Who is Omar Askalan?

Omar Askalan is an agricultural engineer and irrigation specialist (PhD) with advanced expertise in irrigation system design, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), data analysis, and data science applications in agriculture, as well as in automated irrigation technologies, greenhouse structures, water safety, and climate-resilient farming systems.

I provide consulting services in agriculture, water resources management, irrigation development and operation, environmental planning, and climate change adaptation, supporting projects ranging from small-scale farm systems to large national and international water and agricultural infrastructure programs. My work focuses on delivering practical, data-driven, and sustainable solutions to improve water use efficiency and agricultural productivity, particularly in emerging and developing agrifood systems.

I actively participate in agricultural capacity building and mentorship alongside my technical practice. My mission is to equip undergraduates and young agricultural professionals with the practical skills, technical knowledge, and professional mindset needed to become competent, industry-ready agricultural engineers.

“My mission is to empower students and young professionals to develop real-world agricultural engineering skills before graduation. As an agricultural engineer, I am committed to mentoring the next generation of specialists so they can grow into confident, capable professionals in irrigation, water management, and sustainable agriculture.”

RESEARCH INTERESTS

1. Soil–water–plant relationships and irrigation scheduling techniques.
2. Sustainable agricultural investment and rural development, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions (Agribusiness & farm management)
3. Data science and precision agriculture for decision-making and yield optimization
4. Irrigation machinery and systems, irrigation applications, and irrigation methods and techniques.

Organization	Year
Karmer Career-Center	From September 2013 to November 2020, I worked for the Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) and the Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH), and we have been working together on the “Productive Agriculture” project in Mogadishu, Somalia.
IHH and TIKA	From September 2013 to November 2020, I worked for Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) and the Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH), and we have been working together on the “Productive Agriculture” project in Mogadishu, Somalia.
Zamzam University of Science and Technology	From January 2014 to September 2018: I had worked with Zamzam University of Science and Technology as a practical teacher, giving the students practice in greenhouses and open fields, modern irrigation, fertilization, pests, and disease control in Mogadishu, Somalia.