Dr.Anteneh Profile
Anteneh Belayneh Desta, PhD
Associate Professor of Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Management
Education
2017 – 2021
PhD in Range Ecology and Biodiversity
Haramaya University
2005 – 2006
MSc in Dryland Biodiversity Conservation and Management
Addis Ababa University
1999 – 2003
BSc in Biology
Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
Work Experience
2014 – 2020
Assistant Professor, Supervisor
Haramaya University
2009 – 2014
Lecturer and Researcher
Haramaya University
2007 – 2009
Research Project Leader
Addis Ababa University
2004 – 2005
Teacher
Haramaya Preparatory School
1990 – 1999
Teacher and School Principal
Chelenko High School
Skills
Biodiversity Professional
SPSS
GIS
R Software
Microsoft Office
Gardening
Teamwork & Collaboration
Problem Solving
Time Management
Multilingual (Amharic, English, Afan Oromo)
Research Projects
Ethno-medicinal, pharmacological and phytochemical studies of potential anti-diabetic traditional medicinal plants in Eastern Ethiopia (2.9M Birr, HUGG_2021_06_02_24, 2021–2025) Co-PI
Comprehensive study of Indigenous Knowledge, Resources, and Good Practices in East Hararghe Zone, Maya City, and Harari Regional State, Eastern Ethiopia (2025–2028), HUGG_2025_04_01_44 — budget approved 2,409,552 Birr
Towards the Commercialization of Prioritized Aloe Species from Eastern and South-eastern Ethiopia (352,100 Birr, HUKT_2021_06_01_56, 2021–2023) PI
A Comprehensive Evaluation and Validation of Traditional Medicinal Plants and Associated Indigenous Knowledge in Hararghe, Eastern Ethiopia (380,500 Birr, HUSS_2018_06_01_26, on-going) Co-PI
Bioactive phytochemicals, antioxidant properties, and nutritional composition of exudates/gel from endemic/indigenous Aloes of Eastern Ethiopia (132,000 Birr, HURG-2016-06-01-04, completed 2017–2019) PI
Green Economy transition toolkit for Africa — local application in Welmera Woreda, Oromia Region, funded by UNEP and GIZ, 2015 (12,000 USD) PI
Ecological distribution and population status of African Elephant (Loxodonta africana) in Ethiopia (100,000 USD, funded by Elephants Without Borders, 2014, completed) Co-PI
Comprehensive Ethnobotanical study on wild edible plants in Hararge lowlands (100,000 Birr, SIDA/SAREC grant 2012–2014, completed) PI
Agrobiodiversity and productivity enhancement through soil fertility and coffee disease management in Hararge, Eastern Ethiopia (120,000 Birr, SIDA/SAREC grant 2013–2014, completed) Co-PI
Training & Professional Development
- Introduction to Data Management, Bioinformatics, and Data Science — ROFORUM, Kenya, Jun–Jul 2025
- Program accreditation processes, standards, and outcome-based education (OBE) — Haramaya University, Jan 2025
- ToT on special summer capacity building for secondary school teachers — Kotebe Education University, Jun 2024
- Africa Well-being Economy and Emerging Future — Global Leadership Academy, Cape Town, Nov 2017
- Regional training on Natural Capital Assessments (Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda) — UNEP & WCMC, Addis Ababa, Nov 2015
- Green Economy transition toolkit for Africa — UNEP & GIZ, Nairobi, Jul 2015
- Valorisation of local products with designation of Origin — Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, 2012
- Mainstreaming Sustainable Development Innovations in African university education systems — Rhodes University, South Africa, Sep–Oct 2011
- Designation of Origin for land products — UNESCO, Paris, Jun 2010
- Higher Diploma Program (HDP) in Education — Haramaya University, Jul 2010
- Grant Management Training & Research Proposal Writing workshop — IFS and Bioversity International, Nairobi, Nov 2009
- Practical course on Scientific Writing — Lukenya Getaway, Nairobi, Oct 2009
Workshops & Conferences
