Tatek Wondimu Negash | Irrigation and Drainage Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Global Scholar Awards

Mr. Tatek Wondimu Negash | Irrigation and Drainage Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Agricultural Researcher at Ethiopia Institute Of Agricultural Research, Melkassa Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia

Tatek Wondimu Negash is a dedicated Water Resource and Irrigation Engineer and Researcher with over eight years of expertise in agricultural water management, hydrological modeling, land use, and climate change. His work focuses on optimizing irrigation systems to enhance productivity and water efficiency in semi-arid regions. He has extensive experience in stakeholder collaboration, working with farmers, government bodies, and research institutions. With multiple publications in high-impact journals, Tatek has significantly contributed to research on evapotranspiration, crop coefficients, and water allocation strategies. His technical proficiency in GIS, hydrological modeling, and irrigation system design, combined with his commitment to research and development, makes him a valuable contributor to sustainable water management.

Professional Profile 

Education

Tatek earned his BSc in Water Resources and Irrigation Engineering from Hawassa University, Ethiopia, in 2015. He further pursued an MPhil in Irrigation and Drainage Engineering at the University for Development Studies, Ghana, under a prestigious World Bank-funded scholarship from the West Africa Center for Water, Irrigation, and Sustainable Agriculture (WACWISA). His thesis investigated the impact of land use and land cover changes on watershed hydrology in Ethiopia. Additionally, he has completed various professional training programs, including data analysis, integrated water resource management, and eco-hydrology. His continuous pursuit of knowledge in irrigation technology and hydrology highlights his commitment to addressing water resource challenges.

Professional Experience

Since 2016, Tatek has been working as a Water Resources and Irrigation Engineer and Researcher at the Ethiopia Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), Melkassa Agricultural Research Center. His role involves identifying research gaps, designing and supervising irrigation projects, optimizing crop water requirements, and implementing innovative irrigation technologies. He has expertise in using advanced modeling tools such as ArcGIS, SWAT, DSSAT, and Aquacrop to improve water use efficiency. Tatek actively collaborates with local and international stakeholders to enhance agricultural water management practices. Additionally, he has participated in numerous workshops and training sessions, further expanding his expertise in hydrology and irrigation system design.

Research Interest

Tatek Wondimu Negash’s research focuses on sustainable water resource management, precision irrigation techniques, hydrological modeling, and the impact of climate change on agricultural water availability. His work aims to enhance water-use efficiency through innovative irrigation scheduling and crop water requirement assessments. He is particularly interested in the application of remote sensing and GIS in hydrology, evapotranspiration modeling, and the development of decision-support tools for irrigation planning. Tatek also investigates the effects of land use and land cover changes on watershed hydrology, emphasizing the need for integrated water management strategies. His research contributes to improving agricultural productivity in water-scarce regions, ensuring food security and environmental sustainability.

Awards and Honors

Tatek Wondimu Negash has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to water resource management and irrigation engineering. He received a prestigious World Bank-funded scholarship under the West Africa Center for Water, Irrigation, and Sustainable Agriculture (WACWISA) program for his MPhil studies. His research on watershed hydrology and irrigation efficiency has earned him several acknowledgments from academic and professional institutions. Tatek has also been invited to present his findings at international conferences and workshops, highlighting his expertise in agricultural water management. Additionally, he has received institutional awards for his contributions to applied research and innovative solutions in irrigation systems.

Research Skills

Tatek possesses strong technical expertise in hydrological and crop modeling, remote sensing, and geographic information system (GIS) applications in water resource management. He is proficient in using software such as ArcGIS, SWAT, DSSAT, AquaCrop, and CROPWAT for analyzing water balance, soil moisture, and irrigation efficiency. His skills also extend to statistical data analysis, programming in R and Python, and scientific writing for high-impact journals. With hands-on experience in field data collection, hydrometric station setup, and water quality assessment, he excels in designing and implementing sustainable irrigation strategies. His ability to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical applications makes him a valuable researcher in agricultural water management.

