Mr. Zerihun Obse | Information Technology | Best Researcher Award
Haramaya University | Ethiopia
Mr. Zerihun Obse is an Ethiopian academic, researcher, and educator at Haramaya University, specializing in Agricultural Information and Communication Management with a strong foundation in Information Technology. With a career spanning research, teaching, and community service, he has contributed significantly to digital agriculture, innovation systems, and knowledge transfer. His work bridges technology and rural development, fostering sustainable agricultural practices through ICT tools and participatory approaches. Beyond teaching, he has coordinated continuing education and extension programs, supervised field-based student projects, and engaged in national and international research collaborations such as ANOVA-AFRICA and Aflatoxin projects. An active contributor to scholarly communication, he has published in reputable journals and developed academic blogs to enhance knowledge dissemination. Mr. Obse is recognized for his dedication to advancing higher education, digital solutions, and community empowerment in Ethiopia.
Professional Profile
Orcid
Education
Mr. Zerihun Obse earned his Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Ambo University, where he graduated with distinction and received a medal for academic excellence and recognition. Building upon his background in computing and informatics, he pursued advanced studies in agricultural sciences, completing a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Information and Communication Management at Haramaya University. His postgraduate training provided him with interdisciplinary expertise at the intersection of digital technologies, communication systems, and agricultural innovation. This unique blend of IT and agricultural information science positioned him as a leading professional in Ethiopia’s digital agriculture transformation. His academic journey reflects both a technical and applied focus, enabling him to contribute to higher education, research, and community development initiatives with a holistic perspective that integrates science, technology, and communication for development.
Professional Experience
Mr. Zerihun Obse serves at Haramaya University, where he is actively engaged in teaching, research, and community services. His responsibilities span handling courses, supervising research projects, and coordinating extension education programs. As a coordinator, he successfully managed continuing education initiatives and student fieldwork programs, emphasizing practical learning through village stay models and technology dissemination. His project leadership includes evaluating Haramaya University’s innovation and digital agriculture practices, designing institutional communication systems, and contributing to large-scale research programs such as ANOVA-AFRICA and aflatoxin studies. He also designed academic websites and blogs to enhance communication within the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. With expertise in ICT, digital agriculture, and knowledge systems, Mr. Obse combines academic rigor with applied field experience, bridging technology and rural development for greater societal impact.
Awards
Throughout his academic and professional journey, Mr. Zerihun Obse has earned recognition for excellence and contributions to research and education. At Ambo University, he was honored with a medal and a letter of recognition for his outstanding academic achievements in Information Technology. His MSc degree at Haramaya University was completed with distinction, highlighting his exceptional performance in Agricultural Information and Communication Management. In addition, his scholarly publications in international peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity and the Journal of Electrical Systems and Information Technology, showcase his impactful research contributions. Beyond academic recognition, his leadership roles in extension education and coordination of community-focused programs have earned him institutional appreciation. These awards and distinctions reflect his scholarly commitment and contributions to advancing higher education and agricultural innovation in Ethiopia.
Research Interests
Mr. Zerihun Obse’s research interests lie at the intersection of information technology, agricultural innovation, and rural development. He focuses on digital agriculture, ICT for development, agricultural communication systems, and innovation diffusion within smallholder farming contexts. His work explores how information and communication tools can enhance knowledge sharing, improve productivity, and support sustainable practices in developing economies. He is particularly engaged in research themes such as technology adoption, digital platforms for agriculture, rural information dissemination, and evaluation of university-led innovations in farming communities. His academic contributions include studies on business development, women entrepreneurship, online management systems, and agricultural extension services. With a growing portfolio of publications and applied projects, he seeks to advance multidisciplinary approaches that integrate technology, communication, and agricultural science for inclusive economic and social transformation.
Publication Top Notes
Title: Addis Ababa online home rental management system, Ethiopia
Year: 2025
Title: Nexus between business development service and women entrepreneurs’ performance: Implication for MSMEs growth and inclusive economic development in Ethiopia
Year: 2025
Title: Secrets of Living a Successful and Meaningful Life: A Reflection on Issues That Inspire and Teach Me
Year: 2023
Title: Secret-living-successful-meaningful-life
Year: 2023
Title: Blog for College of Agriculture and Environmental Science
Year: 2017
Title: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Single Nucleotide Polymorphism +405 G/C (rs2010963) Is Associated With Levels, Infection Severity And Amputation Among South Indian Diabetic Foot Ulcer Patients
Year: 2022
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mr. Zerihun Obse represents a new generation of Ethiopian scholars working at the crossroads of technology, education, and agricultural development. His academic grounding in information technology, combined with advanced expertise in agricultural communication, positions him as a strong advocate for digital transformation in agriculture. Through his teaching, publications, research projects, and community service, he has contributed to both academic excellence and practical rural development initiatives. His recognition through awards and distinctions underscores his scholarly achievements and leadership. Looking ahead, Mr. Zerihun Obse aims to expand his research on ICT-driven agricultural systems, enhance his international collaborations, and strengthen the role of higher education institutions in innovation transfer. His career reflects a commitment to bridging technology and society, fostering inclusive growth, and empowering communities through sustainable digital solutions.