EXCEL AFRICA INITIATIVE: EXCELLENCE IN AFRICAN CROP NUTRITION RESEARCH AND OUTREACH

Our Excel Africa initiative is aimed at fostering advancements in nutrient management and agronomic practices across the African continent. It seeks to identify, support and celebrate outstanding achievements in crop nutrition research and outreach—acknowledging the pivotal role they play in enhancing food security and sustainable agricultural practices. By spotlighting excellence in this domain, APNI aims to inspire a culture of innovation and collaboration among researchers, agronomists, and other stakeholders to catalyze change and promote effective strategies to address the unique challenges faced by African farmers.

Through recognizing exemplary contributions, Excel Africa aims to catalyze positive change through research, ultimately promoting the development and implementation of effective strategies that address the unique challenges faced by African farmers.

Excel Africa includes our directed research grant program (African Plant Nutrition Research Fund – APNRF), graduate student award program (African Plant Nutrition Scholar Award), and two research fellowship awards (African Phosphorus Fellowship Award and African Plant Nutrition Outreach Award).

African Phosphorus Fellowships

Awards of USD $5,000 each are available to five full time scientists working in an African NARES institution (National Agricultural Research and Extension System) or African university. The award is to encourage scientific programs relevant to understanding and improving phosphorus (P) management in agro-ecosystems.

African Plant Nutrient Outreach Awards

Awards of USD $5,000 each are available to two innovative African scientists, extension specialists, or educators. The Award will support education, training, and communication programs relevant to improving the use and efficiency of plant nutrients in African agro-ecosystems.

African Plant Nutrient Research Fund

The African Plant Nutrition Institute (APNI) is a research fund in support of plant nutrition research in Africa. The African Plant Nutrition Research Fund was created through partnership between the African Plant Nutrition Institute and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (www.um6p.ma)

The African Plant Nutrition Research Fund periodically accepts preliminary project proposals that benefit African agriculture and strategically align with APNI’s mission.

PH.D. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Also, under the umbrella of Excel Africa, is APNI’s program to develop highly skilled Ph.D. scientists specializing in agronomic R&D in Africa. By integrating Ph.D.-level expertise within our ongoing research programs, we aim to accelerate the use of advanced plant nutrition strategies. Our investment in education and mentorship also helps to cultivate a new generation of leaders in agricultural science. By training and equipping young scientists within Africa, the program strengthens the capacity to conduct locally relevant agricultural research to address our biggest food security and sustainability concerns for the continent. Our graduates can lead efforts to optimize fertilizer use, improve soil health, and develop farmer friendly agricultural practices.

APNI’s program to develop Ph.D.-level expertise in R&D is a strategic investment in Africa’s agricultural future.

OUR PH.D. STUDENTS