Conclusion

Tatek Wondimu Negash is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award, given his strong research background, significant contributions to agricultural water management, multiple peer-reviewed publications, and practical impact in irrigation and hydrology. His work has clear relevance to sustainable development and food security, making him a strong candidate. Enhancing his global outreach, innovation, and leadership roles would further solidify his position as a leading researcher in his field.

Publications Top Noted

  • Optimal Irrigation Water Allocation for Enhanced Productivity of Haricot Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and Economic Gain: An Experiment Conducted in the Semi-Arid Area of Ethiopia

    • Authors: Tatek Wondimu Negash, Abera Tesfaye Tefera, Gobena Dirirsa Bayisa, Gebeyehu Ashami, Ketema Tezera Bizuneh, Tigist Worku, Aynalem Gurms
    • Year: 2025
    • Citation: Negash, T. W., Tefera, A. T., Bayisa, G. D., Ashami, G., Bizuneh, K. T., Worku, T., & Gurms, A. (2025). Optimal irrigation water allocation for enhanced productivity of haricot bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and economic gain: An experiment conducted in the semi-arid area of Ethiopia. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, DOI: 10.1016/j.jafr.2025.101668

  • Optimal Irrigation Water Allocation for Enhanced Productivity of Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and Economic Gain: Evidence from the Semi‐Arid Region of Ethiopia

    • Authors: Tatek Wondimu Negash, Abera Tesfaye Tefera, Tigist Worku Awlachew, Aynalem Gurms Denku, Gobena Dirirsa Bayisa, Ketema Tezera Bizuneh, Gebeyehu Ashami Bikila
    • Year: 2025
    • Citation: Negash, T. W., Tefera, A. T., Awlachew, T. W., Denku, A. G., Bayisa, G. D., Bizuneh, K. T., & Bikila, G. A. (2025). Optimal irrigation water allocation for enhanced productivity of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and economic gain: Evidence from the semi‐arid region of Ethiopia. Irrigation and Drainage, DOI: 10.1002/ird.3094

  • Irrigation Water Allocation for Enhanced Productivity and Economic Gain of Haricot Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris): A Study in the Semi-Arid Region of Ethiopia

    • Authors: Tatek Wondimu Negash, Abera Tesfaye Tefera, Gebeyehu Ashami Bikila, Aynalem Gurms Dinku, Tigist Worku, Ketema Tezera, Gobena Dirirsa Bayisa
    • Year: 2025
    • Citation: Negash, T. W., Tefera, A. T., Bikila, G. A., Dinku, A. G., Worku, T., Tezera, K., & Bayisa, G. D. (2025). Irrigation water allocation for enhanced productivity and economic gain of haricot bean (Phaseolus vulgaris): A study in the semi-arid region of Ethiopia. Air, Soil and Water Research, DOI: 10.1177/11786221251316538

  • Determination of Evapotranspiration and Crop Coefficient for Tomato by Using Non-Weighing Lysimeter in the Semiarid Region

    • Authors: Tatek Wondimu Negash, Abera Tesfaye Tefera, Gebeyehu Ashemi Bikila, Ketema Tezera Bizuneh, Tigist Worku Awulachew, Aynalem Gurms Dinku
    • Year: 2024
    • Citation: Negash, T. W., Tefera, A. T., Bikila, G. A., Bizuneh, K. T., Awulachew, T. W., & Dinku, A. G. (2024). Determination of evapotranspiration and crop coefficient for tomato by using non-weighing lysimeter in the semiarid region. Air, Soil and Water Research, DOI: 10.1177/11786221241291313

  • Nitrogen and Soil Moisture Optimization for Tomato Crops in Semi-Arid Areas of Ethiopia