| Workshop / Conference | Place / Country |
|---|---|
| Amplifying the urgency of climate action and mobilizing communities toward a greener future | Biological Society of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa |
| Biodiversity conservation & sustainable nature-based livelihood: challenges, opportunities, innovations | Biological Society of Ethiopia & Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute, Addis Ababa |
| Valorization of products with geographical indications (GI) and protection of designation of Origin (PDO) | UNESCO HQ, Paris, France |
| Integrated Green Economy Implementation workshop | Cape Town, South Africa |
| Education and sustainability | Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa |
| Traditional and Modern Medicine | Dubai, UAE |
| Operationalization of Green Economy Transition | Nairobi, Kenya |
| Transforming Food Systems through Climate Smart Agriculture | Haramaya University, Ethiopia |
| Proposal writing workshop for neglected & underutilized species | IFS/Bioversity, Nairobi, Kenya |
| Regional cooperation within BRICS: modern environment and nature management | Petrozavodsk, Russia |
| Workshop on African Aloe species | TUT, Pretoria, South Africa |
| Dryland biodiversity and rangeland management workshop | Bagamoyo, Tanzania |
| Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) | Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso |
Courses Taught
School of Biological Sciences & Biotechnology, School of Animal Sciences & Range Ecology, and ACE Climate SABC.
| Code | Course Title | Level / Specialization |
|---|---|---|
| Biot3144 | Biodiversity and Conservation of Genetic Resources | UG – Molecular Biology & Biotechnology |
| Biol4081 | Wildlife Ecology and Management | UG – Biology |
| BioB518 | Climate Change and Biodiversity Conservation | MSc – Botany |
| REDB541 | Biodiversity Conservation & Management | MSc – Range Ecology & Dryland Biodiversity |
| REBD561 | Plant Taxonomy | MSc – Range Ecology & Dryland Biodiversity |
| REBD561 | Advanced Plant Taxonomy | PhD – Range Ecology & Dryland Biodiversity |
| REBD542 | Climate Change Adaptations and Mitigation in Rangelands | MSc – Range Ecology & Biodiversity |
| ESM501 | Biodiversity Conservation & Management | MSc – Environmental Science & Management |
| BdEM5111 | Biodiversity Conservation and Management | MSc BEM – ACE Climate SABC |
| BdEM5121 | Ecosystem Services and Sustainable Utilization | MSc BEM – ACE Climate SABC |
| BdEM5131 | Agro-biodiversity, Climate Change and Food Security | ACE BEM – Climate SABC |
| CSAg-5322 | Research Methods and Scientific Writing Skills | MSc BEM – ACE Climate SABC |
| BdEM5014 | Range Ecology and Dryland Biodiversity | MSc BEM – ACE Climate SABC |
| BdEM5111 | Biodiversity Conservation and Management | PhD – ACE Climate SABC-BEM |
| CABC752 | Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems, and Biodiversity | PhD – ACE Climate SABC-BEM |
| CABC752 | Climate Change, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management | PhD – ACE Climate SABC-BEM |
Selected Publications
- Abdulahi M., Egli P.E., Belayneh A., Bamutaze Y., Nakakaawa C.A., Dejene S.W. 2026. Evaluation of bush encroachment control effectiveness in reducing drought under different climate change scenarios. Theoretical and Applied Climatology, 157:596.
- Ejeta S.T., Ebro A., Belayneh Desta A., Kassaye A.Y. 2026. Agro-pastoral household vulnerability to climate variability and change in Miesso and Gumbi Bordode districts, West Harerghe Zone, Ethiopia — an LVI and LVI-IPCC approach. Discover Environment, 4:476.
- Mussa A. M., Egli P.E.*, Belayneh A., Bamutaze Y., Nakakaawa C.A., Dejene S.W. 2026. Evaluating grazing management for drought reduction under different climate change scenarios. Climate, 14:86.
