College of Agricultural Sciences

• Cropping system, Crop physiology
• Crop weather association
• Organic farming
•  Irrigation scheduling
•  Soil fertility management
•  plant breeding (GxE)

Expertise (list some of your research areas)

1. Genetic and phenotypic variability, and comparative performance evaluations of various chicken breeds distributed to different production environments.
2. stablishing a community-based breeding programs for small ruminants and assessing its impact on livelihood of small-holder farmers
3. Adaptation physiology and production potentials (G*E interactions) of exotic chicken breeds under various production and agro-ecological conditions
4. Efficiency and effectiveness of estrus synchronization coupled with conventional artificial insemination under small-holder dairy farmers in Southern Ethiopia
5. Performance evaluations of different livestock species under on-farm and on-station conditions to recommend a suitable exotic blood level to disseminate to the community breeding pool.
6. Farm animal genotype screening and breeding for future climate change.

Research roles and main activities:

1.      Evaluation of milk yield and reproductive performances of indigenous and crossbred cattle in potential districts of Gamo Zone

2.      Evidence based sheep breeding for Gamo highlands

3.      Phenotypic characterization and breeding practices of indigenous goats as input for designing a community-based goat breeding in Selected districts of Gamo zone

4.      Evaluation of estrus synchronization and mass artificial insemination campaign in dairy cattle in Gamo zone.  

Professor Yisehak Kechero Kebede is a highly skilled expert in Animal Nutrition, Feed Sciences, and Livestock Production, currently serving as a Professor at Arba Minch University, Ethiopia. With a PhD in Veterinary Science from Ghent University, his research focuses on animal nutrition, feed intervention technologies, and livestock feed resources development. His academic expertise includes advanced animal nutrition, feed evaluation science, animal physiology, and range management. Professor Kebede has guided over 30 PhD students, 189 MSc students, and over 2,000 BSc students. He has authored and co-authored 85 peer-reviewed journal articles and more than 140 conference papers. Notably, he has led several international research projects, including VLIR-UOS collaborations with Belgian universities and the Bright Future in Agriculture project. Additionally, he is a leader in various community development initiatives and has made significant contributions to university-industry linkages and technology transfer. As a seasoned academic, he has held leadership roles such as Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and is the founding editor-in-chief of number of Journals. With extensive experience in research, teaching, and community service, Professor Kebede has earned recognition for his academic contributions both locally and internationally.

Patent; on process, application submitted.

Plant breeding: Genetic improvement of crops for biotic and Abiotic stress. Advising students, consulting stakeholder in Agriculture mainly in crop production and improvement

Soil Science and Crop Production

1. Forest Ecology: Understanding ecosystem relationships, species interactions, and environmental impacts on forest health.
2. Silviculture: Knowledge of sustainable forest management practices like tree planting and harvesting
3. Agroforestry Systems: Expertise in integrating trees into agricultural landscapes to enhance biodiversity and soil health
4. Sustainable Land Management: Skills in balancing agricultural production with environmental conservation
5. Wildlife Management: Understanding forest roles in supporting wildlife habitats and managing species populations
6. Soil Science: Knowledge of soil properties and management practices for forestry and agriculture
7. Climate Change Mitigation: Awareness of practices that contribute to carbon sequestration and reduce emissions
8. Community Engagement: Skills in promoting sustainable practices and understanding socio-economic aspects
9. Research and Data Analysis: Ability to conduct research and analyze ecological data effectively

Restoration Ecology: Knowledge of methods for restoring degraded ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity.

Agriculture

Forester

Agroforestry system and practices, Forestry and Natural resource management

Plant ecologist, environmentalist, Agroforestry