Tag: Smart Farming Award

Abera Ayalew | Agricultural Economics | Best Researcher Award

Published on by World Science Awards

Mr. Abera Ayalew | Agricultural Economics | Best Researcher Award

Agricultural Economist from Injibara University, Ethiopia

Abera Ayalew Muluken is a dedicated Lecturer and Head of the Department of Agricultural Economics at Injibara University, Ethiopia. With over seven years of experience in teaching, research, and community service across several Ethiopian universities, he has built a strong academic and professional profile. He is known for his work in agricultural technology adoption, value chain analysis, environmental economics, and food security. Abera combines practical expertise with academic rigor, leveraging diverse data analysis tools including SPSS, STATA, R, and ArcGIS. He is also well-versed in systematic reviews and meta-analyses, enhancing the quality and relevance of his research. Abera is a highly motivated individual, recognized for his creativity, leadership, and commitment to academic excellence. He has also served as a peer reviewer for international journals and has published research articles in reputed platforms including Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems and Advances in Agriculture. As the current Head of Department, he not only manages academic activities but also mentors students and engages in strategic planning. His ability to navigate multidisciplinary challenges and his strong communication and presentation skills further reinforce his reputation as a promising researcher and academic leader in the field of agricultural economics in Ethiopia.

Professional Profile

Education

Abera holds a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia, awarded in 2018. His MSc research focused on a detailed market chain analysis of maize in the Alefa District, Northwestern Ethiopia, providing policy-relevant insights into the structure and dynamics of agricultural commodity markets. Prior to that, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from Wollo University in 2014. His undergraduate project was centered on technology adoption by smallholder farmers in Kutaber District, South Wollo Zone, Ethiopia, laying the foundation for his interest in agricultural development and rural innovation. His academic path reflects a deep engagement with Ethiopia’s agricultural challenges and demonstrates a consistent effort to understand and improve livelihoods through research and policy interventions. Abera also holds several certificates in relevant professional training programs, including Teaching Methodology, Research Grant Writing, GIS, ATLAS.ti, and manuscript preparation. He has participated in both national and international training, including from Arizona State University and Dalhousie University, strengthening his pedagogical, technical, and analytical capabilities. This diverse and structured educational background has played a vital role in shaping Abera’s career and preparing him for both academic and applied research challenges.

Professional Experience

Abera Ayalew Muluken has accumulated diverse professional experiences that reflect his growing influence in the academic and research spheres of agricultural economics. He is currently serving as the Head of the Department of Agricultural Economics at Injibara University since January 2024, where he oversees academic operations, curriculum development, and departmental administration. Since December 2020, he has been working as a lecturer and researcher at Injibara University, contributing to teaching, supervising student research, and leading socioeconomic research projects. Prior to this, he held academic positions at Woldia University from 2014 to 2020, progressing from Graduate Assistant I to Lecturer. His responsibilities have included mentoring students, designing and supervising field research, preparing training materials, and delivering community-based capacity-building programs. In addition to teaching, Abera has been involved in important research and community engagement projects such as the Socio-Economic Feasibility Study for Injibara Airport. He has served as a peer reviewer for indexed journals including PLOS One, SAGE Open, and the Journal of Agriculture and Food Research. These multifaceted roles have not only enriched his academic portfolio but also positioned him as a dedicated contributor to Ethiopia’s educational and development agendas.

Research Interests

Abera’s research interests are firmly rooted in addressing the socio-economic challenges of the agricultural sector in Ethiopia. His main focus areas include Agricultural Technology Adoption, Agricultural Marketing and Value Chain Analysis, Impact Assessment, Food Security, Agricultural Extension, Resource and Environmental Economics, Climate Change, and Sustainable Development. His research seeks to explore how farmers adopt and adapt to innovations and technologies that can improve productivity and resilience. Abera’s work is driven by a commitment to improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers through data-driven policies and interventions. He is particularly interested in using meta-analysis and systematic review methods to generate comprehensive evidence for agricultural policy-making. He is also passionate about exploring the intersections of agriculture, environment, and socioeconomics. His studies address key issues such as the efficiency of agricultural systems, determinants of market participation, and the role of landholding size in farming productivity. His work contributes to the broader goals of national food security, rural development, and climate-smart agriculture. Abera’s current and future research plans involve expanding these themes through interdisciplinary collaboration, international partnerships, and applied research targeting local and national policy transformation in Ethiopia’s agricultural sector.

