African Plant Nutrition Scholarships
Recipients of the 2023 African Plant Nutrition Scholar Award included ten students selected from advanced science programs focused on plant nutrition and the management of nutrients applied to crops in Africa. Each student received $2,000 (U.S. Dollars). This initiative strives to encourage the brightest minds to focus on the critical target of continued advancement of the science of crop nutrition in Africa.
CAMEROON
Mr. Maurice Njiandoh MBEBOH (Doctorate Program), University of Buea, Cameroon
AREA OF STUDY: Evaluating the Effects of Plant Growth-Promoting Microorganisms and Plant Bioactive Materials on Soil Fertility, Plant Nutrition and Soybean Grain Yield.
Growing up in a subsistence farming household and community, Mr. Mebeboh had first-hand experience of the challenges involved in agricultural production, which stimulated a natural desire to become an agronomist with special interest on soil fertility management and plant nutrition. His Ph.D. thesis aims to provide the best bet management practices that can restore the soil microbiota and functionality, enhance soybean nutrition as well as grain yield.
The specific objectives of this research are principally focused on formulating consortia of effective microbial inoculants and suitable bioactive plant materials that are adapted to the specific needs of farmers and promoting their effective use for managing major abiotic (nutrient deficiency) and biotic (pests) constraints under sustainable intensification, within the nexus of integrated soil fertility management. This research will foster sustainable development by improving plant nutrition and protection, which will enhance soybean productivity, increase farmers’ income and welfare, reduce hunger and malnutrition, and decrease food and nutrition insecurity especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.
ETHIOPIA
Mr. Sisay Negash ABOYE (M.Sc. Program), Hawassa University, Wendo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resource or Oromia Agricultural Research Institute
AREA OF STUDY: Effect of Scattered Acacia Tortilis and Acacia Nilotica Trees on Selected Soil Physio-Chemical Properties and Yield of Sorghum at Babile District, Eastern Ethiopia.
Scattered Acacia tortilis and Acacia nilotica trees are purposively managed by farmers as a parkland agroforestry practice for addition of nutrient to the soil through nitrogen fixation, litter addition, nutrient uptake from below the reach of crop roots and moderating soil environment. There is limited scientific studies in the area on tree-crop interaction and quantity of nutrient added to the soil due to those trees in the study area. The study aimed to determine the effects of Acacia tortilis and Acacia nilotica trees on selected physicochemical properties of soil at different distance and soil depth, and to assess effect on yield and yield components of sorghum grown at different distances from the tree trunk. Positive tree-crop interactions, through which the tree can add more nutrient to the soil, might increase crop yield, can lead to both food security for the farmer and sustainably managed trees on farmland. The information can also help in designing sustainable land use that could enhance productivity of crops while maintaining and improving the resource base and resistance for climatic event.
Mr. Aboye hopes to be an agricultural and natural resource researcher using his knowledge to enhance agricultural production through managed nature in the country. He would like to work in an international research environment, which will give him the privilege of meeting and associating with people from all over the world with different points of view.
Mr. Moges TADESSE (M.Sc. Program), Hawassa University, Ethiopia
AREA OF STUDY: Fractionation and Availability of Phosphorus in Acid Soils under Different Land Uses of Dalle and Wonsho District of Sidama Region, Ethiopia.
Mr. Tadesse’s study is aimed to quantify the various labile and stable pools of inorganic and organic phosphorus (P) in acidic soils of Dale and Wonsho woredas, Sidama region. Although little is known about Ethiopian soil P distribution, transformations, and fertility in that P availability in the country’s dominant soils is relatively low, the low levels of plant-available P are an inherent limitation to crop production on most Ethiopian soils, yet the nature of soil P has not been assessed across the wide range of soil types that are present across the country. A complete budget of the P forms present in soil is required to comprehend the fate of applied P fertilizers. This can be done by identifying the labile and non-labile soil pools at the study area particularly (Dale and Wonsho Sidama Ethiopia) as well as across the country and abroad with similar soil types. Evaluating the effects of different land uses on soil P pools and assessing soil P availability and soil properties under different land uses are essential, and therefore this study was initiated to solve these problems in the study area.
Moges’s future goal is to improve agricultural production and productivity by implementing healthy and quality agricultural research systems to help change farmers’ lives through best soil management practice.
