Rate My Professor Jemal Abafita

Dr. Jemal Abafita serves as the President of Jimma University and holds the rank of Associate Professor in the Department of Economics at Jimma University. He earned his PhD in Economics, specializing in Agriculture and Resource Economics, from Kangwon National University in South Korea in 2014. Prior to that, he obtained a Master of Science in Economics, specializing in Economic Policy Analysis, from Addis Ababa University in 2003, and a Bachelor of Science in Statistics from Addis Ababa University in 1994. His academic journey began at Jimma University in 2003 as a lecturer in the Department of Economics, where he has since advanced through academic ranks and taken on significant leadership roles, including his current position as President since 2019.

Abafita's research focuses on development economics, rural finance, and related areas. His prolific scholarship is evidenced by numerous peer-reviewed publications. Among his most cited works are "Determinants of household food security in rural Ethiopia: an empirical analysis" (Journal of Rural Development, 2014, 181 citations), "Smallholder commercialization in Ethiopia: market orientation and participation" (International Food Research Journal, 2016, 136 citations), "Microfinance and loan repayment performance: A case study of the Oromia Credit and Savings Share Company" (2003, 89 citations), "Determinants of global coffee trade: Do RTAs matter?" (Cogent Economics & Finance, 2021, 62 citations), "Impact of coffee exports on economic growth in Ethiopia" (Cogent Economics & Finance, 2022, 39 citations), and several studies examining psychological and perceptual responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in Ethiopia, including "Risk perceptions and attitudinal responses to COVID-19 pandemic" (BMC Public Health, 2021) and "Psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ethiopia" (Annals of General Psychiatry, 2021). These contributions have advanced knowledge on agricultural markets, food security, international trade, and public health responses in developing contexts. In his leadership role, Dr. Abafita has steered Jimma University towards enhanced research output, international collaborations such as with Texas Tech University, and strengthened entrepreneurship education.