Research Skills

Abera Ayalew Muluken possesses strong research skills across both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. He is proficient in statistical software such as STATA, SPSS, R, and Eviews, and has a working knowledge of Python for basic data analysis tasks. He is highly skilled in conducting systematic reviews, meta-analyses, subgroup analyses, and meta-regressions. Abera has experience in using Geographic Information Systems (ArcGIS) for spatial analysis, and qualitative data analysis tools like ATLAS.ti, which enhances his ability to work with interdisciplinary and multi-format data. He is particularly adept at applying impact analysis methods such as Propensity Score Matching (PSM), Endogenous Switching Regression, and Instrumental Variable regression to evaluate the outcomes of agricultural interventions. He has practical experience with manuscript development, journal submission processes, and peer reviewing. He is also skilled in teaching research methodology and supervising undergraduate research. Additionally, Abera has demonstrated his competency in grant writing and preparing feasibility studies, which are crucial for project implementation. His language proficiency in English (C1) and native fluency in Amharic enable effective communication across academic and stakeholder platforms. These skills make him a versatile and efficient researcher capable of contributing to complex, interdisciplinary agricultural research programs.

Awards and Honors

Abera Ayalew Muluken has earned recognition for his academic performance and commitment to research through various awards and honors. He received a scholarship from the Ethiopian Ministry of Education to pursue his MSc in Agricultural Economics at Bahir Dar University, reflecting his outstanding academic achievements and potential in the field. In addition to this national recognition, Abera has also been acknowledged for his leadership and involvement in institutional development through several certificates and appointments. He has been a key member of the Research and Community Engagement Council at the College of Agriculture, Injibara University, where he contributed to the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of research and community service projects from 2021 to 2024. Abera has successfully completed internationally certified training programs on online education, academic publishing, qualitative data analysis, and research grant writing. These achievements underscore his continuous pursuit of professional development and academic excellence. While his formal awards are still growing, his impact is increasingly visible in his publication record, peer review contributions, and leadership roles. His dedication, diligence, and proactive learning have earned him respect within academic circles, and he is well-positioned to receive further accolades as he continues to contribute to his field.

Conclusion

Abera Ayalew Muluken stands out as a young and dynamic researcher whose work directly supports agricultural transformation and sustainable development in Ethiopia. Through his research on agricultural technology adoption, market participation, and environmental economics, he has contributed meaningful insights that can inform policy and improve the lives of rural farmers. His multidisciplinary approach, combining empirical analysis with real-world application, reflects a commitment to solving complex agricultural challenges. As a department head and peer reviewer, he also serves as a role model and leader within his academic community. His growing list of publications, ongoing research projects, and dedication to professional development demonstrate his long-term potential for academic excellence and policy impact. With a strong foundation in research methodology, communication, and leadership, Abera is well-deserving of recognition through the Best Researcher Award. His current trajectory points toward greater accomplishments, including international collaborations, high-impact publications, and participation in global research platforms. Awarding Abera will not only acknowledge his contributions but also encourage the continued development of research-driven agricultural policy and innovation in Ethiopia.

Publications Top Notes

1️⃣ Land size and efficiency in agriculture: The case of Ethiopian smallholder farmers. A meta-analysis

  • Authors: Y. Girma Asefa, A. Ayalew Muluken

  • Year: 2024

  • Journal: Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, Volume 8, Article 1447186

  • Citations: 3 (as of 2024)

2️⃣ The Effect of Age on Agricultural Technology Adoption by Smallholder Farmers in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

  • Authors: A. Ayalew, Y. Girma

  • Year: 2025

  • Journal: Advances in Agriculture, Volume 2025(1), Article 8881484

  • Citations: 1

3️⃣ Determinants of Maize (Zea mays) Supply to the Market in Northwestern Ethiopia

  • Authors: Z. Abera Ayalew, Fentahun Tesafa

  • Year: 2021

4️⃣ Analyze Structure, Conduct, and Performance (SCP) of Maize Markets in Case of Alefa District Northwestern Ethiopia

  • Authors: A. Ayalew, F. Tesafa, Z. Berhanie

  • Year: 2020

 

 

 

