Dr. Mekonnen H. Daba

Professional Summary

Dr. Mekonnen H. Daba is an accomplished Ethiopian geospatial agro-climatology scientist and agricultural researcher with more than 15 years of experience connecting climate science, hydrology, water resources, agriculture and natural resources management. Since 2009, he has worked with the Oromia Agricultural Research Institute at Bako Agricultural Research Center, where he has led agroforestry research, supported the natural resources research process, designed multidisciplinary climate-smart agriculture projects, conducted land-use and land-cover change studies, analysed historical and projected climate datasets, and delivered practical climate, agriculture and agroforestry training for farmers and professionals. He holds a PhD in Agricultural Meteorology and Climate Change from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Beijing, an MSc in Climate Change and Development, and a BSc in Hydrology and Meteorology Science from Arba Minch University. His scientific work spans hydrological and hydroclimatic modelling, climate change impact assessment, GIS and remote sensing, watershed management, ecosystem services, climate extremes, land-use change, agroforestry, carbon sequestration and climate-resilient agriculture. His professional record includes 22 peer-reviewed scientific articles, one book chapter and two natural resources proceedings, together with participation in numerous national and international scientific conferences. His research has examined important challenges including runoff response to climate variability, climate impacts on river-flow regimes, reservoir sedimentation, land-use change and water resources, soil fertility improvement, agroforestry systems, climate variability and crop production, carbon sequestration and sustainable natural resources management. Dr. Mekonnen has also received important academic and professional recognition, including a Best Paper Award at the 2nd African Graduate Students Conference in 2022, a Beijing Municipal Government Scholarship, a University of Nairobi-IDRC research fellowship award of USD 7,500, and international travel awards supporting scientific participation in Norway and Germany. He has contributed to major initiatives including the Climate Action through Landscape Management Program for Results, the Food System Resilience Program, the Trees for Food Security project, the Ethiopian Agricultural Growth Program II and national efforts to strengthen climate resilience in Ethiopian agriculture. His career demonstrates a strong ability to transform climate, hydrological and geospatial science into practical knowledge for water security, resilient agriculture, sustainable landscapes, ecosystem restoration and improved livelihoods. He is well positioned to contribute to interdisciplinary research partnerships, advanced climate and water modelling, geospatial innovation, scientific capacity building and evidence-based decision-making across Africa.

Key Expertise

Major Projects and Contributions

• Researcher and Geospatial Agro-Climatologist – Bako Agricultural Research Center
  Since 2009, Dr. Mekonnen H. Daba has served as a researcher and geospatial agro-climatologist with the Oromia Agricultural Research Institute at Bako Agricultural Research Center. His responsibilities have included leading agroforestry research, supporting the natural resources research process, designing multidisciplinary projects, analysing climate and geospatial data, conducting land-use and ecosystem studies, and delivering agricultural and climate advisory training.
• Climate Action through Landscape Management Program for Results – CALM P4R
  Participated in and contributed scientific expertise to the Climate Action through Landscape Management Program for Results, supporting sustainable landscape management, climate resilience, natural resources conservation and improved environmental management.
• Food System Resilience Program – FSRP
  Contributed to the Food System Resilience Program, supporting research and knowledge development related to resilient agricultural production, climate adaptation, sustainable natural resources management and improved food-system resilience.
• Trees for Food Security Project – Second Phase
  Contributed to the second phase of the Trees for Food Security initiative, focused on improving sustainable productivity in farming systems and strengthening livelihoods through the adoption of evergreen agriculture and agroforestry approaches in Eastern Africa.
• Ethiopian Agricultural Growth Program II – AGP II
  Participated in and contributed to the second phase of the Ethiopian Agricultural Growth Program, supporting agricultural development, natural resources research, resilient farming systems and evidence-based approaches for improved agricultural productivity.
• Making Ethiopian Agriculture Climate Resilient
  Served as focal personnel in an initiative aimed at strengthening networking and coordination for mainstreaming climate change adaptation into food security planning and sustainable development in Ethiopia.
• Climate Change, Hydrology and Water Resources Research
  Conducted extensive scientific research on climate variability, climate change impacts, river-flow regimes, surface runoff, watershed response, hydrological modelling and water resources availability. His studies have included work in the Upper Awash Basin, Fincha Sub-Basin, Upper Blue Nile Basin and other Ethiopian watersheds using climate data analysis, SWAT modelling and integrated hydroclimatic approaches.
• Land Use Change, GIS and Remote Sensing Research
  Applied GIS, remote sensing and CA-Markov modelling to assess historical and future land-use and land-cover change, identify driving factors and evaluate implications for ecosystem services and water resources management. His geospatial work supports evidence-based environmental planning and natural resources decision-making.
• Climate-Smart Agriculture, Agroforestry and Ecosystem Research
  Led and contributed to research on climate-smart agriculture, agroforestry systems, soil fertility, tree adaptation and growth, carbon sequestration, ecosystem services and climate-resilient agricultural development. He has also delivered training and extension services on agro-meteorological advisory services, climate-smart agriculture and agroforestry.
• Scientific Publications, Research Leadership and International Recognition
  Built a substantial scientific record including 22 peer-reviewed articles, one book chapter and two natural resources proceedings. His professional recognition includes a Best Paper Award at the 2nd African Graduate Students Conference in 2022, a Beijing Municipal Government Scholarship, a USD 7,500 University of Nairobi-IDRC research fellowship, and international scientific travel awards supporting conference participation in Norway and Germany.