2024 African Plant Nutrition Scholar Award Recipients Announced
Benguérir, Morocco, August 5, 2024 – The African Plant Nutrition Institute (APNI) has announced the finalists of its annual African Plant Nutrition Scholar Award. A total of ten African students were selected from advanced science programs focused on plant nutrition and the management of nutrients applied to crops in Africa.
This scholarship is supported through APNI’s continued and valued partnership with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) and OCP Group (OCP S.A.). This initiative strives to encourage the brightest minds to focus on the critical target of continued advancement of the science of crop nutrition across Africa. Application undergo a rigorous process via the selection committee who consider the full spectrum of academic and personal achievements for each potential recipient. Each student receives $2,000 (U.S. Dollars). This year’s recipients include:
Mr. Tessema Tesfaye ATUMO — ETHIOPIA
Doctorate Program: Hawassa University
Area of Study: Evaluation of Climate Smart Agricultural Practices to Improve Productivity of Sorghum under Current and Future Climate Scenarios in South Ethiopia
Mr. Atumo’s study is integrating climate-smart indigenous conservation agriculture for maximum extractable soil moisture, optimizing nitrogen (N) fertilizations, and selecting the best sorghum variety to increase productivity in South Ethiopia. Crop models simulate extractable soil moisture, weather-related variables, phenology, growth, and yield for sorghum varieties under current and projected climate conditions, as well as the impact of climate variability on soil moisture dynamics and sorghum production. In the context of climate change, a novel approach to climate-smart agricultural techniques and fertilizer application may be employed. Field experimental data collected at three locations over two major seasons, using indigenous conservation agriculture, to evaluate N fertilizations for three sorghum cultivars aid in model calibration and evaluation.
Tessema, a renowned Ethiopian agronomist, has conducted groundbreaking research on food and feed crops, published scientific results, and developed new crop varieties. He is a member of professional societies and a peer reviewer. Tessema’s research could provide vital information on improving sorghum yield, potentially improving the livelihoods of Ethiopian farmers who rely on dry-land farming practices. Furthermore, it may contribute to Africa’s resilience and food security.
Tessema desires to make significant contributions to the agricultural research and education systems in Ethiopia and internationally, with an emphasis on crop physiology, soil-plant water connections, and plant nutrition, crop modelling, climate change adaptation, and sustainable agriculture for food security and nutrition.
Mr. Reda MOKERE — MOROCCO
Doctorate Program: Center of Excellence in Soil and Fertilizer Research in Africa, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)
Area of Study: Development of New Sensors and Model Optimization for Soil Diagnosis and Prediction by Combining Spectroscopy and Chemometrics
Mr. Mokere’s research aims to address the high costs and inaccessibility of traditional soil analysis methods, especially for farmers in Africa. By combining soil science, proximal sensing, and data science, the study introduces a novel approach to real-time soil property analysis. The main objectives include developing models to predict soil’s physical and chemical attributes accurately and enhancing plant nutrition and crop management.
This work seeks to revolutionize soil analysis by offering cost-effective, rapid solutions, empowering farmers to improve soil management, enhance crop yields, and adapt to climate change. This research is critical where laboratory facilities are scarce, making precision agriculture accessible and promoting sustainable farming practices.
Reda’s career goals are to advance plant nutrition and sustainable agriculture through technology. They aim to become a leading researcher, developing solutions that enhance soil health, increase crop yields, and ensure food security, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals related to hunger, health, and environmental sustainability.
Mr. Kelvin KIPROTICH — SOUTH AFRICA
Doctorate Program: Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agrisciences, Stellenbosch University, Western Cape, South Africa
Area of Study: The Role of Soil Microbial Communities and Management Practices on Sustainable Wheat Production and Soil Health in the Mediterranean Region of South Africa.
