Education
🎓 Rahel Deribe Bekele earned her Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from the Center for Development Research (ZEF), Rheinischen Friedrich-Wilhelms-University of Bonn, Germany, in May 2021. Her dissertation, supervised by Prof. Dr. Joachim von Braun, explored the economics of irrigation systems in Ethiopia. She also holds an M.Sc. in Economics with a concentration in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia (2008), and a B.A. in Economics from the same institution. Additionally, Rahel completed a Ph.D. course in Environmental Valuation at Gothenburg University, Sweden, in 2009.
Experience
💼 Rahel Deribe Bekele has accumulated extensive experience in research and consultancy. Since August 2022, she has been serving as a Postdoctoral Associate and Research Scientist at Duke University. Prior to this, she worked as a consultant at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), leading studies on irrigation and energy use in Ethiopia. Her previous roles also include a Climate Change and Development Co-operation Analyst at the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and a Junior Research Fellow at the Environmental for Development (EfD) Center.
Research Interest
🔬 Rahel Deribe Bekele is passionate about agricultural economics, with a particular focus on irrigation systems, environmental impacts, and sustainable land management practices. Her research delves into the intersection of economics and environmental sustainability, aiming to contribute to policy development and practical solutions in the context of Ethiopia and beyond.
Awards
🏆 Rahel Deribe Bekele has been recognized for her contributions to agricultural and environmental economics, including invitations to present her research at prestigious conferences such as the 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists and the 17th annual conference of Environment for Development (EfD).
Publications Top Notes
Bekele, R. D., Mekonnen, D., Ringler, C., & Jeuland, M. (2024). Irrigation technologies and management and their environmental consequences: Empirical evidence from Ethiopia. Agricultural Water Management, 302, 109003. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2024.109003
Arega, T., Yami, M., Bekele, R. D., Ringler, C., & Jeuland, M. (2023). Closing the gendered energy technology gap in rural Ethiopia: A qualitative study. IFPRI Discussion Paper 2224. https://doi.org/10.2499/p15738coll2.137070
Theis, S., Bekele, R. D., Lefore, N., Meinzen-Dick, R. S., Ringler, C., & Larkin, E. (2021). Integrating gender in small-scale irrigation development: Inclusive recommendations. IFPRI-REACH Project Note. https://doi.org/10.2499/p15738coll2.134571
Bekele, R. D., Mirzabaev, A., & Mekonnen, D. (2021). Adoption of multiple sustainable land management practices among irrigator rural farm households of Ethiopia. Land Degradation & Development, 32(17), 5052-5068. https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.4091
Bekele, R. D., & Mekonnen, D. (2021). Local empowerment and irrigation devolution in Ethiopia. International Journal of Water Resources Development, 38(6), 1062–1088. https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2021.1936465
Conclusion
Rahel Deribe Bekele’s significant contributions to agricultural economics, particularly in the context of Ethiopia, make her a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. Her work addresses critical issues related to irrigation, climate change, and energy use, with a focus on improving sustainability and livelihoods in rural areas. By expanding her research collaborations and mentoring efforts, she could further solidify her position as a leading researcher in her domain.