Meklit Chernet

Meklit Chernet is an experienced data scientist and serves as the Project Leader in Data Science and Digital Agricultural Adaptation at the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). With a strong background in both private and public sectors, she has acquired extensive international experience.
Throughout her career, Meklit has played a pivotal role in developing advanced data analytics pipelines for R&D purposes. Notably, during her time at IITA-CGIAR, she made significant contributions to the development of AKILIMO, a data analytics and agricultural advisory platform. This accomplishment served as an inspiration for the establishment of the CGIAR's Excellence in Agronomy (EiA) initiative.
Her primary research focus revolves around creating digital solutions for agriculture that provide tailored, climate-smart, and scalable agronomic advice. She is passionate about implementing process-oriented data standards and constructing modular analytical frameworks to ensure the rapid delivery of insights and value on a large scale.
Presently, she leads a team of scientists from various CG centers co-developing AgWise as a data analytics platform designed to deliver customized fertilizer recommendations for different crops and geographical regions.