Liang-De Tang | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Published on by World Science Awards

Dr. Liang-De Tang | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Associate professor at Guizhou University, China

Dr. Liang-De Tang is a highly respected entomologist and Associate Professor at Guizhou University, specializing in biological control and integrated pest management (IPM) of horticultural crops. As a Master’s Supervisor and researcher at the State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticides, he has developed innovative pest control strategies that have greatly improved sustainable agriculture, particularly in controlling vegetable thrips. Dr. Tang has authored over 100 scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals and has secured numerous grants from national and provincial research foundations. His research is recognized for its practical applications, combining academic rigor with real-world agricultural needs. He has played a key role in several national research projects and is an influential voice in the scientific community, serving on the Committee of Agricultural Entomology of the Chinese Society of Entomology for two consecutive terms (2018–2023, 2023–present). Additionally, he has been a reviewer for many international journals, reflecting his expertise and reputation in the field. Dr. Tang also has experience in public service, having served as Deputy Mayor of Miyi County, where he applied his scientific knowledge to support local governance. His contributions have been recognized with awards, including the High-level Talent Award in Hainan Province, highlighting both his academic and societal impact.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Liang-De Tang’s educational journey reflects a strong commitment to agricultural science and pest management. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Hunan Agricultural University in 2003, where he received foundational training in agricultural sciences. Motivated to further deepen his expertise, he pursued a Master of Science degree at Guangxi University, completing it in 2007 with a focus on entomology and pest control in agricultural systems. During his master’s studies, he began to develop a specialization in the biological mechanisms of insect behavior and control methods. His academic pursuits culminated in a Ph.D. from South China Agricultural University in 2010, where he conducted advanced research on insect-plant interactions, olfactory recognition, and biological control agents. His doctoral work laid the foundation for his future contributions to integrated pest management and sustainable agriculture. Each stage of his academic career strengthened his analytical and research capabilities, preparing him for a dynamic career in both academic research and public service. Throughout his education, Dr. Tang was involved in multiple field studies and laboratory experiments that enriched his understanding of entomology. His progression from undergraduate studies to doctoral research reflects a consistent focus on improving agricultural practices through science, positioning him as a knowledgeable and innovative leader in entomology.

Professional Experience

Dr. Liang-De Tang has cultivated a distinguished professional career marked by interdisciplinary expertise, leadership, and innovation. From 2013 to 2015, he served as Assistant and then Associate Researcher at the Environment and Plant Protection Institute, part of the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences. During this period, he led critical research into biological pest control strategies, focusing on sustainable and eco-friendly approaches to crop protection. From 2016 to 2018, he continued his work as an Associate Researcher, further advancing projects on integrated pest management and contributing to national-level initiatives. In a unique blend of science and governance, Dr. Tang served as Deputy Mayor of Miyi County in Sichuan from 2019 to 2021. This role allowed him to apply scientific knowledge in a governmental context, promoting agricultural development and public policy rooted in ecological science. Since 2021, he has held the position of Associate Professor at Guizhou University, where he mentors graduate students, leads cutting-edge research, and collaborates on national and provincial projects. He also contributes to the State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticides, focusing on thrips management and insect olfaction. His diverse experiences across academia, research, and government reflect his capacity to integrate science with public service and innovation.

Research Interest

Dr. Liang-De Tang’s research interests lie at the intersection of entomology, ecology, and agricultural sustainability. His primary focus is on biological control and integrated pest management (IPM) of horticultural crops, especially concerning thrips species such as Megalurothrips usitatus and Frankliniella intonsa. He is particularly interested in the ecological interactions between pests, natural enemies, and host plants, exploring how these relationships can be leveraged for more effective pest control. A major theme in his work is the olfactory recognition mechanisms in insects, which plays a key role in their behavior and can be manipulated for pest monitoring or disruption. Dr. Tang also investigates the application of trap plants, parasitoids, and predatory mites as part of environmentally-friendly pest management strategies. He is committed to developing science-based solutions that reduce dependence on chemical pesticides, thereby contributing to safer food production and environmental protection. His interests extend to understanding the genetic and biochemical basis of insect resistance, parthenogenesis, and detoxification metabolism. Through extensive field and lab-based studies, Dr. Tang continuously explores innovative biocontrol methods, combining traditional ecological approaches with modern molecular tools. His research aims to bridge the gap between theoretical entomology and practical agricultural implementation, ultimately supporting global food security.