Mr. Kiprotich current research aims to assess the role of soil microbial communities on sustainable wheat production and soil health at the Tygerhoek research farm in Western Cape, South Africa, over two winter rainfall seasons. This study compares the practices of conservation agriculture (CA) and regenerative agriculture (RA). I am utilizing targeted amplicon DNA sequences of bacterial (16S rRNA), fungal, and nematode (18S rRNA) communities to evaluate their diversity and abundance using high-throughput next-generation sequencing platforms and bioinformatics. Additionally, the research integrates the analysis of soil proteins, active carbon (C), mineralizable C, enzyme activities, microbial biomass, soil pH, available phosphorus (P), total C, total nitrogen (N), aggregate stability, and wheat yields over two consecutive winter seasons. The results of this study will enhance our understanding of the role of soil microbial communities in plant nutrition in conjunction with other soil health indicators under RA and CA practices. This knowledge will help recommend best management practices that improve soil nutrients, restore ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and support sustainable food production.
In earlier research, I assessed P-solubilizing bacteria to determine their effectiveness in Pmineralization and solubilization, as well as their ability to support the growth of common beans. The results affirmed that these beneficial microorganisms are a promising option for microbial biofertilizers in sustainable agriculture, presenting a better alternative to synthetic fertilizers, which can degrade soil fertility and agroecosystems over time.
My career goal is to become a renowned researcher in academia or research institutions, focusing on plant-microbe interactions, agroecology, biodiversity, and biotechnology. I aspire to collaborate with international partners to help establish a food-secure Africa.
Mr. Adedotun Daniel ADEWUMI — NIGERIA
Doctorate Program: University of Ibadan, Ibadan
Area of Study: Performance of Lima Bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) as Influenced by Phosphorus Application and Management of its Residues in Succeeding Maize Production
In Nigeria, depletion of soil fertility has progressed, therefore, improving nutrient use efficiency and soil fertility through the combination of the use of fertilizer and the use of grain legumes with low harvest indices such as lima bean is considered important towards sustainable intensification of agricultural production. Mr. Adewumi’s study will assess influence of phosphorus (P) fertilizer application on growth and yield of lima bean, also the ability of lima bean to fix nitrogen (N) and contribute to the productivity of maize in a lima-maize rotation system in south western Nigeria will be assessed. The objectives of my study are (1) to assess the influence of P fertilizer on nodulation, growth and yields of lima bean, (2) to assess the ability of lima bean to fix N2 through the estimation of N2 fixed and percentage N derived from biological fixation and (3) to evaluate the rotational effects of lima bean on maize productivity in a lima bean-maize rotation system. This study will offer valuable insights into optimizing P fertilizer for good crop performance of lima bean, N fixation, and residue management practices for sustainable crop production.
Adedotun is an advocate of Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM), through the combination of judicious fertilizer use, grain legumes and adjustment to local conditions to maximize economic returns of legume-cereal rotation systems. My ultimate career goal is to be a researcher and consultant in the field of plant nutrition and farming systems in which I get to design, model, and implement ecologically based soil fertility management strategies for farmers to ease lives and improve productivity.
Ms. Zufan Desta MEHARI — ETHIOPIA
Doctorate Program: Mekelle University
Area of Study: Contribution of Biophysical Soil and Water Conservation Measures on Carbon Sequestration and Socio-economic Attributes in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia.
Ms. Mehari’s study aims to analyze the contribution of integrated biophysical soil and water conservation (SWC) measures to the change in soil properties and measure the labile and recalcitrant soil nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) pools. The research will analyze changes in soil properties and investigate the role of biophysical SWC measures in mitigating soil nutrient deterioration and climate change through C sequestration in the soil labile and recalcitrant forms of N and C pools. This study will mainly focus on evaluating the impact of biophysical SWC measures on soil nutrient enhancement, improved landscape, and their implications for soil nutrient addition and protection at the watershed level.
Zufan’s focus on integrated biophysical soil and water conservation interventions, which could help protect soil nutrients, add value to climate change mitigation, and transform how people deal with new information in this area. She aspire’s to look beyond the limited perspective of SWC measures and understand the community’s vital role in SWC interventions through free mobilization and payable contribution to soil nutrient addition and climate change mitigation through soil C and N sequestration.
Zufan is looking forward to completing her doctoral degree and to continue with interesting research and community services in the profession to make a significant contribution to the field of research.
