Yigardu Mulatu (PhD) is the first female Lead Researcher in Agriculture. Following her significant contributions to the field, the Ethiopian Forestry Development (EFD) recently appointed her the first female Lead Researcher/Lead Scientist in the National Agricultural Research System (NARS)
As many have agreed, Yigardu’s designation is widely regarded as a major milestone in Ethiopia’s agricultural sector.
Following the award, on her social media page, she expressed her gratitude, stating that serving the nation and contributing to the advancement of science is an honor. “In accordance with the National Agricultural Research System’s Leading Researcher Level Development Guidelines, the Ethiopian Forestry Development Agency (EFDA) awarded me the Leading Researcher Level, the highest level of researcher advancement, starting from January 29, 2025.”
She also expressed gratitude to those who supported her along the way, emphasizing that her success is not solely the result of her own efforts, but also a shared achievement made possible through the collaboration of those around her. She credited the individuals who provided a supportive home environment, as well as those who played a major role in creating a comfortable and encouraging atmosphere at her workplaces and beyond—her family, colleagues, partners and the institutions she has worked with, next to God. Their unwavering support has been vital in managing their home and children.
Recently, the EPA had a short stay with Principal Scientist at the Ethiopian Forestry Development Institute (EFDI) Yigardu Mulatu (PhD), and well known for her contributions in promoting bamboo technology and driving significant change engaging in numerous community based initiatives in Ethiopia to learn about her life journey and success story as a researcher in the field of agriculture.
Yigardu was born and raised in Gitem Abo Kebele of Enebise Sar Midir Woreda, in Gojam, Amhara State. She completed her primary, elementary and secondary education at her surrounding area. However, because she scored the highest grade in her secondary school leaving examination, she joined Haramaya University and earned her first degree in Forest Science.
It was straight after she received her undergraduate degree, Principal Scientist Yiregedu (PhD), got married and settled in Semien Wollo, 512 kilometers north of Addis Ababa, where her partner was living and started serving diligently at Sirinka Agricultural Research Centre, one of the prominent centers in the Amhara agricultural institute, dedicated to advancing agricultural research and innovation.
While she stayed at the Center for nine years, she was able to advance her career from junior researcher to assistant researcher, and earned her master’s degree in Production Forestry from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU).
Among the most notable achievements she made while at the Sirinka Agricultural Research Center, the research work she conducted along with colleagues on the selection of multipurpose tree species and the pre-technology expansion are considered one of the most significant contributions of her time.
She also played a significant role in spreading the species Acacia polyacantha, which grows three times faster than the red eucalyptus (Eucalyptus Camaldulensis), in the Harbu and Kombolcha areas.
While raising her first and second children, she started serving as an associate researcher at the Ethiopian Agricultural Research Institute in Addis Ababa.
Since joining the Institute in 2004, Yigardu (PhD) has made significant contributions conducting research on non-timber forest products, especially on bamboo. In later days, when her department separated from the Agricultural Research Institute and became an independent institute under the title the ‘Ethiopian Environment and Forestry Institute’, she contributed meaningfully in the national effort exerted to promote forestry development.
Mainly, following her years of extensive research work and energy on forest development, she has achieved the highest level of leading researcher status in the field. Currently, she is playing irreplaceable roles in terms of producing diverse academic and in-depth research articles in their field, and providing professional support to various organizations.
She also conducted extensive research on the bamboo plant, exploring its various aspects, ranging from its species to its characteristics and growth cycle, from its economic benefits including its use as biofuel, household and construction material, as well as its environmental impacts in terms of mitigating climate change mitigation, reducing soil erosion among others. She wrote over 40 scientific articles focusing on this plant.
The Ethiopian Forestry Development Institute has never turned a blind eye to her dedications, efforts and contributions in the field. Rather, in recognition of her exceptional work, the Institute prompted her to the rank of Principal Scientist in January 2025. This status is the highest rank awarded to excelled individuals by research institutions in the research sector, and is equivalent to the title of “Professor” in universities.
This distinction though was given for the fourth time in the Ethiopian Forestry Development, it is the first award bestowed to a female researcher in the Ethiopian agricultural research system, making Yigardu (PhD) the first female lead researcher in the field.
As the Lead Scientist stated, in the area where she was born and raised, access to education was limited. Thus, she had a big dream of helping her family and the surrounding community by seizing every opportunity she had – studying diligently and joining university. She also aspired to play a significant role in the medical field by conducting high-level research. However, after being assigned to the Forest Science Department, she studied persistently to the point where she could contribute to the productivity of the agricultural sector. To this end, apart from her own personal effort, her family members’ support, particularly her older sisters and brothers, was immense.
“During my time, not many girls in our area were allowed to go to school. There was even a backward attitude that undermined the value of educating girls, with many thinking that girls would not amount to anything, as a result, we were very few girls who had the opportunity to attend school,” she said.
Similarly, due to this regressive perspective that the community had for women, coupled with the self-belief that women themselves developed on themselves, the situation was very challenging. This pressure, in turn poised significant challenge leading women to conform to societal expectations rather than pursue their own goals, Yigardu recalled.
According to her, the challenges she faced while pursuing her education were far from simple, though she overcame them with determination, mental strength and resilience. There were also some students who were forced to drop out of school because they were unable to cope with issues that challenged their femininity, she added.
The good experiences she gained while she was a high school student and the constant support and advice from her families have helped her to overcome the challenges she faced after entering university.
“As a woman, a mother, and an employee, I had to successfully beat numerous challenges I encountered to compete equally with men. But through all this, I had the unwavering support of my husband,” she said reflecting on her past.
Having faced lots of ups and downs, Yigardu has now reaped the rewards of her hard work, determination and unbeatable sprit. She has reached to the level of Principal Scientist in her career, becoming the only women to hold the title.
However, learning that she is the first and only woman in this field surprised her greatly. According to her, the reason for this is not because there are no capable women in the sector. Rather, it is because they have not yet been given the opportunity to take on roles.
Yigardu emphasized that empowering women should be everyone’s responsibility. Particularly, creating opportunities for them to hold positions of greater responsibility is crucial.
For this to happen, providing support for women to overcome the influences they face-whether at home, school or in the workplace- and empowering them to exercise their knowledge and skills for the benefit of the country is essential.
“Women can be as successful as men if given positions of responsibility,” said emphasizing that a woman’s determination, goal-setting, and persistence are key to achieving this. Especially those women involved in science and research should fully apply their potential and carry out work that contributes not only to their personal growth but also to the development of the country.
BY ELIZABETH MENGISTU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 27 MARCH 2025
