February 2025: Moti Jaleta Debello – African Male Researcher of the Month
Moti Jaleta Debello, an esteemed agricultural economist from Ethiopia, has made significant contributions to the field of agricultural economics, particularly in smallholder farming, agricultural technology adoption, and food security. His outstanding research and dedication to improving the livelihoods of farmers in the global South have earned him the prestigious 2026 TWAS-Siwei Cheng Award in Economic Sciences, which he shares with other distinguished scholars. The award, which includes a monetary prize of USD 5,000 and a commemorative plaque, recognizes his pioneering work in understanding smallholder farmers’ behavior and the institutional influences on agricultural technology adoption, commercialization, and food security.
Academic and Professional Journey
Moti Jaleta Debello has devoted over two decades to agricultural research, focusing on the challenges and opportunities faced by smallholder farmers in Africa. He holds an extensive background in agricultural economics and has been working with the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) since 2011. At CIMMYT, he has played a pivotal role in several research initiatives aimed at enhancing smallholder productivity and resilience in Eastern and Southern Africa.
Currently, he coordinates an International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)-funded project focused on improving smallholder wheat productivity through sustainable intensification in Rwanda and Zambia. His research has been instrumental in shaping agricultural policies and interventions that support smallholder farmers in adopting innovative and sustainable farming practices.
Research Focus and Contributions
Moti Jaleta Debello’s research primarily explores the economic and behavioral factors influencing smallholder farmers’ decisions regarding production, investment, consumption, and marketing. His key areas of expertise include:
- Adoption and Impact Assessment: Evaluating the adoption and impact of improved agricultural technologies, particularly in maize and wheat production systems.
- Agricultural Policy and Institutional Effects: Studying how institutional frameworks affect agricultural development and smallholder farmers’ access to resources and technologies.
- Value Chains and Market Development: Assessing the role of agricultural markets and value chain development in enhancing smallholder commercialization and food security.
- Crop-Livestock Interactions: Investigating the sustainability of cereal-based mixed farming systems in smallholder agriculture.
- Conservation Agriculture: Conducting impact assessments on conservation agriculture-based practices as a means of promoting sustainable intensification in maize and wheat farming systems.
Moti Jaleta is known for his hands-on approach to research, engaging directly with farmers to understand their challenges, aspirations, and decision-making processes. He believes that agricultural research should be a collaborative learning experience, where insights from field studies translate into policies and innovations that empower smallholders.
Recognition and Impact
The 2026 TWAS-Siwei Cheng Award in Economic Sciences recognizes Moti Jaleta’s dedication to advancing agricultural economics and his significant contributions to improving food security in Africa. His research has informed key agricultural policies and interventions, helping smallholder farmers increase productivity, adapt to climate challenges, and integrate into broader markets.
Expressing his gratitude for receiving the award, Moti Jaleta stated: “I am honored to be selected to receive this prestigious TWAS Award in recognition of my efforts in agricultural research over the last two decades. This is very inspiring and motivating for further research into the challenges and opportunities around smallholders’ uptake of agricultural innovations in the global South.”
His work continues to inspire policymakers, researchers, and development practitioners who seek to create sustainable solutions for smallholder farmers. Through his commitment to agricultural innovation and economic research, Moti Jaleta Debello remains a driving force in shaping the future of sustainable agriculture in Africa and beyond.
The African Research (AR) Index is a comprehensive scholarly directory and database focused explicitly on journal publishers that publish and disseminate African research.
