Bikila Mengistu

Agroforestry Researcher with extensive experience at the Oromia Agricultural Research Institute (OARI), specialising in Agroforestry, Climate Smart Agriculture, and Soil Fertility Improvement. Proven track record in developing research project proposals, data analysis, and scientific report writing. Skilled in training farmers, development agents, and extension workers. Previously served as a Tree Improvement and Forest Protection Researcher with expertise in Natural Resource Conservation and Watershed Management. Demonstrated ability to lead research case teams and represent as Centre Director. Proficient in participatory action research, stakeholder collaboration, project planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Career goal: to advance sustainable agricultural practices through innovative research solutions.

• Title: Senior Researcher in Agroforestry
• Date of Birth: 07/18/85
• Driving License: D1

• Member of Ethiopian Forestry Society (EFS)
• Member of Ethiopian Soil Science Society (ESSS)
• Member of Biological Society Ethiopia (BSE)
• Member of Plant Protection Society of Ethiopia (PPSE)

• The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopian National Qualification Certificate in Natural resource Conservation and Development from Level I-IV, 10/23/22
• Training of Trainers in Restoration of Degraded Lands, Silviculture and Management of Natural Forest and Commercialization of Forest product and Entrepreneurship Modules, 04/05/21 - 05/02/21
• Training of Trainers in Soft Skill in Forestry Extension, Small Scale Community Plantation and Agroforestry Modules, 11/22/20 - 12/01/20
• Climate and hydro-sediment data collection and synthesis, 04/07/17 - 04/10/17
• Training of trainers on REDD+, 09/01/15 - 10/05/15
• Applied Statics, Forest Research Methodology and Project Planning and Monitoring, 03/26/10

1. Bikila Mengistu (2017). Woody species diversity and carbon stock potential. LAP LAMBERT Acadamic publishing, Germen. ISBN 9786202006736

1. Bekele, Wondmagegn, Bikila Mengistu, Hirpa Abebe, Zerihun Dibaba, Fikru Ameyu, and Bacha Bultuma. (2025). Adaptation and Growth Performance of Different Bamboo Species in Highland Area of Bale, Oromia Region, Southeast Ethiopia. Asian Journal of Research in Agriculture and Forestry 11 (3):85-92. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajraf/2025/v11i3414.

2.Wondmagegn Bekele, Bikila Mengistu, Hirpha Abebe (2024). Introduction and Evaluation of Moringa oleifera (Lam) Growth in Two Districts of Bale Zone, Oromia Region, Southeast Ethiopia. American Journal of Agriculture and Forestry , Vol. 12, No. 5, pp. 340-345.

https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajaf.20241205.13

3.Zerihun Dibaba Tufa, Wondmagegn Bekele, Hirpa Abebe, Bacha Bultuma, Bikila Mengistu (2024). Long Term Historical Precipitation and Temperature Trend Analysis for Selected Stations in Bale and East Bale Zones of Southeastern Ethiopia. International Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences , Vol. 8, No. 1, pp. 24-29. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijaos.20240801.12

4.Endale Bedada , Bikila Mengistu, Meseret Muluna, Meron Tolosa, Mengistu Jifara, Alemayehu Biri, Firaol Legesse, Ajema Lemma, Bedo Hora, Lemma Teklu, Woubalem Abera (2024). Biophysical Resource Characterization, Identification and Prioritization of Major Constraints and Potentials of Gara Ebanu Community Watershed in Sululta District, Ethiopia . Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries 2024, Vol. 13, No. 4, pp. 94-105.https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aff.20241304

5.Endale Bedada, Mengistu Jifara, Bikila Mengistu, Meseret Muluna, Meron Tolosa, Alemayehu Biri, Firaol Legesse, Ajema Lemma, Bedo Hora, Lemma Teklu (2024). Socio-Economic Characterization, Identification and Prioritization of Major Constraints and Potentials in Gara Ebanu Community Watershed in Sululta District, Ethiopia. International Journal of Natural Resource Ecology and Management , Vol. 9, No. 3, pp. 65-81

6.Mengistu, B., Bekele, W., Dibaba, Z., Ameyu, F., Abebe, H. (2024). Evaluation of Nitrogen Fertilizer and Sesbania sesban Nitrogen Fixing Alley Cropping Species on Maize Yield and Yield Components. Acad. Res. J. Agri. Sci. Res. 12(1): 17-24

7.Wondmagegn Bekele, Bikila Mengistu and Zerihun Dibaba (2024). Effect of harvesting frequency on leaf biomass production of three Moringa stenopetala (Bak.f) provenances grown in Dello-menna district of Bale zone, Southeast Ethiopia. Journal of Horticulture and Forestry. 16(1), pp. 20-24. http://www.academicjournals.org/JHF

8. Hirpa Abebe, Bikila Mengistu, Wondmagegn Bekele , Zerihun Dibaba , Baca Bultuma ( 2024). Assessment and Characterization of the Traditional Parkland Agroforestry Practices in Mid and Lowlands of Bale: In the Case of Goro and Ginnir Districts. World journal of Agricultural Scince and Technology.

