Dr. Abera Demeke
Biography:
Dr. Abera Birhanu Demeke earned his PhD (magna cum laude) in Agricultural Economics from the University of Hohenheim, in Germany. His master’s degree in Development Economics is from the University of Goettingen and his bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics is from the University of Alemaya in Ethiopia.
He recently earned a second master's, in Food and Resource Economics, from the University of British Columbia (UBC).
Dr. Demeke is an experienced teacher and supervisor of students at undergraduate and graduate levels.
He also teaches economics, research methods, and quantitative methods at different colleges and universities in BC.
Dr. Demeke speaks English and has a working knowledge of German.
Experience and Expertise
Dr. Demeke has more than 15 years of experience in socioeconomic research, international development, and post-secondary teaching.
He was a faculty member at St. Mary’s University, Ethiopia, a research fellow at the University of Hohenheim, Germany, and a research officer at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) based in Addis Ababa.
He is skilled at rigorous statistical analysis and advanced econometric analysis and in planning, coordination and administration of surveys and research and development projects
Publications
An active researcher, Dr. Demeke has published scholarly articles on food security, climate variability, risk management, technology adoption, and the role of education in rural development.
He is an author of several research articles, including:
- Friedland, A., Gilman, M., Johnson, M. and Demeke, A. B. (2017) “Does Reading-While-Listening Enhance Students' Reading Fluency? Preliminary Results from School Experiments in Rural Uganda”. Journal of Education and Practice, Vol. 8(7) 82-95.
- Friedland, A., Demeke, A. B., and Sekora, A. (2016) “Determinants of Adoption of Improved Crossbred Cattles: A Case Study of Suba and Laikipia Districts, Kenya”. Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development, Vol. 7(3) 7-15.
- Demeke, A. B. and Zeller, M. (2012) “Weather risk and households participation in off- farm activities in rural Ethiopia”. Quarterly Journal of International Agriculture, Vol. 51(1) 1-20.
- Demeke, A. B., Keil, A. and Zeller, M. (2011) “Using panel data to estimate the effect of rainfall shock on smallholders food security and vulnerability in rural Ethiopia”. Climatic Change, Volume 108, Issue 1, Page 185-206.
- Demeke, A. B. and Zeller, M. “Informal social networks and household wellbeing in rural Ethiopia”. Manuscript under preparation for submission.
Awards and Research Grants
Dr. Demeke is the recipient of scholarships and research grants from various institutions, including:
- German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) scholarship award for doctoral studies in Stuttgart, Germany.
- Katholischer Akademischer Ausländer-Dienst (KAAD) scholarship award for MSc studies in Goettingen, Germany.
- Research Grant from Social Science and Humanities Research Council Canada (2015-2018), for the research project: Fostering Regional Food Systems.