Sanjay Kumar Katiyar | Plant Breeding | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Sanjay Kumar Katiyar | Plant Breeding | Best Researcher Award

CGIAR- AfricaRice | Côte d’Ivoire

Dr. Sanjay Kumar Katiyar is an accomplished geneticist and global agricultural research leader with over three decades of expertise in crop breeding, genetics, and agricultural innovation. He earned his Ph.D. in Genetics from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) and completed postdoctoral research at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). Currently serving as Program Leader for Genetic Diversity & Improvement at CGIAR-AfricaRice, Director of the CGIAR Global Rice Breeding Platform (AfricaRice, IRRI, and CIAT), and Co-Lead of CGIAR’s Breeding for Tomorrow—Accelerated Breeding, he provides strategic and scientific leadership across global breeding initiatives. Dr. Katiyar’s career spans leading roles in CGIAR centers (IRRI, CIMMYT, AfricaRice), multinational seed industries (ADVANTA, BIOSEEDS), and public research institutions (IGKV). His research focuses on accelerated and predictive breeding, genomic selection, gene editing, and data-driven crop improvement for sustainable agriculture and climate resilience. He has secured over $50 million in competitive research grants. Recognized for his leadership and capacity building, Dr. Katiyar has trained over 1,000 scientists and supervised 80 postgraduate researchers, contributing significantly to global food security and the modernization of plant breeding programs across Asia and Africa.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Juma, R. U., Bartholomé, J., Thathapalli Prakash, P., Hussain, W., Platten, J. D., Katiyar, S. K., … (2021). Identification of an elite core panel as a key breeding resource to accelerate the rate of genetic improvement for irrigated rice. Rice.

Nguyen, V. H., Morantte, R. I. Z., Lopena, V., Verdeprado, H., Murori, R., Katiyar, S. K., … (2023). Multi-environment genomic selection in rice elite breeding lines. Rice.

Subbaiyan, G. K., Waters, D. L. E., Katiyar, S. K., Sadananda, A. R., Vaddadi, S., … (2012). Genome‐wide DNA polymorphisms in elite indica rice inbreds discovered by whole‐genome sequencing. Plant Biotechnology Journa.

Katiyar, S. K., Tan, Y., Huang, B., Chandel, G., Xu, Y., Zhang, Y., Xie, Z., & Bennett, J. (2001). Molecular mapping of gene Gm-6 (t) which confers resistance against four biotypes of Asian rice gall midge in China. Theoretical and Applied Genetics.

Kottapalli, P., Gaur, P. M., Katiyar, S. K., Crouch, J. H., Buhariwalla, H. K., Pande, S., … (2009). Mapping and validation of QTLs for resistance to an Indian isolate of Ascochyta blight pathogen in chickpea. Euphytica,

Md Arif Sakil | Plant Physiology | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Md Arif Sakil | Plant Physiology | Best Researcher Award

Bangladesh Agricultural University | Bangladesh

Dr. Md. Arif Sakil is an accomplished Bangladeshi scientist and academic currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. He earned his Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Saitama University, Japan (2019–2022), and is presently a Post-Doctoral Fellow at Meiji University, Japan. His research focuses on plant stress biology, molecular mechanisms of autophagy, nanobiotechnology, and genome editing technologies such as CRISPR-Cas for improving plant resilience. Over his academic career, Dr. Sakil has published more than 30 peer-reviewed research articles and book chapters in reputed journals including Plant and Cell Physiology, Environmental and Experimental Botany, and CABI Agriculture and Bioscience. His outstanding scientific contributions have earned him multiple honors, including the prestigious President Gold Medal Award from Bangladesh Agricultural University (2023) and the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship. Dr. Sakil’s work on autophagy and plant stress mechanisms bridges fundamental biology with agricultural innovation. With a strong passion for sustainable agriculture and food security, he continues to pursue advanced biotechnological research that contributes to global agricultural resilience and scientific advancement.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

Roy, A. R., Jahan, I., Mou, S. J., Hasin, M. F., Angon, P. B., Sultana, R., Mazumder, B., & Sakil, M. A. (2025). Function of biochar: Alleviation of heat stress in plants and improvement of soil microbial communities. Phyton, Advance online publication.