- Getahun Z.N., Belayneh Desta A., Abate H.Y. 2026. Woody plant species diversity in Haramaya University Main Campus, Eastern Ethiopia. International Journal of Forestry Research, 2026:4886338.
- Daba Y., Kitessa M., Ahmed K., Million D., Temesgen A., Amde M., Kiros T., Walo D., Belayneh A., Abdela J. 2026. Evaluation of in vitro and in vivo antidiabetic potential of Ajuga integrifolia extract in diabetic mice models. Metabolism Open, 29:100443.
- Abdella U., Belayneh Desta A., Berhanu Y. 2025. Richness and abundance of invasive and expansive plant species in a semi-arid rangeland of the Rift Valley. Global Ecological Conservation, 60:e03602.
- Mussa A. M., Egli P.E.*, Belayneh A., Bamutaze Y., Dejene S.W. 2025. Impact of climate change on drought dynamics in the Ganale Dawa River Basin, Ethiopia. Climate, 13:231.
- Chikuwi M., Missanjo E., Belayneh Desta A. 2025. Tree species richness and diversity among selected urban forest types in Lilongwe City, Malawi. International Journal of Forestry Research, 1925502.
- Abebe H., Belayneh A.*, Dejene S.W. 2024. Modeling the distribution of Aloe ankoberensis and A. debrana under different climate change scenarios, North Shewa Zone, Ethiopia. Ecological Processes, 13:39.
- Abro T.W.*, Belayneh Desta A., Debie E., Alemu D.M. 2024. Endemic plant species and threats to their sustainability in Ethiopia: a systematic review. Trees, Forests and People, 17:100634.
- Teklegiorgis S.*, Belayneh A., Gebermeskel K., Akomolafe G.F., Workeneh S. 2024. Modelling the agro-ecological distribution of Mexican prickly poppy (Argemone mexicana) in south Wollo, Ethiopia. Journal of Geology, Ecology, and Landscapes, 1–15.
- Eticha K.T., Belayneh A.*, Bekele K. 2024. Floristic composition of Harla-Ija Aneni Valley and Mountain Complex, Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia. East African Journal of Sciences, 18(1):15–28.
- Teklegiorgis S.*, Workeneh S., Belayneh A., Gebermeskel K., Akomolafe G.F. 2024. Density, biomass, and fruit/seed production of Argemone mexicana under different land uses, South Wollo, Ethiopia. Biological Invasions.
- Dondo G., Dejene S.W., Uwimbabazi A., Chavula P., Anteneh D. 2024. Carbon stocks under different land cover types in the Hallaydeghe wildlife reserve, northeastern Ethiopia. Nova Geodesia, 4(4):210.
- Belayneh A. 2024. African elephants on the verge of local extinction: rescue the Babile Elephant Sanctuary. Proceedings, 32nd Annual Conference of the Biological Society of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, pp. 26–27.
- Belayneh Desta A. 2023. Ethno-medicinal importance of aloes from south and east of the Great Rift Valley floristic regions of Ethiopia. International Conference on Traditional & Modern Medicine, Dubai, UAE.
- Bussa N.F., Belayneh A. 2020. Long-standing herbal medicinal traditions from the prehistoric Harar town and surroundings, Eastern Ethiopia. J. Ayu. Herb. Med.
- Belayneh A., Demissew S., Bussa N.F., Bisrat D. 2020. Ethno-medicinal and bio-cultural importance of aloes from south and east of the Great Rift Valley floristic regions of Ethiopia. Heliyon, 6:e04344.
- Seid M., Belayneh Desta A., Zewdu T. 2020. Effect of rangeland vegetation degradation on livestock and socio-economic status of pastoralists, Afar, Northern Ethiopia. J. Degraded and Mining Lands Management, 6(3):17–27.
- Sintayehu D.W.*, Belayneh A., Dechassa N. 2020. Aboveground carbon stock related to land cover and woody species diversity in tropical ecosystems of Eastern Ethiopia. Ecological Processes, 9:37.
