Lecturer | Mattu University | Ethiopia
Zenebe Reta Roba is a Lecturer and Dean at the College of Natural Resource and Agricultural Economics, Mattu University, specializing in geographic information systems, Remote Sensing, forestry, and environmental and natural resource management. He has extensive academic and administrative experience, leading academic programs, supervising students, coordinating research activities, and contributing to major interdisciplinary projects addressing climate change, land use dynamics, biodiversity conservation, and urban environmental challenges. His scholarly work includes impactful publications on land surface temperature, urban heat island dynamics, forest cover change, soil erosion, carbon stock estimation, rainfall prediction, and geospatial suitability assessments, produced through collaborations with national and international researchers. He also serves as a reviewer for more than thirty Scopus-indexed journals, holds editorial roles including membership on the PLOS ONE board, and contributes to global scientific networks such as the Global Land Program. His professional strengths include advanced geospatial analysis, environmental planning, statistical modeling, and scientific research communication, supported by training in geospatial data science, forest management, and research methodologies. His achievements, leadership, and sustained contributions to environmental science and geospatial research demonstrate a strong record of academic excellence and professional service. His research impact includes 112 citations, 19 publications, and an h-index of 6.
Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar
Featured Publications
1. Roba Z.R., Chalchissa F.B., Moisa M.B., Kipkulei H.K., Deribew K.T., Negash D., et al. Synergistic pathways of Great Ethiopian Renascence Dam and Green Legacy initiatives in shaping hydrological stress and land surface temperature in Abay Basin. Trees, Forests and People, 2025, 101039.
2. Moisa M.B., Dejene I.N., Roba Z.R., Gemeda D.O. Impact of urban land use and land cover change on urban heat island and urban thermal comfort level: a case study of Addis Ababa City, Ethiopia. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2022, 194(10), 736.
3. Gemeda D.O., Kenea G., Teshome B., Daba G.L., Argu W., Roba Z.R. Impact of land use and land cover change on land surface temperature: Comparative studies in four cities in southwestern Ethiopia. Environmental Challenges, 2024, 16, 101002.
4. Reta Z., Adgo Y., Mekonnen N. Assessment of contribution of non-timber forest products in the socio-economic status of peoples in Eastern Ethiopia. Open Access Journal of Bioscience & Research, 2020, 4(1).
5. Admasu Y., Tadesse T., Reta Z. Study on prevalence of small ruminant Cysticercus tenuicollis and its monetary loss at Bishoftu ELFORA export abattoir, Oromia, Ethiopia. Journal of Dairy & Veterinary Science, 2019, 9(2), 555759.
Through advanced geospatial analysis and environmental research, the nominee delivers critical insights into land use dynamics, climate resilience, and sustainable natural resource management. His work supports evidence-based policy, urban planning, and forest conservation strategies that strengthen ecological sustainability and community well-being. He envisions a future where integrated geospatial intelligence guides national and global environmental decision-making for resilient and climate-adaptive societies.