Dr. Tolessa Debele is a seasoned soil scientist with over 34 years of experience in agricultural research and development. Previously, he served as Principal Scientist in Soil Science and Agronomy at the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), where he also held key leadership roles, including Director of the Soil and Water Research Directorate and Coordinator of the National Maize Research Program.
Dr. Debele has successfully led major multi-country agricultural initiatives, including the SARD-SC and TAAT Phases I & II wheat projects, funded by the African Development Bank, across Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho. His effective collaborations with National Agricultural Research and Extension Systems, as well as CGIAR centers such as ICARDA, CIMMYT and IITA have established him as a highly respected scientist and leader in regional agricultural transformation.
Dr. Debele holds a Ph.D. in Soil Science from the University of the Free State in South Africa, a Master of Science in Agronomy from the University of Agricultural Sciences in Bangalore, India, and a Bachelor of Science in Plant Science from Alemaya University in Ethiopia.