Muluken Bantayehu | Environment Economics | Best Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr. Muluken Bantayehu | Environment Economics | Best Researcher Award

Division Head at Bahirdar University, Ethiopia

Muluken Bantayehu Nigatie is an accomplished Assistant Professor in Plant Sciences at Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia, with extensive expertise in plant breeding and postharvest technology. His academic journey includes a Master’s degree in Plant Breeding from Haramaya University and research experience at KU Leuven, Belgium. Nigatie has significantly contributed to agricultural research, particularly through his studies on banana varieties and malting barley, which have led to the development and release of new crop varieties. His work has practical applications, including community training and the creation of production technology manuals. Nigatie’s publications in esteemed journals and his active role in community outreach reflect his commitment to advancing agricultural practices in Ethiopia. While his research is impactful, expanding his focus to a broader range of crops and increasing international collaboration could further enhance his contributions to the field.

Profile

Education

Muluken Bantayehu Nigatie’s educational background is distinguished by his advanced studies and accomplishments in the field of plant sciences. He earned a Master of Science in Plant Breeding from Haramaya University, Ethiopia, in 2006, graduating with very great distinction. His undergraduate studies were completed at the same institution, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Plant Sciences in 2002, graduating with great distinction. Prior to these degrees, he served as a Research Assistant (Pre-doctoral) at KU Leuven in Belgium from 2011 to 2012, further enhancing his expertise and research capabilities. This solid educational foundation, combined with his hands-on research experience, has equipped Nigatie with the skills and knowledge essential for his current role as an Assistant Professor of Plant Sciences at Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia, where he has been contributing significantly to the field of plant breeding and agricultural research.

Professional Experience

Muluken Bantayehu Nigatie brings extensive experience in plant sciences, particularly in plant breeding and postharvest technology. He has served as an Assistant Professor at Bahir Dar University since 2013, where he specializes in plant breeding and contributes to the development and release of new crop varieties. Prior to this role, Nigatie worked as a Research Assistant at KU Leuven in Belgium, enhancing his research skills and international perspective. His career began at Adet Agriculture Research Center, where he worked as an Associate Researcher for over a decade, focusing on plant resource improvement. Throughout his career, Nigatie has been actively involved in community outreach, including training programs and developing production technology manuals for local farmers. His experience reflects a strong commitment to advancing agricultural practices and improving crop varieties, making significant contributions to both academic research and practical applications in Ethiopia.

Research Interest

Muluken Bantayehu Nigatie’s research interests are primarily centered on plant breeding and postharvest technology. His work focuses on developing and improving crop varieties, particularly malting barley and bananas, to enhance agricultural productivity and quality. Nigatie’s research explores the genetic and phenotypic aspects of plant traits, including yield, quality, and adaptation to diverse agroecological conditions. He is also deeply involved in studying postharvest quality traits, ripening behavior, and reducing losses in tropical fruits. His interest extends to community-based applications, where he works on participatory adaptation and extension of improved varietal technologies, providing practical solutions for local farmers. Through his research, Nigatie aims to bridge the gap between scientific advancements and agricultural practices, contributing to food security and sustainable agricultural development in Ethiopia.

Research Skills

Muluken Bantayehu Nigatie possesses a diverse and comprehensive set of research skills that underscore his expertise in plant sciences and agricultural research. His proficiency in quantitative analysis is evident through his extensive use of statistical software such as SAS, SPSS, and Cropstat for analyzing plant breeding data and postharvest quality traits. His expertise in experimental design is highlighted by his work on malting barley and banana varieties, where he has conducted rigorous evaluations of crop performance under various conditions. Nigatie’s skills in community outreach are demonstrated through his development of practical guides and training programs for local farmers, enhancing the application of his research findings. Furthermore, his collaborative approach in participatory research and extension activities reflects his ability to work effectively with both local and international partners, thereby translating scientific research into tangible benefits for agricultural communities.

Award and Recognition

Muluken Bantayehu Nigatie has garnered significant recognition for his impactful contributions to plant sciences, particularly in plant breeding and postharvest technology. As an Assistant Professor at Bahir Dar University, his innovative research on banana varieties and malting barley has advanced agricultural practices in Ethiopia. His work has led to the development and release of new crop varieties, directly benefiting local farmers. Nigatie’s dedication extends beyond research; he has actively engaged in community outreach by training seed multipliers and developing educational materials for farmers. His scholarly contributions are well-documented in numerous publications across reputable journals. The recognition of his efforts is evident from his continued involvement in pivotal agricultural research projects and his role in enhancing food security and agricultural productivity. His achievements underscore his excellence and commitment to advancing agricultural sciences, making him a deserving candidate for prestigious awards and honors.

Conclusion

Muluken Bantayehu Nigatie is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his significant contributions to plant sciences, practical applications of his research, and active engagement with the agricultural community. While there are areas where his research scope could be broadened, his existing achievements and community impact make him a noteworthy nominee for this award.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Efficacy of Postharvest Technologies on Ripening Behavior and Quality of Banana Varieties Grown in Ethiopia
    • Authors: Bantayehu, M., Alemayehu, M.
    • Journal: International Journal of Fruit Science
    • Year: 2020
    • Volume: 20
    • Issue: 1
    • Pages: 59–75
    • Citations: 9
  2. Genotypic and phenotypic correlation and path coefficient analysis for yield and yield-related traits in advanced bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) lines
    • Authors: Baye, A., Berihun, B., Bantayehu, M., Derebe, B.
    • Journal: Cogent Food and Agriculture
    • Year: 2020
    • Volume: 6
    • Issue: 1
    • Article ID: 1752603
    • Citations: 57
  3. Estimation of pre and postharvest losses of tropical fruits in Ethiopia
    • Authors: Bantayehu, M., Alemayehu, M., Abera, M., Bizuayehu, S.
    • Journal: International Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation
    • Year: 2019
    • Volume: 6
    • Issue: 1
    • Pages: 46–56
    • Citations: 5