Mengistie Mossie | Nutrition security | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mengistie Mossie | Nutrition security | Best Researcher Award

Academician/Research Scholar at Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia

Dr. Mengistie Mossie is an Assistant Professor of Development Studies at Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia, with over 15 years of academic and research experience in rural development. He holds a PhD in Development Studies, focusing on value chains, market performance, and household welfare impacts in horticultural crop systems. He has contributed to various national and international development projects and has authored several peer-reviewed publications on rural livelihoods, food security, climate change adaptation, and agricultural value chains. Currently, he also serves as Vice Dean of the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences and holds key editorial and leadership roles.

Publications Profile

Scopus

Orcid

πŸŽ“ Education Details

  • PhD in Development Studies (Rural Development)
    Addis Ababa University (2018–2021)
    Dissertation: Value chain and market analysis of horticultural crops in the Upper-Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia
    Funded by: JST/JICA (Grant No. JPMJSA1601)

  • MSc in Rural Development
    Haramaya University (2011–2013)
    Thesis: Rural Women Participation in Household Farm Management Practices

  • BSc in Rural Development & Agricultural Extension
    Haramaya University (2004–2008)

πŸ‘©β€πŸ”¬ Professional Experience

  • Vice Dean, College of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Bahir Dar University (Mar 2025–present)

  • Head of Department, Rural Development & Agricultural Extension, Bahir Dar University

  • Assistant Professor, Bahir Dar University (Aug 2015–present)

  • Lecturer/Researcher, University of Gondar (Mar 2013–Aug 2015)

  • Instructor, Mertulemariam Agricultural College (Jan 2009–Feb 2013)

  • Coordinator, Postgraduate Programs in Rural Development, Bahir Dar University (2022–2024)

  • Research Council Member, Bahir Dar University (2022–2024)

  • Associate Editor, Journal of Agriculture & Environmental Science (JAES)

🌱 Research Interests

  • Market System Resilience

  • Food and Nutritional Studies

  • Project Impact Analysis

  • Farming Systems Analysis

  • Agricultural Value Chains

  • Climate-Smart Agriculture Adoption

πŸ† Awards and Honors

  • Certified Professional Teacher Educator (Higher Diploma, Bahir Dar University)

  • Master Class for Teaching Online – Arizona State University

  • Effective Teaching Skills – Jhpiego/USAID

  • STATA and SPSS software skills, Advanced Qualitative Data Analysis

  • Project-Based Training with Entrepreneurship

  • Operational Research Protocol Development, University of Gondar

  • CoC Certificate, Natural Resources Management Extension

  • External Thesis Examiner, Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Chair, 2nd African Graduate Students Conference, Bahir Dar University

  • Diploma, Basic Computer Skills (Microsoft Office Suite)

πŸ” Conclusion

Dr. Mengistie Mossie is a seasoned scholar and educator with a robust track record in rural development research and education. His contributions span impactful research projects funded by USAID, JICA/JST, and the Dutch Embassy. His leadership roles in academia and contributions to high-impact journals demonstrate his commitment to knowledge dissemination and community development. With expertise in market systems, climate adaptation, and rural livelihoods, Dr. Mossie is a valuable contributor to Ethiopia’s sustainable agricultural transformation.

Publications πŸ“š

πŸ“š 2025

  • πŸ₯‘ Mossie, et al. (2025). Households’ food consumption status and asset accumulation in the context of export market orientation: A case of avocado producers in Ethiopia. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research (Elsevier).
    πŸ”— https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafr.2025.101774


🌍 2024

  • 🌑️ Mossie, M. & Tadsa, C. (2024). Small-scale farmers’ perception, adaptation choices to climate change and existing barriers: Evidence from northern Ethiopia. Climate Services (Elsevier).
    πŸ”— https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cliser.2024.100517

  • πŸ₯­ Mossie, M. & Elias A. (2024). Dietary diversity and asset accumulation of small-scale farmers: Insights from fruit market orientation contexts in Ethiopia. World Food Policy (Wiley).
    πŸ”— http://doi.org/10.1002/wfp2.70000


πŸ‡ 2023

  • 🍎 Mossie, M., Gerezgiher, A., Ayalew, Z., Nigussie, Z., & Elias, A. (2023). Characterization of fruit production and market performance in northwest Ethiopia. CABI Agriculture and Bioscience (Springer).
    πŸ”— https://doi.org/10.1186/s43170-023-00149-3

  • πŸ“˜ Mossie, M. (2023). Theoretical underpinnings of value chain analysis: Review. Sustainable Development. IntechOpen.
    πŸ”— http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.110841


🌾 2021

  • πŸ“Š Mossie, M., Gerezgiher, A., Ayalew, Z., & Nigussie, Z. (2021). Welfare impacts of small-scale farmers’ participation in apple and mango value chains in Ethiopia. Agrekon (Taylor and Francis).
    πŸ”— https://doi.org/10.1080/03031853.2021.1926298