    • Authors: Abera Tesfaye, Tatek Wondimu, Ketema Tezera, Gebeyehu Ashemi, Tigist Worku, Aynalem Gurms
    • Year: 2024
    • Citation: Tesfaye, A., Wondimu, T., Tezera, K., Ashemi, G., Worku, T., & Gurms, A. (2024). Nitrogen and soil moisture optimization for tomato crops in semi-arid areas of Ethiopia. Air, Soil and Water Research, DOI: 10.1177/11786221241289641

  • Evapotranspiration and Crop Coefficient of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) at Melkassa Farmland, Semi-Arid Area of Ethiopia

    • Authors: Tatek Wondimu Negash, Gobena Dirirsa Bayisa, Abera Tesfaye Tefera, Ketema Tezera Bizuneh, Aynalem Gurms Dinku, Tigist Worku Awulachew, Gebeyehu Ashemi Bikela
    • Year: 2023
    • Citation: Negash, T. W., Bayisa, G. D., Tefera, A. T., Bizuneh, K. T., Dinku, A. G., Awulachew, T. W., & Bikela, G. A. (2023). Evapotranspiration and crop coefficient of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) at Melkassa farmland, semi-arid area of Ethiopia. Air, Soil and Water Research, DOI: 10.1177/11786221231184206

Filagot Mengistu Walle | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Global Scholar Awards

Mrs. Filagot Mengistu Walle | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

PhD Student at Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia

Filagot Mengistu Walle is a dedicated lecturer and researcher at Addis Ababa University’s Institute of Geophysics, Space Science, and Astronomy. She specializes in remote sensing, GIS, and geospatial analysis, focusing on environmental and geophysical studies such as groundwater potential mapping, forest structure assessment, land surface temperature analysis, landslide hazard zonation, and geothermal energy development. With an M.Sc. in Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics from Addis Ababa University, she has contributed to numerous projects funded by international organizations, including the UK’s Natural Environmental Research Council and the Global Challenge Research Fund. Filagot possesses strong digital and analytical skills, proficient in Python, R, MATLAB, and various GIS and image processing software. Her research has been published in reputable journals, demonstrating her expertise in using satellite imagery and geophysical methods for sustainable development. With years of experience in academia and research, she continues to make significant contributions to geospatial sciences in Ethiopia and beyond.

Professional Profile 

Education

Filagot Mengistu Walle has a strong academic background with multiple degrees in geospatial sciences and education. She earned her M.Sc. in Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia, equipping her with advanced expertise in satellite imagery analysis, GIS applications, and environmental monitoring. Additionally, she holds an M.A. in Vocational Educational Management from Adama Science and Technology University, reflecting her commitment to academic leadership and curriculum development. Her educational journey began with a B.Sc. in Management Information Systems from Unity University, Ethiopia, which provided her with a strong foundation in data management, computing, and digital analysis. Her diverse academic qualifications have enabled her to integrate technology with geospatial sciences, leading impactful research in environmental sustainability, land use analysis, and geophysical studies. Through continuous learning and interdisciplinary expertise, Filagot has developed a well-rounded educational profile that supports her work as a researcher, lecturer, and geospatial data analyst.

Professional Experience

Filagot Mengistu Walle has an extensive professional background in academia, research, and technology. She is currently a lecturer and researcher at Addis Ababa University’s Institute of Geophysics, Space Science, and Astronomy, where she conducts cutting-edge research in remote sensing, GIS applications, and environmental monitoring. Prior to this, she served as a Senior Network Administrator at Addis Ababa University from 2015 to 2018, managing IT infrastructure and network systems. From 2008 to 2014, she worked as an IT trainer and department head at Aman Polytechnic College, where she played a key role in curriculum development and technical training. Throughout her career, Filagot has led numerous research projects on groundwater mapping, land use change, geothermal energy, and disaster risk assessment. Her expertise in geospatial technologies, programming, and environmental sensing has made significant contributions to scientific advancements in Ethiopia and beyond, positioning her as a leader in the field of geoinformatics.

