Researcher from Centre for Agroecology Water and Resilience, United Kingdom
Yitbarek Tibebe Weldesemaet is a distinguished academic and researcher known for his extensive work in the fields of peacebuilding, security studies, and conflict transformation. His academic career is built on a strong foundation in political science, with a particular focus on African peace and security architecture. Yitbarek has developed a reputation for blending scholarly research with practical applications, especially in post-conflict societies. His work often explores indigenous African approaches to peacebuilding and emphasizes inclusive governance, regional integration, and community-centered conflict resolution. His research is deeply influenced by his commitment to sustainable peace and development in the Horn of Africa and beyond. Yitbarek’s impact extends beyond academia through his collaboration with governmental and non-governmental organizations, think tanks, and regional policy platforms. He has contributed significantly to shaping peace and security discourse in Africa through publications, policy briefs, and public lectures. As both a scholar and practitioner, Yitbarek is respected for his analytical depth, grassroots engagement, and dedication to decolonizing knowledge production in African contexts. His leadership in teaching, research, and policy advocacy makes him a valuable contributor to regional stability and academic growth. With a vision centered on resilient, inclusive societies, he continues to advance both theory and practice in peace and conflict studies.
Professional Profile
Education
Yitbarek Tibebe Weldesemaet holds a rich academic background that underpins his expertise in peace and security studies. He earned his Master’s degree in Peace and Security Studies from Addis Ababa University’s Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS), one of the premier institutions on the African continent specializing in conflict analysis and regional integration. During his studies, Yitbarek focused on African solutions to African problems, with a keen interest in understanding the root causes of violent conflict and the role of regional organizations such as the African Union in conflict resolution. He later pursued advanced academic and research training through postgraduate programs and professional development initiatives across Africa and Europe, enhancing his methodological rigor and global perspective. His academic trajectory reflects a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating insights from international relations, development studies, and sociology. He has also participated in fellowships, academic exchanges, and capacity-building programs that have broadened his intellectual horizons. These academic experiences have not only equipped him with critical analytical tools but also deepened his understanding of the political, social, and economic dynamics that underpin peace and security. Yitbarek’s educational foundation continues to shape his innovative and context-sensitive research contributions to African peacebuilding and governance discourse.
Professional Experience
Yitbarek Tibebe Weldesemaet’s professional experience spans academia, policy research, and advisory roles in national and international settings. He has worked as a researcher and lecturer with leading academic institutions in Ethiopia, contributing to curriculum development and mentorship in peace and conflict studies. In addition to his academic engagements, he has served as a peace and security analyst with various think tanks and policy institutions, focusing on conflict prevention, regional integration, and post-conflict reconstruction. His involvement with the African Union and other intergovernmental bodies has enabled him to provide expert advice on peacebuilding frameworks and security sector reform. Yitbarek has also worked with civil society organizations and NGOs, implementing grassroots peacebuilding programs in conflict-affected areas. His field-based research and programmatic experience inform his practical understanding of conflict dynamics, mediation processes, and community resilience. He is regularly invited to participate in regional forums, workshops, and policy dialogues, where he shares insights and recommendations based on empirical evidence. His professional background reflects a unique blend of academic excellence and real-world application, making him a vital contributor to national and regional peace efforts. Through teaching, policy advising, and research leadership, Yitbarek has built a career grounded in impact, innovation, and ethical engagement.
Research Interests
Yitbarek Tibebe Weldesemaet’s research interests are deeply rooted in the African peace and security landscape. He focuses on conflict resolution, post-conflict reconstruction, peacebuilding, and regional integration, with a special emphasis on the Horn of Africa. One of his core interests lies in exploring indigenous and traditional mechanisms for resolving disputes and how these can be integrated with formal governance systems to enhance sustainability. He is also passionate about analyzing the role of regional institutions like the African Union in promoting peace and stability across the continent. Yitbarek’s scholarly inquiries delve into themes such as the political economy of conflict, youth and gender in peacebuilding, and the intersection of development and security. His research also critically examines external interventions and the dynamics of sovereignty in conflict-prone regions. Yitbarek is known for advocating decolonized and contextually relevant approaches to research, challenging dominant narratives in global security discourse. His work frequently bridges academic research with field-based case studies, offering policy-relevant insights that inform practitioners and decision-makers. He continues to explore how African-led solutions can be scaled and institutionalized within national and regional governance structures. Yitbarek’s research is both theoretically grounded and action-oriented, aiming to foster transformative change and enduring peace in conflict-affected societies.