Mr. William MAKAZA — ZIMBABWE
Doctorate Program: Center of Excellence in Soil and Fertilizer Research in Africa, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Benguérir, Morocco
Area of Study: Agronomic Values of Liming Materials and Starter fertilizers.
Mr. Makaza has successfully completed his Masters’ degree in Fertilizer Science and Technology at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)–Morocco with distinction, and is currently enrolled as a Ph.D. Candidate specializing in Fertilizer and Soil Sciences at the Center for Soils and Fertilizer Research in Africa–UM6P. He holds a BSc honors degree in Agriculture-Crop Science from the University of Zimbabwe. His working thesis title is “Agronomic values of Liming Materials and Starter fertilizers.” The specific objectives are to: (i) optimize starter ammoniacal-N-and-K-fertilizer rates placed in-furrow and sub-surface bands on cereal crops, (ii) characterize and update fertilizer salt indexes and ammonia toxicity effects on seed-crops, (iii) diagnose, characterize, and develop novel fertilizer and lime recommendation systems for tropical acidic soils.
This research is expected to give global updated fertilizer salt index (FSI) and capacitate agronomists, practitioners, farmers, fertilizer industry, researchers and politicians about the consequences of starter fertilizer injury and ammonia toxicity and concentrate on the 4R Nutrient Stewardship. The diagnosis of soil acidity, characterization of the lime and fertilizer materials globally collected will improve, through machine learning, the site-specific lime and fertilizer recommendations.
As an agronomist and future global scientist of fertilizers, soil fertility management and functional plant nutrition, William’s strong science research and technical experience, good awareness of the importance of R4D and agriculture research and innovation to improve soil-crop health and enhance mitigate and prevent food and nutritional insecurity under climate change. His main interests lie in finding sustainable cutting-edge solutions, bridging gap between research, fertilizer industry, policymakers and the community in agri-food systems as this could be explained by his future PhD study outcomes.
Ms. Karen Jepchumba AYABEI — KENYA
Doctorate Program: University of Nairobi
Area of Study: Effects of Phosphorus Composite Biochar and Solubilizing Microbes on Potato Yield and Carbon Sequestration
The depletion of key nutrients vital in the production of potatoes has pushed farmers to increase rates of application of phosphorus (P) to meet crop demands. This rapid increase in P has impacted negatively on the environment. Potato in Kenya is mainly grown in high altitude areas, where soils are generally acidic, with high levels of iron/magnesium/aluminum (Fe/Mg/Al), whereupon application, P is quickly fixed or immobilized in the soils, affecting the soil fertility in the long run. Additionally, the low P efficiency levels of about 30% have resulted in long-term environmental effects such as soil fertility depletion and increased carbon footprints. Karen’s research aims to evaluate the effects of enriching biochar with P coupled with P-solubilizing microbes to enhance P availability, increase potato yields, and sequester carbon (C). Her research is expected to enhance overall food and nutrition security in Kenya, promote sustainable use of P, and soil health, and reduce climate change impacts.
As a seasoned Agronomist in plant nutrition, Karen aspires to quickly finish up her graduate studies, and scale the heights of her career. She hopes to continue working with farmers more so the smallholders, her passion. Conduct further research and support the adoption of proven technologies resulting in increased sustainable nutrient use efficiency, reduced yield gaps, and mitigating climate change impacts. Karen has also fixed her eyes on notable leadership positions in the region, which will allow her to be the voice of change in advocating for policies and practices that are pro-smallholder farmers in the continent and those promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Mr. Mengistu Liramo AJA — ETHIOPIA
Doctorate Program: Hawassa University
Area of Study: Spatial Variability of Soil Fertility and Soil-Plant Nutrient Status, and their Relations with Selected Field Crops in Hadiya Zone, southern central Ethiopia
Mr. Aja is a dedicated researcher currently pursuing his doctoral studies at Hawassa University, Ethiopia. His research aims to address crucial aspects of agricultural productivity and soil management in the region.
