Dani Sarsekova | Agricultural Science | Outstanding Scientist Award

Prof. Dr. Dani Sarsekova | Agricultural Science | Outstanding Scientist Award

Central Asia | Kazak National agrarian research university | Kazakhstan

Prof. Dr. Dani Sarsekova is an accomplished researcher specializing in groundwater sustainability, environmental hydrology, and natural resource management, with a strong emphasis on the unique ecological and hydrogeological conditions of Central Asia. Her work addresses some of the region’s most pressing environmental challenges, including water scarcity, aquifer depletion, climate change impacts, and the urgent need for sustainable watershed management in arid and mountainous environments.Her research on groundwater systems in the Zhambyl Region of Southern Kazakhstan highlights her expertise in evaluating aquifer characteristics, groundwater recharge processes, and water resource pressures caused by agricultural expansion and climatic variability. This work provides scientifically grounded recommendations for improving groundwater use efficiency and strengthening long-term sustainability. Through comprehensive hydrochemical assessments, spatial mapping, and environmental diagnostics, she contributes vital knowledge to policy frameworks involving regional water management.Beyond groundwater studies, Prof. Sarsekova is deeply engaged in hydrological comparisons of river basins. Her research includes an influential comparative assessment of mountainous river basins in the Kyrgyz–Kazakh region with similar basins in Australia, Canada, and the United States, showcasing her ability to situate Central Asian ecosystems within a global context. This comparative approach enhances understanding of water cycle behavior, watershed resilience, and environmental stress responses across diverse climatic zones.Her broader research portfolio spans integrated natural resource management, climate resilience, land–water interactions, soil–water dynamics, ecological vulnerability, and environmental sustainability assessments. She frequently collaborates with international teams to develop science-based solutions for environmental restoration, sustainable agriculture, and climate-adapted resource use.With a steadily growing corpus of publications, rising citations, and active involvement in multidisciplinary scientific networks, Prof. Dr. Dani Sarsekova is recognized as a significant contributor to advancing sustainable hydrology, groundwater conservation, and environmental resilience in Kazakhstan and the wider Central Asian region. Her work plays a crucial role in shaping sustainable strategies for water-dependent ecosystems under escalating environmental pressures.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

  • Adenova, D., Sarsekova, D., Absametov, M., Murtazin, Y., Sagin, J., Trushel, L., & Miroshnichenko, O. (2024). The study of groundwater in the Zhambyl Region, Southern Kazakhstan, to improve sustainability. Sustainability, 16(11), 4597. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114597

  • Sarsekova, D. N., Balakanova, A. S., Obizinskaya, E. V., Yesmurzayeva, A. K., & Librik, A. A. (2018). Influence of protective forest plants on soil fertility in agrarian landscapes (on the example of the Piskarev peasant household of Pavlodar). Herald of Science of S. Seifullin Kazakh Agro Technical University, No. 2(97).

  • Sarsekova, D. N., & Gudynaitė, V. (2014). Genotypic variation and heritability of growth and adaptive traits, and adaptation of young poplar hybrids at the northern margins of natural distribution of Populus nigra in Europe. Biomass & Bioenergy, 70, 513–529. (as mentioned on her profile)

  • Maissupova, I. K., Sarsekova, D. N., Weger, J., & Bubeník, J. (2017). Comparison of the growth of fast-growing poplar and willow in two sites of Central Kazakhstan. Journal of Forest Science, 63(5), 239–244. https://doi.org/10.17221/101/2016-JFS

  • Sarsekova, D. N., Maissupova, I. K., & Boranbay, Z. T. (2017). Determination of reserves of phytomass and circannual deposition of fast-growing wood species in Central Kazakhstan. Ecology, Environment and Conservation, 23(1), 256–261.