9. Bikila Mengistu (2023).Shade tree and coffee production agroforesty system.International Journal of Agroforestry and Silviculture Vol. 11 (1), pp. 001-007, May, 2023. www.international scholars journals.org

10.  Bikila Mengistu and Shure Soboka (2023).Nutritional quality analysis of different Moringa provenance in Bale, Southeast Ethiopia. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 13(1): 83-88. https://doi.org/10.3329/ijarit.v13i1.68053

11.Alemayehu Biri, Mangistu Jifara, Geshew Safara, Abraham Feyisa, Endale Bedada and Bikila Mengistu (2023). Large Scale Demonstration of Irrigated Wheat in North Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. Journal of Life Sciences Research and Reviews. SRC/JLSR-102.

12. Wondmagegn Bekele, Bikila Mengistu, Hirpa Abebe, Zerihun Dibaba and Fikru Ameyu (2022). Evaluation of the effect of provenance on survival and growth performance of Moringa stenopetala(Bak.f) intwo districts of Bale zone, Oromia, southeast Ethiopia.International Journal of Agroforestry and Silviculture ISSN: 2375-1096 Vol. 10 (9), pp. 001-006.

13. Wondmagegn Bekele, Bikila Mengistu, Hirpa Abebe, Zerihun Dibaba, Fikru Ameyu (2021). Adaptation and Growth Performance Evaluation of Nitrogen Fixing Tree/Shrub Species in Dello-menna District of Bale Zone, Southeast Ethiopia. American Journal of Agriculture and Forestry. Vol. 9 (3), pp. 127-130. doi: 10.11648/j.ajaf.20210903.15

14. Bikila Mengistu, Fikru Amayu, Wondmagegn Bekele & Zerihun Dibaba (2020): Effects of Eucalyptus species plantations and crop land on selected soil properties, Geology, Ecology, and Landscapes, DOI: 10.1080/24749508.2020.1833627

15. Bikila M., Zebene A (2019). Carbon Sequestration in Agroforestry Practices with relation to other Land Uses around Dallo Mena Districts of Bale Zone, Southeastern Ethiopia. Acad. Res. J. Agri. Sci. Res. 7(5): 218-226

16. Bikila Mengistu (2018). Plant Species Diversity for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation. International Journal of Natural Science and Reviews, 3:8.

17. Bikila Mengistu and Zebene Asfaw (2017). Comparative assessment of soil organic carbon stock

potential unde agroforesty practices and other land uses in lowlands of Bale. International journal

of environment 6(3):1-14. ISSN 2091-2854.

18. Bikila Mengistu and Zebene Asfaw (2016). Woody Species Diversity and Structure of Agroforestry and Adjacent Land Uses in Dallo Mena District, South-East Ethiopia. Scientific Research Publishing, Natural Resources, 7:515-534. ISSN 2158-7086

1. Bikila Mengistu and Bonsa Abera (2024). Adaption and Growth Performance Evaluation of Selected Multipurpose Tree/Shrub Species for Agroforestry Practices in Highland Areas of Northern Shewa Zone of Oromia Region, Ethiopia. 30 December - 03 January 2024, Finfinne, Ethiopia, pp 406-415.

2. Bikila Mengistu, Wondmagegn Bekele, Zerihun Dibaba, Fikru Ameyu and Hirpa Abebe (2024). Effect of Sesbania sesban Alley Cropping Agroforestry Practices on Maize Yield and Yield Components in Dello Menna Districts of Bale. 30 October to 03 November 2023, Finfinne, Ethiopia, pp 318-327.

3. Endale Bedada, Bikila Mengistu, Meron Tolosa, Meseret Muluna, Mengistu Jifara, Alemayew Birri and Firaol Legesse (2023). Socio- economic and Biophysical Characterization, Identification and Prioritization of Major Constraints and Potentials of Gara Ebanu Community Watershed at Sululta District, Oromia. 06- 09 February 2023, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, pp 196-222.

4. Wondmagegn Bekele, Bikila Mengistu, Hirpha Aregay, Zerihun Dibaba and Fikru Ameyu (2020). Adaptation and Growth Performance of Nitrogen Fixing Tree/Shrub Species in Dello-menna District of Bale zone, Southeast Ethiopia. 23-27 December 2020, Batu, Ethiopia, pp 213-218.

5. Bikila Mengistu and Shure Soboka (2020). Nutritional Quality Analysis of Different Moringa Provenance grown in the Lowlands of Bale . December 23-27, 2020, Batu, Ethiopia, pp 30-39.