Jahan, I., Angon, P. B., Mou, S. J., Zannat, M., Antu, U. B., Alam, M. M., Sweety, A. A., Islam, M. S., & Sakil, M. A. (2025). The potential of CRISPR-Cas genome editing technologies to mitigate biotic stress in plants. CABI Agriculture and Bioscience.

Sarkar, R., Khatun, M. K., Sultana, M. A., Mustary, S., Rahman, M., Akter, T., Mortuza, M. G., Hannan, M. A., Sakil, M. A., & Haque, M. R. (2024). Effects of soaking duration on nutritional composition and total phenolic content of some selected lentil varieties of Bangladesh. Probe – Plant & Animal Sciences.

Sakil, M. A., Mukae, K., Bao, J., Sadhu, A., Roni, M. S., Inoue-Aono, Y., & Moriyasu, Y. (2023). Autophagy promotes cell death induced by hydrogen peroxide in Physcomitrium patens. Plant and Cell Physiology.

Mukae, K., Sakil, M. A., Kotake, T., Inoue-Aono, Y., & Moriyasu, Y. (2023). Autophagy accelerates cell death after desiccation and hydration stress in Physcomitrium. Environmental and Experimental Botany.

Rameswar Prasad Sah | Plant Breeding | Outstanding Scientist Award

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Dr. Rameswar Prasad Sah | Plant Breeding | Outstanding Scientist Award

ICAR-Central Rice Research Institute | India

Dr. Rameswar Prasad Sah is a Senior Scientist at the ICAR–National Rice Research Institute (NRRI), Cuttack, specializing in Genetics and Plant Breeding with a research focus on molecular breeding, direct-seeded rice, and the development of early-maturing, high-yielding rice varieties. He earned his B.Sc. (Agri.) with honours from IGKV, Raipur, and completed both his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Plant Breeding and Genetics from Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, where he was the academic topper of his batch. With over 22 h-index, 46 i10-index, 1759 citations, and more than 120 scientific documents, Dr. Sah has made significant contributions to rice genomics, QTL mapping, and marker-assisted breeding. His research integrates physiological, molecular, and genomic tools to enhance stress tolerance and productivity in rice. He has co-authored several high-impact papers in journals such as Field Crops Research, Scientific Reports, and BMC Plant Biology, and contributed to numerous books and NRRI bulletins. His dedication to advancing sustainable rice production has been recognized through awards such as “Best Oral Presentation” at the 13th National Seed Congress (2024). Dr. Sah continues to contribute to national breeding programs and genomic innovations aimed at ensuring food security and climate-resilient rice cultivation in India.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

Mohanty, S., Das, S., Panda, D., Choudhury, N. K., Mishra, B., Jena, R. K., Sah, R. P., Chandrappa, A. K., Navadagi, D. B., Raj, R. K. R., et al. (2025, September 29). Identification of novel quantitative trait loci and candidate genes associated with grain yield and related traits under low-light stress conditions in rice. Biomolecules.

Snehi, S., Singh, P. K., Beena, R., Kota, S., Sanwal, S. K., Ravi Kiran, K. T., Anilkumar, C., Chattopadhyay, K., Prakash, N. R., & Sah, R. P. (2025, June). QTL-meta-analysis and candidate gene(s) for anaerobic germination potential in rice. Journal of Plant Growth Regulation.

Anilkumar, C., Sah, R. P., Muhammed Azharudheen, T. P., Behera, S., Mohanty, S. P., Anandan, A., Marndi, B. C., & Samantaray, S. (2025, March). Integrating multi-trait genomic selection with simulation strategies to improve grain yield and parental line selection in rice. Annals of Applied Biology.

Sahoo, U., Biswal, M., Nayak, L., Kumar, R., Tiwari, R. K., Lal, M. K., Bagchi, T. B., Sah, R. P., Singh, N. R., Sharma, S., et al. (2025, March 30). Rice with lower amylose content could have reduced starch digestibility due to crystallized resistant starch synthesized by linearized amylopectin. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture.