Birhanu Werku | Environmental Science | Editorial Board Member

Mr. Birhanu Werku | Environmental Science | Editorial Board Member

Lecturer | Wollega University | Ethiopia

Birhanu Chalchisa Werku is a researcher focused on agricultural emissions, climate change, and sustainable development, particularly within the context of East Africa’s evolving environmental challenges. His work examines how agricultural activities—such as livestock production, fertilizer use, land conversion, and crop management—contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and influence climate mitigation strategies across the region.A core component of his research involves evaluating the alignment of agricultural practices with Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action). He analyses how emission trends affect national and regional climate policies, identifying gaps in adaptation and mitigation frameworks. His contributions highlight the urgent need for low-carbon farming strategies, improved emission monitoring, and policy integration that supports climate-resilient agriculture.Werku’s publications explore themes such as climate-smart agriculture, environmental sustainability, emission reduction technologies, and agricultural policy reform, providing evidence-based insights for governments, development partners, and environmental agencies. His work emphasizes the interconnectedness of climate action with food security, rural livelihoods, and ecosystem protection.Through interdisciplinary collaboration and region-focused analysis, Werku advances scientific understanding of how sustainable agricultural transformation can support climate resilience in East Africa. His research contributes to shaping environmentally responsible policies that balance agricultural productivity with long-term ecological sustainability.

Profiles: Scopus 

Featured Publications

Werku, B. C., et al. (2025). Impact of agricultural emissions on goal 13 of the sustainable development agenda: An East African strategy for climate action. Environmental Sciences Europe.

The nominee’s work provides critical scientific insight into agricultural emissions and climate dynamics, supporting evidence-based strategies that advance global climate action. Their research directly strengthens environmental policy, sustainable development, and climate-resilient innovation for East Africa and beyond.

Emmanuel Fenibo | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Emmanuel Fenibo | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Regulator | National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control | Nigeria

Emmanuel Oliver Fenibo is an emerging researcher in environmental microbiology, bioremediation, and microbial ecology, with a growing body of work dedicated to restoring polluted ecosystems through microbial-based solutions. His research focuses extensively on understanding how complex microbial communities contribute to the degradation of hazardous pollutants, particularly in oil-impacted environments such as those found in the Niger Delta. Through rigorous scientific inquiry, he explores the biochemical, ecological, and genomic factors that drive efficient biodegradation processes.A central component of his research examines the use of biopile remediation systems, where he investigates how organic materials—especially nutrient-rich agricultural wastes like chicken droppings—enhance microbial activity and support the breakdown of petroleum hydrocarbons. His work provides important evidence that low-cost, locally available organic amendments can significantly accelerate environmental cleanup while promoting soil recovery and microbial diversity. This contribution is especially valuable in regions facing chronic oil pollution and limited access to advanced remediation technologies.Fenibo’s integration of metagenomic tools amplifies his impact in environmental biotechnology. By applying next-generation sequencing technologies, he profiles microbial communities involved in biodegradation and identifies functionally important taxa, genes, and metabolic pathways. His metagenomic insights contribute to a deeper understanding of how microbial consortia respond to contamination stress and how their natural capabilities can be optimized for ecological restoration. His expertise in microbial community dynamics positions him at the intersection of molecular microbiology and applied environmental science.Beyond bioremediation, his broader research interests include microbial diversity, environmental monitoring, and sustainable waste management. His work supports the development of adaptive, eco-friendly remediation systems that align with global environmental sustainability goals. Fenibo’s research outcomes are relevant to policymakers, environmental agencies, and industrial stakeholders seeking scientifically grounded approaches to pollution mitigation.With a citation record reflecting consistent engagement from the scientific community, his contributions are gaining recognition for their practical significance and scientific rigor. Through multidisciplinary collaborations and problem-driven research, Emmanuel Oliver Fenibo advances knowledge that directly addresses environmental degradation, promotes sustainable remediation practices, and strengthens the scientific foundation for microbial applications in ecosystem restoration.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

Fenibo, E. O., & Matambo, T. (2025). Biopesticides for sustainable agriculture: Feasible options for adopting cost-effective strategies. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 9, 1657000.

