Assoc Prof Dr. Belay Duguma, Agriculture Award, Best Researcher Award
Associate Professor at Jimma University, Ethiopia
Assoc Prof Dr Belay Duguma is an accomplished academic and researcher specializing in animal science, with a focus on animal nutrition, livestock management, forage development, and sustainable agriculture. He holds a Master of Science degree in Animal Production from Alemaya University, Ethiopia, and a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from the same institution.
With over two decades of experience in academia and research, Assoc Prof Dr Belay has served in various capacities at Jimma University in Ethiopia, including Assistant Professor and Associate Professor in the Department of Animal Sciences. Throughout his career, he has contributed significantly to the field through his research endeavors, teaching, and mentorship of students.
His research interests encompass animal nutrition, livestock management, forage development, ruminant physiology, and sustainable agriculture. Assoc Prof Dr Belay’s work aims to improve livestock productivity, welfare, and sustainability, addressing the challenges faced by the agricultural sector in Ethiopia and beyond.
Profile:
Education:
MSc in Animal Production from Alemaya University, Ethiopia, obtained in 2002.
BSc in Animal Science from Alemaya University of Agriculture, Ethiopia, completed between 1987 and 1990.
Professional Experience:
Associate Professor (June 2012-present):
Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, Ethiopia.
Assistant Professor (April 2008 to June 2012):
Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Veterinary, Jimma University, Ethiopia.
Lecturer and Head (Jan. 2004 to March 2008):
Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia.
Dean (Oct. 2002 to Jan.2003):
Kombolcha Agricultural, Technical, Vocational Education and Training College, Eastern Hararghe, Oromia, Ethiopia.
Senior Expert of Animal Nutrition (Sept.1996 to Oct. 2002):
Agricultural Development Department for Jimma Zone, Jimma, Ethiopia.
Coordinator of Subject Matter Specialists (Nov.1994 to Sept.1996):
Agricultural Development Department for Jimma Zone, Jimma, Ethiopia.
Coordinator, UNDP 5th cycle Agricultural Development Program (Oct. 1992 to Oct. 1994):
Forage Development Component, Agricultural Development Department for Jimma Zone, Jimma, Ethiopia.
Junior Expert of Animal Nutrition (April 1991 to Sep.1994):
Agricultural Development Department for Jimma Zone, Jimma, Ethiopia.
Dr. Belay Duguma’s extensive experience spans teaching, research, administrative roles, and expertise in animal nutrition and agricultural development.
Research Interest:
Animal Nutrition: Studying the nutritional requirements of livestock and developing feeding strategies to improve productivity and health.
Livestock Management: Investigating efficient and sustainable management practices for livestock production systems, including housing, breeding, and disease management.
Forage Development: Researching the cultivation, utilization, and conservation of forage crops to enhance feed availability and quality for livestock.
Ruminant Physiology: Exploring the digestive physiology of ruminant animals and its implications for nutrient utilization and metabolism.
Sustainable Agriculture: Investigating sustainable agricultural practices that promote environmental conservation, resilience, and food security.
Animal Welfare: Assessing the welfare of livestock animals and identifying strategies to improve their well-being in production systems.
Nutritional Physiology: Examining the physiological responses of animals to dietary nutrients and evaluating their effects on growth, reproduction, and health.
Feed Formulation: Developing cost-effective and nutritionally balanced feed formulations for different categories of livestock, considering local feed resources and constraints.