Anilkumar, C., Sah, R. P., Beena, R., Muhammed Azharudheen, T. P., Kumar, A., Behera, S., Sunitha, N. C., Pradhan, S. K., Raj, K. R. R., Parameswaran, C., et al. (2023, August). Conventional and contemporary approaches for drought tolerance rice breeding: Progress and prospects. Plant Breeding.

Sohail Abbas | Crop Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sohail Abbas | Crop Science | Best Researcher Award

Henan university | China

Dr Sohail Abbas is a dedicated climate-science researcher currently serving as a National Young Talent Researcher at the College of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China, with more than eight years of experience in academia and research. He holds a DPhil in Geography/Climate Science from Konkuk University (South Korea), an MPhil in Environmental Science from University of Punjab (Pakistan), and earlier degrees in Science and related fields. His work explores climate change dynamics, extreme precipitation, land-use impacts, geo-environmental modeling, and food-security outcomes—illustrated by studies such as his analysis of extreme precipitation trends in Pakistan’s warming climate. Throughout his career he has authored more than 30 peer-reviewed articles, and currently his indices reflect an h-index of 13 with 604 citations across 34 documented publications. He is proficient in methods ranging from GIS/RS, statistical and econometric modeling, to numerical and physical climate simulation, and he has engaged widely in teaching, lecturing, research-assistancy and referee duties in Pakistan, Korea and China. His academic journey is marked by a strong commitment to interdisciplinary approaches and rigorous frameworks that link climate-variability, hydrology, agriculture, and socioeconomic systems. He continues to push towards enhanced understanding of climate-agriculture-resource interactions and to contribute to resilient, sustainable development in vulnerable regions.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Abbas, S., Haider, A., Kousar, S., Lu, H., Lu, S., Liu, F., Li, H., Miao, C., Feng, W., & Ahamad, M. I. (2025). Climate variability, population growth, and globalization impacting food security in Pakistan. Scientific Reports.

Abbas, S., Kashif, U., Kousar, S., Noor, S., Lu, H., & Lu, S. (2025, September). Machine learning-based prediction analysis for Australia sustainable transport: Optimal transportation mix equation for long-term policy planning and environmental impact mitigation. Energy.

Kashif, U., Abbas, S., Kousar, S., & Lu, H. (2025, June). Linking of bio-energy and carbon neutrality: Navigating economic policy uncertainty and climate change policy in the USA. Energy.

Ashraf, T., Ahamad, M. I., Mahmood, S., Fu, J., Mehmood, M. S., Rehman, A., Abbas, S., Naqvi, S. A. A., & Zulqarnain, R. M. (2025, January 27). Exploring hotspots of traffic accidents in Chiniot–Sargodha Road, Punjab, Pakistan. Environment, Development and Sustainability.

Yaseen, M., Abbas, S., & Latif, Y. (2024). Evaluating the effects of soil physicochemical properties under different land use types in the arid zones of Pakistan. Environment, Development and Sustainability.

Xiaodong Yan | Sustainable Agriculture | Best Scholar Award

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Mr. Xiaodong Yan | Sustainable Agriculture | Best Scholar Award

Business School | China

Dr Xiaodong Yan is a doctoral candidate at the Business School of Hohai University in Nanjing, China, following an M.S. in Geographical Sciences from Liaoning Normal University and a B.S. in Hydraulic & Electric Power from Heilongjiang University. His research focuses on the coupling and spatial-transfer dynamics of the water-energy-food nexus, particularly in the context of Chinese provinces and inter-regional networks, as evidenced by several published articles including one in Resources, Conservation & Recycling. As of now, he has an h-index of 5, with 191 citations and 12 academic publications, reflecting his growing impact in the fields of environmental systems and sustainable development. Through his master’s research he demonstrated proficiency in tools such as ArcGIS, EViews and MATLAB, published five papers during that period, and received multiple honours including “Outstanding Graduates of Liaoning Province 2020”, “Outstanding Master’s Thesis” and “Outstanding Student Cadre”. His strong self-regulation, rigorous research attitude and critical-thinking skills underpin his work bridging resource-system modelling, input-output frameworks and ecological network analysis. Going forward he aims to deepen understanding of resource-system security and spatial nexus interdependencies, contributing to sustainable regional development.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Wang, F., Cao, Y., & Yan, X. (2025). A novel prediction framework for the impact of climate change on spring maize yield in major grain producing areas. Environment, Development and Sustainability.

