2025 Recipients of African Phosphorus Fellowship Award Announced
APNI is pleased to announce the latest recipients of the African Phosphorus Fellowship Award. Since its establishment in 2020, a total of $120,0000 has been distributed through this EXCEL Africa program focused on the advancement of our understanding of efficient and effective phosphorus management in African agro-ecosystems. This year’s recipients of $5,000 each include:
NIGERIA
Dr. Adebayo OLOWOAKE (Professor) Kwara State University
PROJECT: Growth dynamics of cowpea cultivars as influenced by source, rate, and time of phosphorus fertilizer application
Dr. Olowoake’s study is expected to determine preferred phosphorus (P) fertilizer sources for optimal growth performance of cowpea cultivars. It will reveal how different sources affect root development, shoot biomass, and nodulation. Results will clarify how early, split, or late application of P influence early establishment, flowering, and pod formation in cowpea. Different cowpea cultivars may respond differently to the source, rate, and timing of P and the study is expected to reveal interactions between cultivar and fertilizer variables.
Dr. Rejoice Ibrahim SOLOMON (Senior Lecturer) Modibbo Adama University of Technology
PROJECT: Assessment of biomass and phosphorus synergies for maize production and soil carbon enhancement
Dr. Solomon aims to determine how biomass amendments affect soil phosphorus (P) availability, and what benefits come from combining different types of biomasses with P fertilizers including maize growth, yield, soil carbon content, and whether biomass-based amendments can improve the resilience of maize production systems. The work will help our understanding of the long-term effects of biomass + P combinations on soil health, including microbial abundance and organic matter content. Rejoice is also interested in the socio-economic factors currently influencing maize farmers adoption of biomass-based soil amendments.
Dr. Ransford Opoku DARKO (Associate Professor) University of Cape Coast
PROJECT: Optimizing phosphorus use efficiency through irrigation scheduling in high P-fixing soils under maize-based cropping systems
Dr. Darko is studying optimal phosphorus (P) use efficiency through improved irrigation scheduling in high P-fixing soils under maize-based cropping systems. The study will assess the effects of different irrigation schedules on soil moisture and P availability and evaluate the impact of irrigation timing and frequency on maize growth, yield, and P uptake.
Dr. Marie Noela Enyoe OLOUGOU (Post-doctoral Fellow) University of Buea
PROJECT: Harnessing the potential of indigenous phosphate solubilizing microorganisms for sustainable phosphorus management in Cameroon
Dr. Oloougou’s research is aimed at improving phosphorus (P) availability and soybean grain yield. She will be determining the distribution and bioavailability of different P fractions in soils under soybean cultivation, focusing on their dynamics and implications for precision P fertilization. She plans to isolate, identify, and characterize indigenous phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms (PSMs) adapted to local soil conditions and evaluate their potential role in improving P availability in high P-fixing soils. She is interested in evaluating the synergistic effects of native PSMs combined with organic and inorganic P sources on P mobilization, soil fertility and health, soybean nodulation, and yield.
ETHIOPIA
Dr. Ashenafi Woldeselassie TESHALE (Assistant Professor) Wolaita Sodo University
PROJECT: Effect of nutrient-enriched biochar and irrigation levels on potato yield, phosphorus use efficiency and soil health in Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia
Dr. Teshale’s research aims to evaluate the combined effects of nutrient-enriched biochar and varying irrigation levels on potato productivity, phosphorus (P) use efficiency, and soil health in Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia, where acidic soils and water scarcity limit crop yields. By addressing P-fixation and moisture stress through biochar application and regulated irrigation, the research seeks to enhance P availability for improved potato growth. The ultimate goal is to develop sustainable, cost-effective practices for smallholder farmers, offering practical solutions for improving P use efficiency and enhance the resilience of smallholder farmers under the changing climate.
This Award is supported through APNI’s continued and valued partnership with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) and OCP Group (OCP S.A.).
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For more information on the African Phosphorus Fellowship or our Award programs see APNI.net/ExcelAfrica