Ms. Eleni Nigussie WELDEMARIAM (M.Sc. Program), University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
AREA OF STUDY: Enhancing Soil Health and Wheat Yields through Integrating Cost-Effective Nutrient Management Practices in Northwest Ethiopia
Ms. Weldemariam is pursuing her M.Sc. degree at the University of Gondar and is developing a research proposal on ‘Enhancing soil health and wheat yields through integrating cost-effective nutrient management practices in Northwest Ethiopia’. Her objectives are (1) to determine mechanisms that make lupin grow in highly acidic and nutrient poor soils, (2) to quantify the amount of nitrogen (N) fixed by lupin and vetch legumes and (3) to explore effect of green manure and legume rotation integrated with N fertilizer on nutrient availability and use efficiency, soil carbon stock, microbial communities, and wheat yields. To address the objectives, field experiments will be conducted at Farta and Guna districts from 2023-2025 cropping seasons. In this project, best nutrient management practices for alleviating soil acidity, enhancing nutrient use efficiency, soil carbon stock, microbial communities and crop productivity will be developed. Further, this study will create insights for land users and policy makers about the contribution of legumes-cereal integration in enhancing soil quality, crop yields and food security.
Her interests and future career goals include (1) conducting scientific research on integrated nutrient management, nutrient bioavailability, nutrient use efficiency and sustainable crop production, (2) giving quality community services to solve the problems and needs of the society, (3) teaching and advising students on plant nutrition, soil chemistry, nutrient cycling and agronomy courses and (4) develop her profession through innovative research, publishing articles on peer reviewed journals and presenting research findings at international conferences.
GHANA
Mr. Erion BWAMBALE (Doctorate Program), West African Centre for Water, Irrigation, and Sustainable Agriculture (WACWISA), University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
AREA OF STUDY: Development and Application of Smart Fertigation Systems to Enhance the Efficiency of Water and Nutrient Usage
Erion is working on creating advanced models that simulate soil moisture dynamics using data-driven approaches. These models will facilitate the creation of optimized schedules for smart fertigation. Additionally, he is designing a model predictive controller specifically tailored for fertigation scheduling. To put his research into practice, Erion plans to implement the developed control algorithm on a microcontroller. This microcontroller will then be deployed in a real-world experiment involving open field tomato cultivation under a drip fertigation setup.
The goal of this research is to contribute to more efficient utilization of water and fertilizers in irrigated agriculture. Erion’s academic contributions are noteworthy, with over 10 published articles in Scopus indexed journals. He is an active member of several professional organizations including the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE), the International Society of Precision Agriculture (ISPA), the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the International Water Association (IWA), the Pan African Society for Agricultural Engineering (PASAE), and the International Commission of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. He also holds the title of Young Water Professional of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID).
Erion’s passion lies at the intersection of precision agriculture, irrigation and drainage, dynamics and control, hydraulic and hydrological modelling, and artificial intelligence. His overarching aim is to align his work with the sustainable development goals, particularly by advancing precision fertigation strategies that can play a pivotal role in enhancing food security across Africa.
KENYA
Ms. Rosebell Achieng OWUOR (Doctorate Program), Maseno University, Kenya
AREA OF STUDY: Comparative Economic Analysis of Tea Yield Response to Nitrogen Fertilizer Use and Plucking Intervals in East Africa.
Currently, blanket input recommendations for nitrogen (N) fertilizer application and plucking intervals are contingent on response trials conducted in Kenya. Hence, locations where these recommendations are exported fail to replicate results similar to the trial locations because of the heterogeneous aspects of the locations. The objectives of Rosebell’s research are to determine site-specific optimal economic N fertilizer rate and harvesting intervals of tea clone TRFK 6/8 in selected tea-growing areas in East Africa (i.e., Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda), and to determine the economically efficient site-specific interaction effects of various N fertilizer rates and plucking intervals. Information from this study will enable the formulation of recommendations that are site-specific and act as a guide for fertilizer rate and plucking intervals recommendation in different areas as a less expensive alternative to trials for all released clones in all regions, thus realizing cost savings in adaptive research.
Her immediate goal is to finish her doctoral dissertation and publish in prestigious journals and ensure these findings assist scientists, academics, and farmers to economically optimize tea output from agronomic inputs, and ultimately precision farming for different tea clones. She is looking forward to collaborating with a global policy and research organization that will provide her the opportunity to put her knowledge and experience to use for issues impacting precision agriculture. Her goals for the future are to establish herself as a prominent academic lecturer in agricultural economics, and a researcher dedicated to providing farmers with tools for sustainable and competitive optimum economic crop productivity.