Chen, J., Wang, Y., Ding, T., & Yan, X. (2025). Evaluation and analysis of urban ecosystem health with an optimized machine-learning model to promote ecological differentiated management in metropolitan areas. Journal of Urban Planning and Development.

Yan, X., Wang, F., Wan, X., Han, M., & Xu, J. (2025). Promotion or inhibition? Pathways and impact characteristics analysis of carbon emissions in urban water systems under water-carbon-society multi-factor interactions. Sustainable Cities and Society.

Guo, S., & Yan, X. (2025). Investigation of industrial structure upgrading, energy consumption transition, and carbon emissions: Evidence from the Yangtze River Economic Belt in China. Sustainability.

Wan, X., Tian, G., Xia, Q., Yan, X., Ban, Q., & Zhao, Q. (2025). Spatial and temporal evolution of the physical-virtual water cycle and its economic coupling effects in China: A material flow analysis perspective. Journal of Cleaner Production

Wohor Zakaria Osman | Weed Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Wohor Zakaria Osman | Weed Science | Best Researcher Award

CSIC- Institute for sustainable agriculture | Ghana

Dr Osman Zakaria Wohor earned a BSc in Agricultural Technology (Agronomy) from the University for Development Studies, Ghana, before completing a Post-Graduate Diploma and an MSc (Cum laude) in International Plant Breeding at the CIHEAM-MAZ (Zaragoza) and the University of Lleida, Spain. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Plant Breeding and Genetics at the University of Córdoba (2019-2025) with distinction. Dr Wohor serves as a Post-Doctoral Associate and Plant Breeder at the Institute for Sustainable Agriculture (CSIC-IAS) in Córdoba, leading a soybean breeding programme targeting Mediterranean environments and contributing to a pea-resistance breeding initiative focused on Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. pisi and Orobanche crenata. His research interests centre on germplasm assembly, phenotyping, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and breeding crop resilience in legume systems. Dr Wohor has co-authored multiple peer-reviewed publications to date 4documents with a citation count of approximately 44 citations, and an estimated h-index of 3. In summary, Dr Wohor is a dynamic plant breeder bridging global germplasm resources, cutting-edge genomics and applied varietal development in legume crops.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Rispail, N., Wohor, O. Z., Osuna-Caballero, S., Barilli, E., & Rubiales, D. (2023). Genetic diversity and population structure of a wide Pisum spp. core collection. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

Wohor, O. Z., Rispail, N., Ojiewo, C. O., & Rubiales, D. (2022). Pea breeding for resistance to rhizospheric pathogens. Plants.

Osuna-Caballero, S., Cobos, M. J., Ruiz, C. M., Wohor, O. Z., Rispail, N., & Rubiales, D. (2024). Genome-wide association studies on resistance to pea weevil: Identification of novel sources of resistance and associated markers. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

Denwar, N. N., & Wohor, Z. (2012). Development of improved soybean varieties adapted to the agro-ecologies and farming systems of the Savanna zones of northern Ghana. CSIR-Savannah Agricultural Research Institute Annual Report.

Rispail, N., Wohor, O. Z., Osuna-Caballero, S., Barilli, E., & Rubiales, D. (2022). Dataset for “Genetic diversity and population structure of a wide Pisum spp. core collection.” Zenodo.

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, 

Winifred Ayinpogbilla Atiah | Climate Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Winifred Ayinpogbilla Atiah | Climate Science | Best Researcher Award

