About Gemechu Debesa's Work
Gemechu Debesa Wedajo received his master’s degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing from Jimma University, Ethiopia, in June 2018. In 2019, he joined Jimma University as a Lecturer in GIS and Remote Sensing, where he has contributed to teaching, curriculum development, and research supervision.
He has published eight peer-reviewed articles in international academic journals, focusing on topics such as spatial analysis, land-use change, urban expansion, and environmental management. His research integrates advanced geospatial technologies to address pressing challenges in sustainable development and urban growth.
In February 2023, Gemechu joined KU Leuven as a PhD candidate in the Geography and Tourism Research Group of the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. His doctoral research investigates the spatial dynamics of rural–urban migration and the growth of secondary cities in Sub-Saharan Africa, with an emphasis on geospatial modelling and policy-relevant insights for sustainable urbanization. Through his academic journey, Gemechu has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing geospatial science and applying it to real-world societal challenges. His work bridges local expertise in Ethiopia with international collaboration, contributing to both scholarly knowledge and practical solutions for urban and environmental planning.