MOROCCO
Ms. Yousra EL-MEJJAOUY (Doctorate Program), University Mohamed VI Polytechnic (UM6P), Benguérir, Morocco and Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, France
AREA OF STUDY: Multi-scale Phosphorus Monitoring in Soil-plant Systems Using Spectroscopic Proximal Sensing and UAV-based Multispectral Imaging.
Ms. El-Mejjaouy’s research focuses on using technology for precision agriculture and monitoring nutrients in soil-plant systems. It enhances our understanding of how phosphorus (P) affects plant and soil optical properties and provides comprehensive and predictive models for P using a combination of multiple techniques: proximal-based spectroscopy, such as chlorophyll a fluorescence and visible near-infrared spectroscopy, as well as UAV-based multispectral imagery. A major contribution of the research is the utilization of a variety of data sources, ranging from point-based measurements to remote sensing using unmanned aerial vehicles, to assess the P status in both wheat plants and soil at different scales.
Having a keen interest in sustainable agriculture, Yousra is interested in positively impacting the environment and contributing to the development of monitoring practices that utilize cutting-edge technologies to accurately assess soil and plant properties.
NIGERIA
Mr. Kehinde Afeez OJENIYI (M.Sc. Program), University of Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P), Benguérir, Morocco
AREA OF STUDY: Assessment of Maize Yield Gap and Nutrient Use Efficiencies through the Application of National and Regional Fertilizer Recommendations as Straight and Compound Fertilizer in Mid-belt Nigeria
The lack of advanced technology in the blending company has led to instances of segregation in the blended fertilizer, consequently, certain nutrient application rates might not adequately meet the requirements of plant. With straight fertilizer, each nutrient can be applied at recommended rate and time of plant uptake. Efficient fertilizer management practices have the potential to significantly increase maize yields in the mid-region of Nigeria beyond the levels achieved through current farming methods. This research aimed to assess the effects of national and regional fertilizer recommendations, applied as straight and compound fertilizers, on soil properties, nutrient efficiency, and maize yield in the mid-belt region of Nigeria. Despite the intention of blend fertilizers to reduce costs and create customized formulas, the findings revealed that the split application of nutrients enhanced nitrogen uptake efficiency and resulted in higher maize grain yields compared to the NPK blend application, emphasizing the need for adopting regional fertilizer recommendation applied as split using straight fertilizers to increase maize yields and improved economic returns in the mid-belt region of Nigeria.
Mr. Ojeniyi’s, ultimate career goal is to become a leading agronomy researcher, making impactful changes in agricultural practices including integrated nutrient management, fertilizer recommendations, crop nutrition, and contributing to improved food security and sustainability, not only in Nigeria but also globally. He intends to proceed to enroll for a Ph.D. after the master program to increase his knowledge and research experience in agronomy.
TANZANIA
Mr. Escain KIWONDE (Doctorate Program), University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
AREA OF STUDY: Investigation of the Effects of Macro-nutrients and Water Stress on Avocado Growth and Productivity in Njombe District Council, Tanzania
The overall goal of Escain’s study is to increase the yield productivity per tree of Hass avocado by optimizing nutrient application techniques through targeting specific tree phenological processes. His specific objectives include: the assessment of the effect of organic manure and NPK fertilizer application on the phenological character and yield of Hass avocado; determining the effect of organic manure and NPK fertilizer application on nutritional variation in Hass avocado; establishing the effects of water stress on growth and nutrient uptake of Hass avocado seedlings; and assessing the spatial distribution of soil macro-nutrients in Hass avocado production areas of Njombe District Council.
At the end of his study, Escain expects to provide guidelines to farmers with necessary information on quantities of fertilizers to be applied and the best time of application. This information will help farmers to increase productivity per tree of Hass avocado while minimizing nutrient losses and contamination to the environment.
Upon finishing his studies, Escain’s goal is to continue doing research, share findings through publications and become the best plant nutrition researcher in vegetables and fruit trees production. He will also continue his teaching role at the University of Dar es Salaam which will include guiding and supervising students with interests in studying plant nutrition and fertilizer application.