Stockholm University | Sweden

Dr. Winifred Ayinpogbilla Atiah is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Department of Meteorology (MISU), Stockholm University, Sweden, where she works on the Swedish Research Council–funded Tropical Precipitation Tipping-Points (TPTP) project, focusing on atmospheric feedbacks, tropical precipitation systems, and climate–ecosystem interactions. She earned her Ph.D. in Meteorology and Climate Science from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana, after completing an MSc in Mathematical Sciences at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), Senegal, and a BSc in Physics at KNUST. Her work has received over 341citations, 16 documents indexed in international databases, and an h-index of 10. She has served as a Lecturer and Researcher at KNUST, taught climate dynamics and meteorology, and supervised students while engaging in consulting projects with CGIAR and OneCGIAR. Her research spans climate variability, extreme rainfall analysis, agricultural resilience, and satellite rainfall validation. Dr. Atiah is the recipient of prestigious awards, including the 2022 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Sub-Saharan Africa Fellowship and the AIMS NEI Fellowship for Women in Climate Change Science. She also serves as a pioneer editor of the African Journal of Geophysics and Earth Sciences. Her career is dedicated to advancing climate science, resilience, and sustainable development in Africa and beyond.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

Atiah, W. A., Bendito, E. G., & Muthoni, F. K. (2025). Evaluating seasonal rainfall forecast gridded models over Sub-Saharan Africa. Hydrology.

Atiah, W. A., Muthoni, F. K., Kotu, B., Kizito, F., & Amekudzi, L. K. (2021). Trends of rainfall onset, cessation, and length of growing season in Northern Ghana: Comparing the rain gauge, satellite, and farmer’s perceptions. Atmosphere.

Atiah, W. A., Amekudzi, L. K., Aryee, J. N. A., Preko, K., & Danuor, S. K. (2020). Validation of satellite and merged rainfall data over Ghana, West Africa. Atmosphere.

Atiah, W. A. (2020). Trends and interannual variability of extreme rainfall indices over Ghana, West Africa. Theoretical and Applied Climatology.

Atiah, W. A. (2020). A process-based validation of GPM IMERG and its sources using a mesoscale rain gauge network in the West African forest zone. Journal of Hydrometeorology.

Xinguo Chen | Precision Agriculture | Best Paper Award

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Dr. Xinguo Chen | Precision Agriculture | Best Paper Award

North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power | China

Dr. Xinguo Chen is an Assistant Researcher at the North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, specializing in agricultural hydrological remote sensing and sustainable water resource management. He earned his Ph.D. in 2021 from Northwest A&F University, where he developed expertise in crop evapotranspiration, drought mechanisms, and climate change impacts on agriculture. With over 23 peer-reviewed publications in SCI and Scopus-indexed journals, his research has been widely recognized, accumulating more than 908 citations and reflected in an h-index of 17. Dr. Chen has successfully led two major research projects, including the National Natural Science Foundation of China Youth Fund and the Open Fund of the State Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Agricultural Water Resources, while also contributing to seven additional national and provincial/ministerial-level projects. His scholarly contributions extend to serving as a reviewer for prestigious journals such as Agricultural Water Management, Remote Sensing, Theoretical and Applied Climatology, and Journal of Environmental Management. He has also authored one book and engaged in industry consultancy projects aimed at improving water use efficiency. Dr. Chen’s research continues to advance agricultural resilience, remote sensing innovation, and water-efficient crop management to support sustainable food security.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Chen, X., Huang, Y., Liu, M., Ren, D., Li, Y., & Huang, Q. (2025). Improving crop evapotranspiration estimation in the Yellow River Basin: A modified SEBAL model approach and spatiotemporal trend analysis. Agricultural Water Management.

Chen, X., Huang, Q., Xiong, Y., Yang, Q., Li, H., Hou, Z., & Huang, G. (2023). Tracking the spatio-temporal change of the main food crop planting structure in the Yellow River Basin over 2001–2020. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture.

Chen, X., Li, Y., Yao, N., Liu, D. L., Liu, Q., Song, X., Liu, F., Pulatov, B., Meng, Q., & Feng, P. (2022). Projected dry/wet regimes in China using SPEI under four SSP‐RCPs based on statistically downscaled CMIP6 data. International Journal of Climatology.

Brocca, L., Tullo, T., Melone, F., Moramarco, T., & Morbidelli, R. (2012). Catchment scale soil moisture spatial–temporal variability. Journal of Hydrology.

Ceccon, C., Panzacchi, P., Scandellari, F., Prandi, L., Ventura, M., Russo, B., Millard, P., & Tagliavini, M. (2010). Spatial and temporal effects of soil temperature and moisture and the relation to fine root density on root and soil respiration in a mature apple orchard. Plant and Soil.

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.