  • 🍚 Mossie, M., Gerezgiher, A., Ayalew, Z., & Elias, A. (2021). Food security effects of smallholders’ participation in apple and mango value chains in north-western Ethiopia. Agriculture & Food Security (Springer).
    πŸ”— https://doi.org/10.1186/s40066-021-00310-z


  • 🏞️ Berhanu, G. Sinshawa, et al., Mengistie M. Birhanu (2021). Watershed-based soil erosion and sediment yield modeling in the Rib watershed of the Upper Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia. Energy Nexus (Elsevier).
    πŸ”— https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nexus.2021.100023


🍊 2020

  • πŸ“ˆ Mossie, M., Gerezgiher, A., Ayalew, Z., & Nigussie, Z. (2020). Determinants of small-scale farmers’ participation in Ethiopian fruit sector’s value chain. Cogent Food & Agriculture (Taylor and Francis).
    πŸ”— https://doi.org/10.1080/23311932.2020.1842132


🌱 2015

  • πŸ§‘β€πŸŒΎ Mossie, M. & Belete M. (2015). A review on the role of extension service for agricultural transformation with particular emphasis on Ethiopia. Global Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension, and Rural Development.

  • πŸ‘©β€πŸŒΎ Mossie, M. (2015). Assessment of the extent and level of participation in agricultural activities among women farmers in Sar Midir District, Ethiopia. Global Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development.


 

 

 

 

 

Terhi Junkkari | Nutrition | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Terhi Junkkari | Nutrition | Best Researcher Award

Principal lecturer at University of Turku/Seinajoki University of Applied Sciences, Finland

Dr. Terhi Junkkari is a seasoned expert in food science and consumer research with a strong academic background and over two decades of experience spanning academia, research, and the food industry. Currently a Principal Lecturer at SeinΓ€joki University of Applied Sciences (SeAMK), Finland, she has held leadership roles including Dean of the School of Food and Agriculture. Her work bridges nutrition science, food development, and sustainable food systems, contributing to over 30 peer-reviewed publications and nearly 100 other scientific reports. She actively engages in EU-funded projects focused on food sustainability and innovation.

Publications Profile

Scopus

Orcid

πŸŽ“ Education Details

  • D.Sc. (Food Science/Nutrition) – University of Helsinki, 2001
    Thesis: The effect of vitamin D status on calcium and bone metabolism

  • M.Sc. (Human Nutrition) – University of Helsinki, 1994
    Thesis: Effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on arachidonic acid metabolism in rat thyroid cells

  • Professional Teacher Education (Pedagogical Qualification) – HΓ€me University of Applied Sciences, 2016

πŸ‘©β€πŸ”¬ Professional Experience

Current Role:

  • Principal Lecturer, Food Science & Consumer Research, SeinΓ€joki University of Applied Sciences (2022–present)

Previous Roles:

  • Dean, School of Food and Agriculture, SeAMK (2019–2021)

  • Lecturer, Food Development, SeAMK (2018)

  • Director, Business Unit Finland, Analyse2, Espoo (2015–2018)

  • Senior Manager, Professional Services Finland, Analyse2 (2008–2015)

  • Product Developer, Saarioinen Ltd, Tampere (2000–2008)

🌱 Research Interests

  • Nutrition labeling and consumer behavior

  • Product development for health and sustainability

  • Vitamin D and bone/calcium metabolism

  • Sustainable and future-oriented food systems

  • Public health nutrition and ready-to-eat food evaluation

  • Applied food science in foodservice and catering contexts

Ongoing EU-Funded Projects:

  • FOODPathS (2022–2025): Co-creating safe and sustainable food systems

  • FutureFoodS (2024–2030): European Partnership for future sustainable food systems

  • Future Frami Food Lab (2023–2025): Development of a regional food lab for innovation

πŸ† Awards and Honors

  • Board Member, Association of Clinical and Public Health Nutritionists in Finland (RTY), 2006–2007

  • Chair, Sustainability and Responsibility Working Group, SeAMK, 2019–2022

  • Multiple professional certifications including hygiene passport, project management, and leadership training

πŸ” Conclusion

Dr. Terhi Junkkari combines deep scientific expertise with practical industry and educational experience, making her a leading voice in nutrition-focused food science. Her academic contributions, leadership in sustainability initiatives, and engagement in EU research projects illustrate her commitment to advancing food system innovation and public health. Her research continues to impact both scientific understanding and real-world food development strategies.

Publications πŸ“š

πŸ“„ Title: The effect of nutrition labels on lunch buffet consumption: a real-life experiment
πŸ‘₯ Authors: Junkkari, T.; Kantola, M.; Arjanne, L.; Luomala, H.T.; Hopia, A.I.
πŸ“š Journal: British Food Journal
πŸ“… Year: 2023
πŸ”“ Access: Open Access
πŸ”— DOI/Link: (Insert DOI or URL if available)
πŸ“ Article Type: Research Article
πŸ” Keywords: Nutrition labels, Consumer behavior, Buffet consumption, Real-life experiment