Dr. Tizita Endale Elcho: Leading Researcher in Natural resource management
Tizita Endale Elcho is a dedicated researcher and environmental scientist, currently pursuing a Doctor of Bioscience Engineering (PhD) at KU Leuven and Gent University in Belgium. Her research focuses on assessing soil degradation along an elevation gradient in the Southern Ethiopian Rift. Tizita holds an MSc in Soil Science from Haramaya University, Ethiopia, showcasing her commitment to agricultural sustainability. With a background as a soil and water conservation expert at Gamo Gofa Zone agriculture office, she excelled in training local communities and supervising developmental agents. Tizita’s expertise lies in bridging science and practical solutions for sustainable agriculture. 🌱🌍
Education:
🎓 Tizita Endale Elcho embarked on an academic journey that blends passion for environmental science with a commitment to agricultural sustainability. Pursuing a Doctor of Bioscience Engineering (PhD) from KU Leuven and Gent University in Belgium (2018-2023), her research delves into the intricate dynamics of soil degradation in the Southern Ethiopian Rift along an elevation gradient, contributing valuable insights to sustainable farming practices. Earlier, at Haramaya University, Ethiopia (2012-2014), Tizita earned an MSc in Soil Science, achieving a commendable CGPA of 3.64/4.00. 🌱🌍 Her academic pursuits reflect a profound dedication to understanding and addressing crucial issues at the intersection of soil science and agriculture.
Experience:
Tizita Endale Elcho’s impactful career includes a pivotal role as a Soil and Water Conservation Expert at the Gamo Gofa Zone Agriculture and Rural Development Office in Arba Minch (2008–2010). 🌾 She spearheaded community training on soil and water conservation practices, overseeing developmental agents and driving the adoption of innovative technologies like water harvesting and integrated soil fertility management.
Her journey extended to Rome, Italy (2011–2012), where she engaged in a Research Fellowship Program and pursued an MSc at the University of Rome “La Sapienza.” 🌍 Tizita played a crucial role in reviewing proposals under the IFAD 2011 call, showcasing her commitment to global agricultural advancements. This dynamic professional seamlessly blends practical expertise with international research, contributing significantly to sustainable development.
Employment History
Tizita Endale Elcho has made significant contributions in various roles, starting as a Soil and Water Conservation Expert at the Gamo Gofa Zone Agriculture and Rural Development Office, Arba Minch (2008–2010). 🌱 She actively scheduled and trained local communities and developmental agents on soil and water conservation practices, supervised agents in Kebeles, and mobilized communities to adopt cutting-edge technologies like water harvesting and integrated soil fertility management.
Her expertise expanded during a Research Fellowship and MSc in Rome, Italy (2011–2012). 🌍 Tizita supported the review of proposals under the IFAD 2011 call while conducting MSc research at the University of Rome “La Sapienza.”
As a Lecturer and Laboratory Coordinator at the College of Agricultural Sciences, Arba Minch University (2014–2023), Tizita has been a beacon of knowledge. 📚 She conducted research, advised students, and collaborated with organizations like Mercy Corps. With a diverse course load, including Fundamental Soil Science and Biodiversity Conservation, she organized research symposiums and efficiently managed laboratory activities. 💡🌾
Research Focus:
Tizita Endale Elcho’s research spans a diverse range of environmental topics, primarily focusing on soil science, catchment management, and environmental sustainability. Her work encompasses the assessment of soil degradation metrics, the applicability of soil quality indicators, and the dynamics of landslides and gullies in the Ethiopian Rift. Through studies on the temporal and spatial variability of sediment rating curves and the life cycle of gullies, she contributes significantly to the understanding of environmental processes. Tizita’s expertise lies at the intersection of soil science, catchment management, and geological dynamics, showcasing a holistic commitment to addressing environmental challenges in the Ethiopian landscape.
Publications:
- “Farmer-science-based soil degradation metrics guide prioritization of catchment-tailored control measures”
- T. Endale, J. Diels, D. Tsegaye, A. Kassaye, L. Belayneh, A. Verdoodt
- Published in Environmental Development (2023)
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- “Applicability of visual and analytical soil quality indicators in environmentally diverse catchments of the Ethiopian Rift”
- T. Endale, J. Diels, D. Tsegaye, A. Kassaye, G. Leta, D. Olivier, L. Belayneh, A. Verdoodt
- Under review in Soil & Tillage Research (2023)
- “Landslides and Gullies Interact as Sources of Lake Sediments in a Rifting Context : Insights from a Highly Degraded Mountain Environment”
- L. Belayneh, O. Dewitte, G. Gulie, J. Poesen, D.O. Hara, A. Kassaye, T. Endale, M. Kervyn
- Published in Geosciences (2022)
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- “Temporal and spatial variability of suspended sediment rating curves for rivers draining into the Ethiopian Rift Valley”
- A.K. Tilahun, G. Verstraeten, M. Chen, G. Gulie, L. Belayneh, T. Endale
- Published in Land Degradation & Development (2022)
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- “Life cycle of gullies: A susceptibility assessment in the Southern Main Ethiopian Rift”
- L. Belayneh, M. Kervyn, G. Gulie, J. Poesen, C. Stal, A. Kasaye, T. Endale, J. Sekajugo, O. Dewitte
- Accepted in Natural Hazards (2023)
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- “Dynamics of Soil Physico-Chemical Properties in Area Closures at Hirna Watershed of West Hararghe Zone of Oromia Region, Ethiopia”
- T. Endale
- MSc Thesis submitted to the School of Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences, School of Graduate Studies (2014)
- “The role of indigenous people in biodiversity conservation in Gamo area of Gamo Gofa zone, Southern Ethiopia”
- T. Endale Elcho
- Published in International Journal of Biodiversity and Conservation (2016)
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