician at the University of Namibia (2012-2015), where she conducted rice cultivation research and provided farmer advisory services. Additionally, she has worked in the private sector as a Researcher at Agra Co-operative Limited, focusing on fodder nutrition for livestock. Her diverse experience in research, extension, policy-making, and education makes her an influential figure in sustainable agriculture and crop science.

🏅 Awards and Recognition 

Martha Ligola Gorases has received numerous awards and recognitions for her contributions to crop science and agricultural development. She was a contributing author of the Kunene Drought Resilience Strategy (2022) and the Namibia Agriculture Extension Strategy (2022), highlighting her expertise in policy-making and sustainable farming. Her work on the Namibian Tourism Spatial Master Plan (endorsed by the UNWTO in 2021) showcases her interdisciplinary knowledge in conservation agriculture. She has been honored with multiple certificates for her research contributions, including Better Business Writing (2012), Meticulous Workplace Reporting (2011), and Commercial Advancement Training Scheme (2010). Additionally, she played a crucial role in the Namibia Agricultural Mechanization Seed Improvement Project (2021-2023). Her work in fodder research, farmer training, and conservation planning has made a profound impact on Namibia’s agricultural landscape, making her an exemplary candidate for this award.

🌍Research skills On Crop Science

Martha Ligola Gorases possesses advanced research skills in crop science, soil fertility management, agricultural policy development, and sustainable farming practices. She specializes in nutrient recycling, organic farming, and climate-resilient agricultural systems, with a strong focus on empirical research and field trials. Her expertise includes data collection, statistical analysis, and research design for evaluating the impact of agricultural interventions. As a doctoral researcher, she is currently investigating the role of cattle manure in enhancing sweet potato yield and nutritional quality, demonstrating her commitment to sustainable soil fertility solutions. She has led multiple research projects in rice cultivation, peri-urban agriculture, and food security strategies, integrating farmer participatory research approaches. Her technical skills extend to GIS mapping for agricultural planning, stakeholder engagement, and scientific writing. With a strong publication record and extensive field experience, Martha is a leading researcher driving innovation in sustainable crop production.

📖Publications

Agricultural Scientific Officer
  • Authors: Martha Ligola Sheepo
  • Journal: Conceptualization, Data curation, Funding acquisition, Investigation
  • Year: 2023-05-31