Mr. Yohannes Ketsela | Hydrology | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Yohannes Ketsela | Hydrology | Arba Minch University | Ethiopia

Mr. Yohannes Smeneh Ketsela is an emerging academic and researcher in the field of water resources and irrigation engineering, currently serving as a Lecturer and Researcher at Arba Minch University in Ethiopia, where he has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing sustainable water management practices through teaching, applied research, and community-focused initiatives. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Water Resources and Irrigation Engineering and his Master of Science in Irrigation and Drainage Engineering from Arba Minch University, where he developed a robust foundation in hydrology, hydraulics, and the engineering principles of water systems. His academic trajectory reflects a deep dedication to solving practical water-related challenges in Ethiopia, particularly in the domains of irrigation performance, watershed management, and sustainable agriculture. Professionally, Mr. Yohannes has accumulated valuable experience both as a lecturer and an active researcher, contributing to several multidisciplinary research teams investigating real-world problems such as the effectiveness of integrated watershed management, the performance evaluation of small-scale irrigation schemes, and the implementation of smart irrigation practices. His research interests focus on hydrological modeling, deficit irrigation strategies, soil-water interactions, stormwater drainage analysis, and the integration of crop simulation models like CROPGRO and HYDRUS-1D for agricultural planning and optimization. He has published numerous peer-reviewed journal articles in well-respected outlets such as Water Science, Heliyon, Advances in Agriculture, and Water Conservation Science and Engineering, many of which are indexed in Scopus and include international collaborations. His work on irrigation performance using simulation models for peanut cultivation and empirical studies on soil moisture infiltration reflect both his methodological rigor and practical insight. His technical and research skills include GIS and remote sensing applications for water and land resource assessment, use of simulation tools such as HEC-HMS and SWAT, data analysis using statistical software, and the design and evaluation of drip and surface irrigation systems. In addition to his research, Mr. Yohannes contributes to the academic development of his institution through mentoring students, participating in departmental activities, and engaging in curriculum improvement. Though early in his career, he has begun to receive recognition in the form of peer-reviewed publications, growing citations, and invitations to co-author collaborative research, signaling his rising impact in the academic community. While no major international awards are listed yet, his publication record and demonstrated leadership in applied water engineering research highlight a promising trajectory for future honors and academic fellowships. In conclusion, Mr. Yohannes Smeneh Ketsela represents a new generation of scholars focused on solving critical environmental and water resource challenges in Ethiopia and the wider region. His academic qualifications, teaching experience, applied research, and publication output all reflect a growing expertise in the use of sensing technology and simulation tools to promote water sustainability, food security, and climate resilience. As he continues to build his academic profile through further research collaborations, high-impact journal contributions, and engagement with professional networks, he is well-positioned to become a leading figure in water engineering and an advocate for innovative, technology-driven solutions in the global scientific community.

Academic Profile: ORCID | Scopus

Featured Publications

1. Assessing irrigation water management utilizing the CROPGRO model in implementing deficit irrigation for peanut cultivation in Arba Minch, Ethiopia
   Published in: Water Science – 2025

2. Assessing the effectiveness of integrated watershed management practices and suggesting innovative strategies in southern Ethiopia
   Published in: Heliyon – 2024

3. Evaluation of Small‐Scale Irrigation Scheme Performance and Proposed Alternative Mitigation for Improved Water Management on Wezeqa and Gatto Irrigation Schemes, Southern, Ethiopia
   Published in: Advances in Agriculture – 2024

4. Comprehensive Evaluation of Hormat Golina-7 Drip Irrigation Project of Ethiopia Using Various Performance Indicators
   Published in: Water Conservation Science and Engineering – 2023