Abrham Belay Mekonnen holds a PhD in Climate Change and Adaptation, an MSc in Natural Resource Economics and Policy, and a BSc in Forestry. With over a decade of experience, he has been involved in research and development projects focused on regenerative landscapes, forest restoration, and climate-smart agriculture across the Global South.
He is currently a researcher in the Forest Systems and Sustainable Management team. Previously, he has worked as a research fellow at the Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn Germany; the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI); the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF); and the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) in Nairobi, Kenya. He has also worked as a lecturer and researcher at Hawassa University, Ethiopia.
His research investigates the interactions among forest and agricultural systems, climate dynamics, and socio-economic issues within a socio-ecological system. He employs a mixed-methods approach that integrates quantitative techniques, such as statistical and econometric modelling, with qualitative analysis to investigate these intricate relationships. His work includes assessing large-scale restoration projects aligned with the principles of the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance, thereby contributing to the transition towards regenerative, climate-neutral, and inclusive economies that promote sustainable livelihoods.