Biography
Fekremariam (Fekre) is a researcher specializing in Farming System Innovations. With a background in agronomy and crop physiology, Fekre served as an Associate Researcher of Agronomy within the Ethiopian Agricultural Research System until 2017. Following the completion of his PhD at Tottori University in 2021, he furthered his research as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Soka University and the National Institute of Environmental Studies (NIES) in Japan.
Currently, Fekremariam holds the position of CERC Postdoctoral Fellow in crop modelling at AGRICULTURE and FOOD. His current focus revolves around modelling the long-term impact of legume-based crop rotation and intercropping on productivity, resource-use efficiency (nitrogen and water), and greenhouse gas emissions using APSIM under historical and future climate scenarios.
Fekremariam's notable contributions include the development of best crop management practices aimed at enhancing farm productivity and profitability while mitigating soil erosion in Ethiopia. During his tenure as a Postdoctoral Researcher in Japan, he extensively utilized crop models such as DSSAT and APSIM to simulate the long-term effects of agronomic practices on crop yield and profitability. Additionally, he conducted research on the impact of environmental stresses, such as water stress and elevated ozone, on the relationship between stomatal conductance and photosynthesis of rice and wheat through controlled experiments.
Fekremariam's research findings have been disseminated in esteemed journals including Agricultural Systems, Field Crops Research, and the European Journal of Agronomy
Academic Qualifications
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2021
PhD in Global Dryland Science
Tottori University, Japan -
2013
Msc in Agronomy
Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia -
2005
Bsc in Plant Production and Dry Land Farming
Hawassa University, Ethiopia
Current Roles
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CERC Postdoc, CSIRO, Australia
Mixed Farming System Innovation at Food and Agriculture
Grants
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2022-2025
Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (KAKEN), Modelling impact of Biochar on soil loss and crop productivity
Professional Experiences
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Nov 2021-March 2022
Postdoc Researcher, impact of biochar on crop yield and soil loss
Soka University, Japan -
April 2022-Dec 2022
Research Associate, impact of climate change and pollutants on photosynthesis
National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), Japan -
2015-2016
Watershed Coordinator, Reducing farmer's vulnerability to land degradation and climate change in Ethiopia
International Center for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA), Ethiopia -
2005-2015
Junior Researcher, developing crop management practices for field crops
Amhara Regional Agricultural Research Institute (ARARI), Ethiopia