6. Bikila Mengistu, FikruAmayu, Wondmagegn Bekele, Zerihun Dibaba (2019). Assessment of the Effects of Eucalyptus Species Plantations and Crop Land on Selected Soil Properties around Bale.07-12 October 2019, Adami Tulu, Ethiopia, pp. 76-90.

7. Zerihun Dibaba, Bikila Mengistu, Wondmagegn Bekele, HirpaAregay and FikruAmayu, (2019). Effects of climate variability on wheat rust (Puccinia spp.) diseases and climatic condition conducive for rust in the highlands of Bale, Southeastern Ethiopia. 07-12 October 2019, Adami Tulu, Ethiopia, pp. 284-303.

8. Mohammed Beriso, Sultan Usman, Gosa Bekele, AliyiKedu and BikilaMengistu (2018). Participatory Identification of Agricultural Production Constraints in Bale and West Arsi Zones, Oromia. 23-24 Nov 2017, Addis Abeba, Ethiopia, pp. 249-310.ISBN 978-999 44-72-369

9. Motuma Didita, Bikila Mengistu and Wondmagegn Bekele (2017). Ethnobotanical Study of Wild Edible Fruits in Pastoral and Agropastoral Woredas of Bale,Southeast Ethiopia.Oromia Agricultural Research Institute (IQQO), Finfinee, Ethiopia, pp.196-203.

10. Motuma Didita and Bikila Mengistu (2012). The Role of Home Garden Agroforestry in Plant Diversity Conservation in Bale. Forestry and Forest Products: technologies and Issues. Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, pp1-4. ISBN 978-999 44-53-869-3.

11. Motuma Didita and Bikila Mengistu (2012). Regeneration of gum and resin bearing species in Rayitu and Sawena Districts of Bale, Southeast Ethiopia. Forestry and Forest Products: technologies and Issues. Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, pp 134-141. ISBN978-99944-53- 869-3.

1. Kefyalew Assefa, Getachew Haile, Tilahun Chibsa, Kasahun Kitila, Tilahun Abera, Abera Donis, Mulugeta Eshetu, Bikila Mengistu, Wondmagegn Bekele, Mezgebu Senbeto, Fenan Tola, Ayub Jalde (eds). 2024. Proceedings of Review Workshop on Completed Research Activities of Natural Resource Research Directorate Held at Oromia Agricultural Research Institute (IQQO), 30 December - 03 January 2024, IQQO HQs Finfinne, Ethiopia.

2. Kefyalew Assefa, Kasahun Kitila, Tilahun Abera, Abera Donis, Mulugeta Eshete, Bikila Mengistu, mezgebu Senbeto, Zeleke Asaye, Ayub Jalde, Getachew Haile and Tilahun Cibsa (eds). 2024. Proceedings of Review Workshop on Completed Research Activities of Natural Resource Research Directorate Held at Oromia Agricultural Research Institute (IQQO), 30 October to 03 November 2023, IQQO HQs Finfinne, Ethiopia.

3.Kefyalew Assefa, Tilahun Cibsa, Kasahun Kitila, Shifera Tadasse, Tadele Geremew, Mezgebu Sanbato and Bikila Mengistu (eds). 2021. Proceedings of Review Workshop on Completed Research Activities of Natural Resource Research Directorate Held at Batu Fishery and Other Aquatic Life, Batu, Ethiopia, 23-27 December 2020. Oromia Agricultural Research Institute (IQQO), Finfinne, Ethiopia.

4.Kefyalew Assefa, Tilahun Chibsa, Bikila Mengistu and Tilahun Geleto (eds), 2019. Proceedings of Review Workshop on Completed Research Activities of Natural Resource Research Directorate Held at Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, Adami Tulu, Ethiopia, 07-12 October 2019.

5.Kefyalew Assefa, Bikila Mengistu and Tilahun Geleto (eds), 2019. Proceedings of Review Workshop on Completed Research Activities of Natural Resource Research Directorate Held at Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, Adami Tulu, Ethiopia, 08-11 October 2018. Oromia Agricultural Research Institute (IQQO), Finfinne, Ethiopia . 164pp.

6.Kefyalew Assefa, Bikila Mengistu, Geremew Eticha, Kasahun Kitila, Eshetu Ararso, and Tilahun Geleto (eds) Proceeding of Review Workshop on Completed Research Activities of Natural Resource Research Directorate held at Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, Adami Tulu, Oromia, Ethiopia. 2018

• Dr. Zebene Asfaw, Instructor of Hawassa University, Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources, zebeneasfaw@gmail.com, +251 916 83 00 29
• Kefyalew Asefa, Director of Natural Resource Research Directorate, Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, assefakefyalew@gmail.com, +251 929 01 04 99
• Dr. Busha Teshome, Researcher at the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) of Ethiopia, bayush051@yahoo.com, +251 911934584