Fenibo, E. O., Nkuna, R., & Matambo, T. (2025). Metagenomic insights into biopile remediation of petroleum-contaminated soil using chicken droppings in Rivers State, Nigeria. Bioinformatics and Biology Insights, 19, 11779322251371117.

Fenibo, E. O., Nkuna, R., & Matambo, T. (2024). Impact of artisanal refining activities on bacterial diversity in a Niger Delta fallow land. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 3866.

Fenibo, E. O., Selvarajan, R., Huiqi, W., Yue, W., & Abia, A. L. K. (2023). Untapped talents: Insight into the ecological significance of methanotrophs and its prospects. Science of the Total Environment.

Fenibo, E. O., Selvarajan, R., Abia, A. L. K., & Matambo, T. (2023). Medium-chain alkane biodegradation and its link to some unifying attributes of alkB genes diversity. Science of the Total Environment, 162951.

Emmanuel Oliver Fenibo’s research advances global sustainability by developing microbial and metagenomic solutions for pollution remediation, ecosystem restoration, and environmental protection. His work provides science-driven, low-cost strategies that support cleaner industries, safer communities, and innovative applications of microbiology in solving real-world environmental challenges.

Rebecca Zengeni | Agricultural Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Rebecca Zengeni | Agricultural Science | Best Researcher Award

Senior lecturer | University of KwaZulu-Natal | South Africa

Dr. Rebecca Zengeni is a distinguished soil scientist and lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, with a strong academic background including a BSc and MPhil in Soil Science from the University of Zimbabwe and a PhD from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, where her research focused on soil carbon dynamics and carbon dioxide efflux under different vegetation environments. She began her professional career as a researcher at the Ministry of Agriculture in Zimbabwe and later served as a lecturer at Bindura University of Science Education before joining UKZN. At UKZN, she teaches courses in soil science, waste management, and indigenous knowledge systems, while her research interests encompass soil fertility, soil and water conservation, field experiments, soil analysis, waste management, and nutrient management. Dr. Zengeni has authored 32 documents indexed in Scopus, with her work cited 454 times and an h-index of 10, reflecting her significant scholarly impact. Her research skills include expertise in soil analysis, experimental design, soil fertility assessment, and sustainable waste management. She has received recognition for her contributions to soil science through awards and professional acknowledgments, demonstrating her commitment to advancing knowledge in agricultural and environmental sciences. Overall, Dr. Zengeni’s career represents a blend of rigorous research, effective teaching, and meaningful contributions to sustainable soil and environmental management.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  1. Mbava, N., Zengeni, R., & Muchaonyerwa, P. (2025). Carbon dioxide emissions and nitrogen and phosphorus mineralization patterns from soil amended with shoot and root residues of different wheat genotypes. Frontiers in Agronomy, 7, 1576878.

  2. Vambe, M., Zengeni, R., Arthur, G., Singh, K., Amoo, S., Naidoo, K., & Coopoosamy, R. M. (2024). Moringa oleifera leaf powder influenced the chemical profile of Leonotis leonurus essential oils. Student’s Journal of Health Research Africa, 5(6).

  3. Vambe, M., Singh, K., Coopoosamy, R. M., Naidoo, K., & Zengeni, R. (2024). Vermicompost leachates enhance morpho-physiological properties in Pelargonium sidoides DC. Journal of Medicinal Plants for Economic Development, 8(1), a256. https://doi.org/10.4102/jomped.v8i1.256

  4. Ntonta, S., Zengeni, R., Muchaonyerwa, P., & Chaplot, V. (2024). Variability in decomposition rate of sorghum cultivar residues linked to lignin content. Rhizosphere, 29, 100850.

  5. Zengeni, R., & Hlatshwayo, N. (2023). Non-agricultural soil uses by communities in uMgungundlovu District and their safety for use. Inkanyiso, 15(1), a70.