- Belayneh A., Bussa N.F., Demissew S., Bisrat D. 2020. Acute oral toxicity test from leaf exudates of 17 Aloe species from East and South of the Great Rift Valley, Ethiopia. Advances in Traditional Medicine, 20(3):1–12.
- Tumwesigye W., Aschalew A., Wilber W., Desta A. 2019. Impact of climate change on food systems: a narrative review. Journal of Water Resources and Ocean Science, 8(4):50–55.
- Atsbha T.*, Belayneh Desta A., Zewdu T. 2019. Carbon sequestration potential of natural vegetation under grazing influence, Southern Tigray, Ethiopia. Heliyon, 5:e02329.
- Atsbha T.*, Belayneh Desta A., Zewdu T. 2019. Woody species diversity, population structure, and regeneration status in the Gra-Kahsu natural vegetation, southern Tigray. Heliyon, 5:e01120.
- Bussa N.F., Belayneh A.* 2019. Traditional medicinal plants used to treat cancer, tumors and inflammatory ailments in Harari Region, Eastern Ethiopia. South African Journal of Botany, 122:360–368.
- Atsbha T., Belayneh Desta A. 2019. Ecological assessment of plant diversity and associated edaphic and topographic variables in the Gra-Kahsu forests of Ethiopia. Journal of Horticulture and Forestry, 11(1):8–18.
- Bussa N.*, Belayneh A., Deressa M. 2017. The potential of camel milk and extracts of major plants browsed by the animal for diabetes treatment. East African Journal of Sciences, 11(2):129–138.
- Belayneh Desta A. 2017. Neglected and underutilized plant species (NUS): promising for livelihood option in the dry lands of Africa. Asian J. Life Sci., AJLS-103.
- Belayneh A., Tessema Z.K. 2017. Mechanisms of bush encroachment and its inter-connection with rangeland degradation in semi-arid African ecosystems: a review. Journal of Arid Land, 9(2):299–312.
- Belayneh A., Asfaw Z., Demissew S., Bussa N.F. 2012. Potential and use of medicinal plants by pastoral and agro-pastoral communities in Erer Valley of Babile Wereda, Eastern Ethiopia. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 8:42.
- Belayneh A., Demissew S. 2011. Diversity and population structure of woody species browsed by elephants in Babile Elephant Sanctuary, Eastern Ethiopia. Ee-JRIF, 3(1):20–32.
- Belayneh A., Bekele T., Demissew S. 2011. Floristic analysis of the natural vegetation of Babile Elephant Sanctuary, Eastern Ethiopia. Ethiopian Journal of Biological Sciences, 10(2):137–152.
- Belayneh A., Yohannes T., Worku A. 2013. Recurrent and extensive forest fire incidence in the Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP), Ethiopia. International Journal of Environmental Sciences, 2(1):29–39.
- Belayneh A., Bussa N.F. 2014. Ethnomedicinal plants used to treat human ailments in the prehistoric places of Harla and Dengego valleys, Eastern Ethiopia. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 10:18.
- Belayneh A., Workeneh S., Demeke Y. 2015. Biodiversity potential, challenges, and opportunities in the drylands of Eastern Ethiopia: the case of Babile Elephant Sanctuary. Proceedings, UNDP & Haramaya University, pp. 56–67.
- Preetha V.V., Belayneh A., Palavesam A., Immanuel G., Tadesse Z. 2012. Effect of dietary nutrient sources on nitrogen and phosphorus loading from culture of tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon). J. Aquacult. Res. Dev., 3:141.
- Belayneh A., Demissew S. 2011. Ethnobotanical study of edible wild and multipurpose plants used by local communities in Babile Elephant Sanctuary, Eastern Ethiopia. Proceedings, ECOCASD, Ambo University.
* Corresponding author
Professional society activities
- Member and Eastern Ethiopia focal person of the Biological Society of Ethiopia since 2010