Prof. Tekalign Mamo of Ethiopia Dies Aged 61 ======= ====== ==== =

The distinguished soil scientist and former Ethiopian State Minister of Agriculture, Professor Tekalign Mamo has passed away at the age of 61.

Professor Tekalgn has passed away abroad while receiving treatment. His body is expected to arrive on Friday in Addis Ababa.

His funeral will be held on Saturday at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in the presence of high-level government officials, his colleagues and family members.

Professor Tekalign is a graduate of soil chemistry from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland.

 

He served as Vice President of Haremaya University, State Minister of Agriculture, Advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Agriculture of Ethiopia from 2004 to 2010.

The late Tekalign published more than 75 research articles and books on soil chemistry and fertility and crops, among others.

He was also the founder and chief editor of Natural Resources journal of Ethiopia while also working as lecutrer in both local and international Universities.

He received several awards for his contribution, including the 2014 African Green Revolution Yara award and a FAO Special Global Ambassadorship role for 2015 International Year of Soils.

The Professor was also recognized by the American Biographical Institute through the Swiss Trans-disciplinary award.

The soil scientist benefited some 11 million farmers who were involved in small scale farming through his studies on soil fertility and conservation of natural resource. He received the Norman Borlaug award for this contribution.

Professor Tekalign has been serving as General Director of an international fertilizer factory based in Morocco till his death. The late Tekalign survived by two daughters.

source ena