EXCEL Africa: Excellence in 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.

BY THE NUMBERS (2019 to 2024)

1.29 M DISTRIBUTED

89 RECIPIENTS

18 COUNTRIES

7 RESEARCH GRANTS

50 POST-GRADUATE AWARDS

29 RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS

3 RESEARCH AWARDS

Excel Africa includes our directed research grant program (African Plant Nutrition Research Fund – APNRF), a graduate student award program (African Plant Nutrition Scholar Award), two research fellowship awards (African Phosphorus Fellowship Award and African Plant Nutrition Outreach Award), our Precision Agriculture Award, and support directed to our Ph.D. Development Program.

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

Angela Gitonga

Agronomist & Doctoral Student
  • LOCATION: University of Nairobi, Kenya

Joses Muthamia

Agronomist & Doctoral Student
  • LOCATION: University of Embu, Kenya

Haitam Moulay

Doctoral Student
  • LOCATION: Oklahoma St, USA

Meryem Maatougui

Doctoral Student
  • LOCATION: Oklahoma St, USA

Aziza Tangi

Doctoral Student
  • LOCATION: UM6P, Benguérir, Morocco

Intissare Mouamine

Doctoral Student
  • LOCATION: UM6P, Benguérir, Morocco

Martin Maku

Doctoral Student
  • LOCATION: Makerere University, Uganda

Emmanuel Odoom

Doctoral Student
  • LOCATION: University of Cape Coast, Ghana

Rabii Lanwer

Doctoral Student
  • LOCATION: Olive Institute / Tunis El Manar, Tunisia

Anna Nowembabazi

Doctoral Student
  • LOCATION: Makerere University, Uganda

Elongne Mandela N’douba

Doctoral Student
  • LOCATION: INP-HB, Côte d’Ivoire

Bright Laboan

Doctoral Student
  • LOCATION: Soil Research Institute, Ghana / Cranfield University, UK

Jerome Agbesi Dogbatse

Doctoral Student
  • LOCATION: University of Ghana, Ghana

Aboubacar Mariko

Doctoral Student
  • LOCATION: UM6P, Benguérir, Morocco