Research Skills

Dr. Liang-De Tang possesses a wide range of advanced research skills that reflect his interdisciplinary expertise in entomology and pest management. He is proficient in designing and conducting laboratory and field experiments to evaluate the efficacy of biological control agents, such as parasitoids, predators, and entomopathogenic fungi. He is experienced in rearing and handling economically significant insect species under controlled conditions, which is vital for studying their life cycles, population dynamics, and interactions with control agents. His work often incorporates the use of life table analysis and functional response models to assess the population impact of various biocontrol strategies. In molecular entomology, Dr. Tang is skilled in transcriptomic analysis, particularly in identifying and characterizing olfactory-related genes like odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) and chemosensory proteins (CSPs). He utilizes advanced tools such as gene expression profiling and biochemical assays to explore insect behavior and detoxification processes. Additionally, he is adept in integrated pest management planning, pest surveillance, and the development of IPM guidelines tailored to specific crops and regions. His skills also extend to scientific writing, grant application preparation, and collaborative research coordination, which have enabled him to publish widely and lead numerous research projects funded at national and provincial levels.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Liang-De Tang has received multiple awards and recognitions that reflect his excellence in scientific research, leadership, and service to both academia and society. One of the most notable is the High-level Talent Award in Hainan Province, which acknowledges his outstanding contributions to agricultural innovation and sustainable pest management. His work has been instrumental in enhancing regional agricultural practices, particularly through the implementation of biological control programs in tropical and subtropical regions. In recognition of his achievements, Dr. Tang has been appointed to serve on the Committee of Agricultural Entomology of the Chinese Society of Entomology for two consecutive terms (2018–2023, 2023–present), highlighting his leadership in the national entomological community. His projects have been consistently selected for funding by prestigious institutions, including the National Natural Science Foundation of China and various provincial science foundations, demonstrating continued trust in his scientific direction and capacity for impactful research. His role as a peer reviewer for international journals further attests to his standing in the global research community. These honors and his career trajectory illustrate not only his academic success but also his meaningful contributions to agricultural sustainability, public policy, and the development of young scientists in the field of entomology.

Conclusion

Dr. Liang-De Tang’s career embodies the integration of scientific innovation, public service, and academic excellence. With a solid foundation in entomological research and a proven record of leadership in both academic and governmental roles, he continues to make significant contributions to the advancement of sustainable agriculture in China and beyond. His focus on biological control and integrated pest management is particularly relevant in the current global shift toward environmentally friendly and economically viable agricultural practices. By combining traditional field-based research with molecular tools, Dr. Tang bridges the gap between fundamental entomological science and practical applications that directly benefit farmers, ecosystems, and public health. His work not only enhances crop protection strategies but also contributes to long-term ecological balance and food security. Through teaching, mentoring, and active participation in professional societies, he is shaping the next generation of scientists while fostering international collaboration and innovation. As he continues to lead research projects, publish impactful studies, and contribute to national agricultural development, Dr. Tang stands as a prominent figure in entomology whose career serves as a model for how science can inform policy and transform practice for sustainable development.

Publications Top Notes

  1. Title: Diapause in parasitoids: a systematic review

    • Authors: Zhen Z. Shen, Liangde L. Tang, Nicolas N. Desneux, Liansheng L. Zang

  2. Title: Controlling the clutch size of Trichogramma wasps on the factitious host of Antheraea pernyi to improve their breeding quality and pest control potential

    • Authors: Mingyue M. Mu, Zhipeng Z. Zou, Liangde L. Tang, Nicolas N. Desneux, Liansheng L. Zang

    • Year: 2025

  3. Title: Chromosome-level genome assembly and sex chromosome identification of the pink stem borer, Sesamia inferens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

    • Authors: Xiao Rui X.R. Yu, Xu X. Chen, Qingrong Q. Bai, Guy G. Smagghe, Liansheng L. Zang

  4. Title: Light intensity differentially mediates the life cycle of lepidopteran leaf feeders and stem borers

    • Authors: Tingting T. Xu, Xian X. Wu, Zhenbao Z. Luo, Junyi J. Gao, Liansheng L. Zang

    • Year: 2024