Dr. Tigist Yimer | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Hawassa University | Ethiopia

Dr. Tigist Yimer Belete is an esteemed soil scientist dedicated to advancing agricultural sustainability and food security. She has been actively involved in research and academia, contributing significantly to soil fertility, biofertilization, and crop system management. With an extensive background in soil science, she works as a course instructor and researcher at Hawassa University, Ethiopia, fostering innovative solutions for agricultural challenges.

Professional profile👤

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

• Extensive Research Contributions: Her numerous publications in reputable journals demonstrate significant contributions to soil science, nutrient management, and sustainable farming systems.

• Global Research Engagement: Participation in international conferences and training programs highlights her active involvement in the global research community.

• Strong Technical Expertise: Skills in field surveys, laboratory analysis, and soil health assessment make her a well-rounded researcher.

• Recognized Academic Excellence: The receipt of prestigious fellowships (CIDA, Netherlands Fellowship, DAAD) validates her research excellence and potential.

• Commitment to Agricultural Development: Research focused on improving soil fertility and addressing food security challenges is highly relevant and impactful, especially for smallholder farmers in Ethiopia.

Education 🎓

Dr. Tigist Yimer Belete has a rich academic background in soil science and land management:

• PhD in Soil Science from Hawassa University, Ethiopia, in collaboration with the University of Hohenheim, Germany (2017-2023), under the CLIFOOD project.
• MSc in International Land and Water Management, specializing in Land Degradation and Development, from Wageningen University, Netherlands (2010-2012).
• MSc in Agriculture, specializing in Soil Science, from Hawassa University, Ethiopia (2004-2007).
• BSc in Plant Production and Dryland Farming from Hawassa University, Ethiopia (2000-2004).

Experience 💼

Dr. Tigist has a diverse teaching and research experience:

• Course instructor and researcher at Hawassa University, Ethiopia, since 2007.
• Junior instructor at Kombolcha Teaching and Vocational Training Center, Ethiopia (2004-2005).

Research Interest On Agricultural 🌱

Dr. Tigist’s research focuses on soil fertility management, biofertilization, and cropping system modification. She explores innovative methods to improve plant nutrition, enhance agricultural productivity, and optimize fertilization schemes for smallholder farmers in Ethiopia.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Tigist has been recognized for her academic and research excellence:

• Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) Female Fellowship (2005).
• Netherlands Fellowship (2010).
• DAAD Fellowship (2017).

Publications 📚

Dr. Tigist has contributed extensively to scientific research. Some of her key publications include:

• Maize​–common bean intercropping effects on nitrogen fixation, nutrient uptake, and soil properties in southern Ethiopia
  Authors: T. Yimer, G. Abera, S. Beyene, S. Raji, and F. Rasche
  Publication Year: 2025​

• LC-MS/M​S Triple Quadrupole Multiresidue Analysis of Pesticides From Soils of Vegetable Farms: A Report From Ethiopia
  Authors: Hirut Tsegaye Feleke and Tigist Yimer Belete
  Publication Year: 2025

• Comb​ined inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi with Meso‐rhizobium improves nutrient uptake, growth performance, and moisture stress tolerance of chickpea (Cicer arietinum)
  Authors: T. Yimer, G. Abera, S. Beyene, B. Bono, and F. Rasche
  Publication Year: 2024

• Opti​mizing fertilization schemes to narrow the maize yield gap in smallholder farming systems in southern Ethiopia
  Authors: T. Yimer, G. Abera, S. Beyene, A.P.P. Ravensbergen, A. Ukato, and F. Rasche
  Publication Year: 2024

• Opti​mizing maize–bean cropping systems for sustainable intensification in southern Ethiopia
  Authors: T. Yimer, G. Abera, S. Beyene, and F. Rasche
  Publication Year: 2022

• B​iological Inoculants for Sustainable Agriculture and Microbe Assisted Phytoremediation of Pesticides and Metal Toxicities in Sidama and Gedeo Smallholder Farming Systems, in Ethiopia
  Role: Co-investigator (ongoing project)

• M​ycotoxin Analysis of Maize (Zea mays) Grains from Southern Ethiopia and Evaluation of Factors Affecting Mycotoxin Contamination
  Status: Completed research project

• P​henotypic screening of barley landrace for their tolerance to soil acidity/Al³⁺ toxicity
  Status: Completed research project
  Citation Count: Not available​

• A​ssessment of some heavy metals in vegetables sold in different market sites of Hawassa city and their potential health risk for humans
  Status: Completed research project

• Sensit​ivity analysis of Precision Agricultural Landscape Modelling System (PALMS) for water balance simulation in the Amarillo soil series: case study of irrigated cotton field in Littlefield, Texas
  Type: Major Thesis (MSc)
  Year: 2012

Conclusion 📊

Dr. Tigist Yimer Belete is a dedicated researcher and educator whose contributions to soil science and sustainable agriculture continue to make an impact. Her research on biofertilization, plant nutrition, and cropping system optimization is instrumental in enhancing food security and agricultural resilience. She remains committed to innovative solutions that benefit smallholder farmers and global food systems.