Rahel Deribe Bekele - Environmental Policy and Management - Women Researcher Award
Duke University - United States
AUTHOR PROFILE
🎓 EDUCATION AND ACADEMIC BACKGROUND
Rahel Deribe Bekele is a distinguished scholar with a strong focus on climate change, sustainable development, and environmental research. With extensive academic training, Rahel has dedicated her research to understanding the nexus between irrigation, energy, and environmental sustainability, particularly in Ethiopia. Her academic journey has equipped her with the expertise to lead impactful studies in the field of environmental policy and development.
🔬 PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Currently serving as a Postdoctoral Associate and Research Scientist at the Sanford School of Public Policy & James E. Rogers Energy Access Project at Duke University, Rahel contributes significantly to groundbreaking research. Previously, she worked as a Consultant at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), leading data analysis and research on irrigation and energy in Ethiopia. Rahel has also held positions at the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Environment and Climate Research Center (ECRC), focusing on climate change and sustainable development policies.
đź“š RESEARCH FOCUS AND CONTRIBUTIONS
Rahel’s research primarily addresses climate change adaptation, irrigation technologies, and sustainable land management. Her work provides critical insights into how these elements influence rural farming practices and environmental resilience. Notably, her research explores the adoption of sustainable agricultural methods and how gender considerations shape the development of small-scale irrigation technologies, offering inclusive solutions for rural Ethiopia.
🌱 CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
In her role as a Climate Change and Development Co-operation Analyst at UNDP, Rahel worked on integrating climate-resilient policies within Ethiopia’s development framework. She has made significant contributions to understanding how climate change impacts agriculture, particularly through her research on crop-livestock interlinkages and their implications for Ethiopia’s farming systems in a changing climate.
đź’ˇ PUBLICATIONS AND INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS
Rahel has authored numerous publications in prestigious journals, focusing on sustainable land management, gender inclusivity in irrigation, and environmental policies. Her recent work, including publications in Agricultural Water Management and Land Degradation & Development, reflects her commitment to finding practical, data-driven solutions to some of the most pressing environmental challenges in Ethiopia and beyond.
🌍 GENDER AND INCLUSIVE IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT
Rahel has made a profound impact in addressing gender disparities in rural Ethiopia, especially in the context of energy and irrigation technologies. Her research emphasizes the importance of including women in the development and adoption of these technologies, ensuring that interventions are not only effective but also equitable.
🏆 AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
Rahel’s work has earned her recognition in the field of climate and environmental research. Her dedication to improving the resilience of rural communities and advancing sustainable environmental policies has positioned her as a thought leader in the areas of climate adaptation and environmental management.
NOTABLE PUBLICATION
Title: Local empowerment and irrigation devolution in Ethiopia
Authors: R.D. Bekele, D. Mekonnen
Journal: International Journal of Water Resources Development
Year: 2022
Title: Adoption of multiple sustainable land management practices among irrigator rural farm households of Ethiopia
Authors: R.D. Bekele, A. Mirzabaev, D. Mekonnen
Journal: Land Degradation and Development
Year: 2021
Title: Crop-Livestock Inter-linkages and Climate Change Implications for Ethiopia’s Agriculture: A Ricardian Approach
Authors: Z. Gebreegziabher, A. Mekonnen, R.D. Bekele, S.A. Zewdie, M.M. Kassahun
Book: Climate Change Management
Year: 2020
Title: User-Centered Design in Developing Countries: A Case Study of a Sustainable Intercultural Healthcare Platform in Ethiopia
Authors: R. Bekele, I. Groher, J. Sametinger, G. Pomberger, P. Oppelt
Conference: Proceedings - 2019 IEEE/ACM Symposium on Software Engineering in Africa, SEiA 2019
Year: 2019