My name is Amelework Kindihun, and I was born on June 21, 1991, in Ethiopia. I am a passionate and highly skilled environmental specialist with over nine years of professional experience in natural resource management, sustainable land practices, and climate resilience strategies. As an Ethiopian national, I am currently based in Addis Ababa, where I dedicate my efforts to advancing environmental research and education.
Educational Background
I hold a Master’s degree in Natural Resource and Environmental Management from Addis Ababa University (2015–2017) and a Bachelor’s degree in Geography and Environmental Studies from Wollo University (2010–2012). Additionally, I enhanced my pedagogical expertise with a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching (PGDT) from Haromaya University (2012–2013).
Research and Academic Career
Throughout my career, I have made significant contributions to environmental studies, focusing particularly on soil fertility, land consolidation, and climate-smart agriculture. My Master’s research explored farmers’ perceptions of soil fertility management in Ethiopia’s central highlands. I have also participated in international projects, including serving as a research assistant for the University of Aberdeen’s Biomass Reduction and Environmental Air study in Africa.
As a lecturer at Arsi University, I taught courses on agroforestry and farming systems while leading and facilitating projects related to sustainable land management and climate-smart practices. These roles allowed me to ensure project outcomes were community-focused and impactful.
Professional Experience
My career highlights include serving as a Research Assistant with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), where I supervised data collection for climate-smart agriculture surveys across multiple Ethiopian regions. I conducted critical research on land fragmentation and consolidation, and I collaborated with Addis Ababa University to assess the impact of biofortified staple crops on commercialization and production.
Skills and Expertise
I am proficient in various data analysis tools, including SPSS, STATA, GIS, and R. My skill set also includes planning, supervising, and reporting field research. I pride myself on strong interpersonal, negotiation, and organizational skills, which have been instrumental in coordinating multidisciplinary teams and managing complex projects.
Field and Training Experiences
My fieldwork spans Oromia, Amhara, and Tigray regions, where I have engaged directly with local communities. I have participated in numerous workshops and seminars, such as sessions on climate-smart agriculture, land consolidation, and scientific research writing. These experiences have deepened my understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the field of environmental management.
Recognition and Impact
My contributions have been recognized through collaborations with organizations such as CIAT, GIZ, and IPSS. My work not only advances scientific understanding but also supports communities in building climate resilience and improving livelihoods. I am committed to using my expertise to drive sustainable environmental practices and positively impact the lives of those I work with.