The objectives of Mengistu’s research include analyzing the spatial variability of soil fertility, examining soil-plant nutrient interactions, and evaluating the response of wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) to nutrient deficiencies in Hadiya Zone. His study will encompass four districts (Soro, Duna, Gibe and Gonbora) from Hadiya Zone selected based on their prominence in wheat cultivation. The scope of his research includes selecting twelve kebeles within these districts, focusing on wheat dominated agricultural landscapes.
By conducting detailed soil analyses and crop experiments Mengistu research is expected to have a significant impact by providing tailored fertilizer recommendations to local farmers, thereby improving agricultural productivity and sustainability in the Hadiya Zone. His future career goals align with his passion for soil fertility management and sustainable agriculture. He plans to continue analyzing soil fertility and local land management strategies, conducting geo-spatial variability studies, and exploring soil acidity and organic C dynamics across different land uses. Ultimately, Mengistu aims to contribute to evidence based agricultural policies and practices that support farmers and enhance food security in Ethiopia.
Mengistu commitment to advancing agricultural science and addressing local challenges underscores his dedication to improving agricultural outcomes and fostering sustainable development in southern central Ethiopia.
Ms. Agnes Naa Abeley ABBEY — GHANA
Doctorate Program: University of Cape Coast
Area of Study: Enhancing Nutrient Use Efficiency in Sweet Potato Grown in Combined Inorganic NPK Fertilizer and Biochar Application
Ms. Abbey is currently pursuing doctorate degree in Land Use and Environmental Science aimed at enhancing nutrient use efficiency in sweet potato grown in combined inorganic NPK fertilizer and biochar application. Agnes is evaluating the effects of combining inorganic NPK fertilizer and biochar on soil physicochemical properties, nutrient uptake and nutrient use efficiency in sweet potato cultivation, and the impact on the yield and nutritional quality of sweet potato. Agnes is working towards the development of predictive algorithms using AI to optimize fertilizer application rates based on field variability and growth stages. The study is adopting integrated nutrient management for sweet potato cultivation, soil fertility and nutrient uptake analysis, use of advanced technologies for growth monitoring, and economic viability and farmer adoption.
The study will provide practical solutions to enhance sweet potato production, improve farmers’ livelihoods, and promote sustainable agricultural practices in Ghana. Agnes’s career goal is to become a Land Use and Environmental Science expert (lecturer and researcher), serving as a positive change agent to impact agricultural research and environmental conservation, focusing on creating comprehensive approaches that merge agronomic practices with conservation principles and conduct interdisciplinary research to boost productivity and sustainability.
Ms. Grace Christopher MPINDA — TANZANIA
Master’s Program: Sokoine University of Agriculture
Area of Study: Isolation, Characterization and Resilience Testing to Abiotic stresses of Multifunctional Phosphate Solubilizing Rhizobacteria from Agricultural Soils of Tanzania
Ms. Mpinda is a dedicated agronomist with a strong academic background and a passion for improving agricultural practices in Africa. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Agronomy from Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), where she graduated in 2019. Currently, she is pursuing a master’s degree in Soil Science and Land Management at SUA.
Grace’s research focuses on isolating and characterizing phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) from various agricultural soils in Tanzania. The objective of her study is to identify PSB strains that can enhance P availability to plants, thereby improving crop yields. Her research involves testing the resilience of these bacteria under different abiotic stresses such as pH, salt concentration, and soil moisture levels. By understanding how these bacteria perform under varying environmental conditions, Grace aims to develop effective biofertilizers that can be used to boost agricultural productivity in Tanzania.
The scope of her research includes isolating PSB from different soil types, characterizing their phosphate solubilizing abilities, and evaluating their resilience to environmental stresses. Grace’s work is expected to have a significant impact on sustainable agriculture by providing farmers with biofertilizers that are both effective and environmentally friendly. Her research is particularly relevant in the context of climate change and abiotic stresses, as it seeks to enhance soil fertility and crop productivity in a sustainable manner.
Grace aspires to be a prominent scientist and a leader in soil science, to work on most pressing challenges of current and future society, ranging form climate change and food security.