Research Skills
Yitbarek Tibebe Weldesemaet possesses a versatile set of research skills that have enabled him to carry out in-depth and impactful studies across diverse peace and security contexts. He is proficient in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including ethnographic fieldwork, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and policy analysis. Yitbarek is skilled in data collection, coding, and thematic analysis, with the ability to synthesize large volumes of information into clear, actionable insights. He is also adept in participatory action research, which he employs to engage local communities in co-creating solutions to conflict and governance challenges. Yitbarek’s ability to navigate complex political and cultural environments enhances the quality and relevance of his field-based studies. He has experience conducting conflict sensitivity assessments, stakeholder mapping, and institutional analysis, which are critical for peacebuilding program design and evaluation. Additionally, Yitbarek is proficient in academic writing, policy brief development, and research dissemination through conferences, workshops, and publications. His multilingual skills and regional expertise further strengthen his capacity to conduct cross-border and comparative studies in Africa. By integrating theory with practice, Yitbarek’s research skills contribute to the production of knowledge that is rigorous, policy-relevant, and grounded in lived realities.
Awards and Honors
Throughout his academic and professional journey, Yitbarek Tibebe Weldesemaet has received numerous awards and honors that underscore his contributions to peacebuilding and African studies. He has been recognized for his excellence in research and teaching by prominent academic institutions and regional organizations. Among his accolades is the prestigious African Peacebuilding Scholar Award, which honors outstanding researchers contributing to conflict resolution and regional integration in Africa. He has also received fellowships and research grants from international bodies committed to supporting sustainable development, such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), African Union’s Peace and Security Department, and various international research councils. Yitbarek’s participation in global academic forums and policy dialogues has earned him further recognition as an emerging thought leader in the field. His work has been featured in high-impact journals, and he has been invited as a keynote speaker at conferences focusing on African governance, conflict transformation, and human security. In addition to formal awards, he is widely respected by peers and students for his mentorship, intellectual leadership, and commitment to social justice. These honors not only celebrate his past achievements but also affirm his ongoing dedication to advancing peace and academic excellence across Africa.
Conclusion
Yitbarek Tibebe Weldesemaet stands out as a committed scholar and practitioner whose work bridges the gap between academic inquiry and real-world impact. His extensive contributions to peacebuilding, conflict transformation, and regional integration are grounded in a deep understanding of African socio-political contexts. With a firm belief in indigenous knowledge systems and community-centered approaches, he champions locally driven solutions to complex conflicts. Yitbarek’s interdisciplinary expertise, combined with his rigorous research and policy engagement, positions him as a leading voice in African peace and security studies. His academic journey, marked by excellence and innovation, reflects a lifelong commitment to education, equity, and sustainable development. He continues to inspire future generations of scholars and practitioners through teaching, mentorship, and public scholarship. His ability to connect global discourses with local realities enhances his credibility and relevance in the field. As Africa continues to face challenges related to governance, security, and development, Yitbarek’s work remains vital in shaping inclusive and resilient societies. Through his thoughtful engagement and visionary leadership, he exemplifies the role of the engaged intellectual in advancing peace, justice, and transformation. His legacy will undoubtedly influence both scholarly thought and peacebuilding practice for years to come.
Publications Top Notes
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Community perceptions and governance of tree planting schemes in Ethiopia: Insights for sustainable ecological and socioeconomic outcomes”**
Authors: Tibebe Weldesemaet Yitbarek, John R. U. Wilson, Adrian Evans, Katharina Dehnen‐Schmutz
Year: 2025
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Investigating tree planting in Ethiopia and the extent to which scheme implementation aligns with good governance practices”**
Authors: Tibebe Weldesemaet Yitbarek, John R.U. Wilson, Katharina Dehnen-Schmutz
Year: 2025
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Stakeholders’ views on the global guidelines for the sustainable use of non‐native trees”**
Authors: Ana Novoa, Giovanni Vimercati, Giuseppe Brundu, David M. Richardson, Urs Schaffner, Antonio Brunori, Thomas Campagnaro, Susan Canavan, Laura Celesti‐Grapow, Michele Dechoum, et al.
Year: 2024
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A governance framework for the design and evaluation of tree planting schemes”**
Authors: Tibebe Weldesemaet Yitbarek, John R.U. Wilson, Katharina Dehnen-Schmutz
Year: 2023
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Enhancing food security through forest landscape restoration: Lessons from Burkina Faso, Brazil, Guatemala, Viet Nam, Ghana, Ethiopia and Philippines”**
Authors: IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature
Year: 2015
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Trophy hunters’ willingness to pay for wildlife conservation and community benefits”**
Authors: Yitbarek T.W., Degu Tadie, Girma Timer, Anke Fischer
Year: 2015
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On the Interplay of Actors in the Co-Management of Natural Resources – A Dynamic Perspective”**
Authors: Data not available
Year: 2014
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Evaluating governance processes in the sharing of revenues from wildlife tourism and hunting in Ethiopia”**
Authors: Yitbarek T.W., Degu Tadie, Girma Timer, Anke Fischer
Year: 2013
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The onsite cost of gully erosion and cost-benefit of gully rehabilitation: A case study in Ethiopia”**
Authors: T.W. Yitbarek, S. Belliethathan, L.C. Stringer
Year: 2012
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A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Watershed Rehabilitation: A Case Study in Farta Woreda, South Gondar, Ethiopia”**
Authors: Yitbarek T.W., Satishkumar Belliethathan, Masresha Fetene
Year: 2010