Research Interest

Filagot Mengistu Walle’s research interests focus on remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), geospatial data analysis, and environmental monitoring. She specializes in applying earth observation technologies to assess groundwater potential, land use and land cover changes, forest structure, and climate-smart agro-pastoral ecosystems. Her work also extends to disaster risk assessment, including landslide hazard zoning and slope instability modeling using optical and InSAR techniques. Additionally, she explores the impact of industrial activities on land surface temperature and investigates active magmatic systems and volcanic unrest using geophysical and satellite data. Her research on the sustainable development of geothermal energy technology contributes to clean energy and water access solutions in Ethiopia and Kenya. With expertise in advanced geospatial analysis, programming, and big data processing, Filagot integrates cutting-edge technologies to address environmental and societal challenges, enhancing decision-making processes for sustainable development and resource management in East Africa.

Award and Honor

There is no specific mention of awards and honors in Mrs. Filagot Mengistu Walle’s curriculum vitae. However, her extensive contributions to remote sensing, GIS, environmental monitoring, and disaster risk assessment highlight her recognition within the scientific community. Her involvement in prestigious research projects, such as the RiftVolc project funded by the UK’s Natural Environmental Research Council and the Sustainable Development of Geothermal Energy Technology project supported by the Global Challenge Research Fund (GCRF), demonstrates her influence in the field. Additionally, her publications in high-impact journals and collaborations with esteemed institutions reflect her academic excellence and research impact. While formal awards may not be explicitly listed, her leadership in significant scientific endeavors and contributions to geospatial and environmental research position her as a distinguished researcher in her field. Her work continues to shape sustainable development efforts and climate resilience strategies in Ethiopia and East Africa.

Research Skill

Mrs. Filagot Mengistu Walle possesses exceptional research skills in remote sensing, GIS, geospatial analysis, and environmental monitoring. Her expertise includes processing and analyzing satellite imagery, spatial data modeling, and geostatistical analysis for applications such as groundwater potential mapping, landslide hazard assessment, and climate change impact studies. She is proficient in advanced geospatial tools, including QGIS, ArcGIS, Google Earth Engine, and image processing software such as Erdas Imagine and ENVI. Additionally, her programming skills in Python, R, SQL, and MATLAB enhance her ability to develop geospatial models and automate data analysis. Her research involves integrating multiple geophysical and earth observation techniques to study land surface temperature changes, volcanic unrest, and agro-pastoral ecosystem transformation. Her ability to combine theoretical knowledge with practical applications allows her to contribute significantly to sustainable development, disaster risk reduction, and environmental management, making her a highly skilled researcher in geospatial sciences and remote sensing technologies.

Conclusion

Filagot Mengistu Walle is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given her multidisciplinary expertise, impactful projects, and research excellence in Remote Sensing and GIS. However, to maximize her competitiveness, pursuing a Ph.D., increasing high-impact publications, and leading global research initiatives would further solidify her standing in the academic and research community.

Publications Top Noted

  • F. Mengistu, K.V. Suryabhagavan, T.K. Raghuvanshi, E. Lewi (2019). Landslide Hazard Zonation and Slope Instability Assessment Using Optical and InSAR Data: A Case Study from Gidole Town and Its Surrounding Areas, Southern Ethiopia. Remote Sensing of Land, 3(1), 1-14. Cited by: 54

  • G. Mewa, F. Mengistu (2022). Assessment of Landslide Risk in Ethiopia: Distributions, Causes, and Impacts. IntechOpen. Cited by: 8

  • F. Mengistu, B.T. Hailu, T.A. Abera, J. Heiskanen, T.T. Zeleke, T. Johansson, et al. (2024). Improving the Accuracy of Honey Bee Forage Class Mapping Using Ensemble Learning and Multi-Source Satellite Data in Google Earth Engine. Scientific African, 26, e02415. Cited by: 1

  • R. Gezahegn, F. Mengistu (2025). Morphometric and Land Use Land Cover Analysis for the Management of Water Resources in Guder Sub-Basin, Ethiopia. Applied Water Science, 15(2), 18. Cited by: Not available yet (Upcoming 2025 publication).