TOGO
Mr. Mouhamadou LARE (Doctorate Program), Laboratoire Interface Sciences du Sol, Climat et Production Végétale de l’Ecole Supérieure d’Agronomie de l’Université de Lomé (LISSCPV/ESA/UL), Togo
AREA OF STUDY: Endogenous Soil Fertility and Management Strategies for Improving Productivity and Economic Profitability of Maize Cultivation in the Savanes Region of Togo
The objective of Mouhamadou’s thesis is to sustainably improve maize production in the Savanes region of Togo through agronomic management practices embodying the soil-climate-plant interface. This research is a response to the degradation of the basic resource and the continued decline in maize yields, the main crop and staple food of the population of the Savanes region in Togo to such an extent that food security seem to be limited to its spatio-temporal availability but also to its accessibility for households. At the end of this thesis, Mouhamadou wishes to have improved our understanding of the causes of the spatial variability of maize grain yields, the endogenous fertility of the soils of the Savanes region of Togo, agronomic management practices for maize production in the region based on the soil-climate-plant interface, and recommendations for technically, socially and economically justified management practices for maize production in the region.
Mouhamadou’s career objective is above all to achieve the objective of the thesis with attractive results, which will provide him with solid scientific knowledge allowing him to set up research and development programs at the national, regional, and even international level.
Young African Phosphorus Fellowship
The Young African Phosphorus Fellowship supports early career researchers working within scientific programs contributing to our understanding and improved phosphorus management in African agro ecosystems. Each recipient receives $5,000 (U.S. dollars).
TANZANIA
Dr. Primitiva Andrea Mboyerwa, College of Agriculture, Department of Soil and Geological Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
AREA OF STUDY: Nexus of Alternate Wetting and Drying Regime and Phosphorus in Rice Cropping System of Tanzania
Dr. Mboyerwa will be investigating the influences of alternate wet/dry (AWD) irrigation regimes and phosphorus (P) fertilizer application on rice yield and P use efficiency. Her study will compare these responses in both upland and lowland rice production systems with study sites in Morogoro (eastern Tanzania) and the higher yield potential region of Mbeya (southern Tanzania).
Phosphorus deficiency constitutes a major growth and yield-limiting factor in irrigated and rainfed rice systems in Tanzania. Most soils in Tanzania are highly weathered with high P sorption capacity and low P availability. Often farmers do not apply mineral P fertilizers which further contributes to a continuous decline in soil P fertility. This research will guide our knowledge for Tanzania rice production through its focus on yield improvement and the development of improved agronomic practices that can increase P availability, improve P fertilizer use efficiency, and encourage the judicious application of P inputs. Results are expected to support the development of best management practices for rice irrigation, fertilizer application and plant breeding technologies.
MOROCCO
Dr. Mohamed Chtouki, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Benguérir, Morocco
AREA OF STUDY: Improving Water and Phosphorus Use Efficiency in Moroccan Cereal and Legume Cropping Systems Using Precision Agricultural Techniques: Electromagnetic Induction System, Crop Imaging, and Geospatial Modelling.
The objective of Dr. Mohamed Chtouki’s research is to improve water and nutrient use efficiency from phosphorus (P)-based fertilizers applied to Moroccan cereal-legumes crop rotations. Based within the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Benguérir, Morocco, Dr. Chtouki is interested in the novel application of the emerging technologies of spatial analysis using crop imaging and field mapping, geospatial modeling, and field-scale soil moisture assessment.
Under the arid and semi-arid conditions of Morocco, the impact of climate change on water resource availability and soil quality is more and more emphasized under Moroccan pedoclimatic conditions, mostly characterized by drought and extreme weather events, which negatively impact crop yield and quality. In this context, the development of innovative techniques to improve water and nutrient use efficiency has become a primary research question amongst soil and plant scientists, and agricultural stakeholders.
This innovative precision agriculture study will help our understanding of the dynamics of water and nutrients in the soil-plant continuum after P fertilizer application, guide P fertilizer use, assess soil spatial variability, and aid in the delineation of crop management zones for Moroccan cereal crop production systems.
African Plant Nutrition Outreach Fellowships
The Outreach Fellowship support education, training, and communication programs relevant to improving the use and efficiency of plant nutrients in African agro ecosystems. Each year, awards of USD $5,000 each are available to innovative scientists, extension specialists, or educators working in Africa.
GHANA
Prof. Vincent Logah, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
AREA OF STUDY: Boosting Productivity and Nutrient Use Efficiency of Smallholder Cropping Systems in Ghana through 4R Nutrient Stewardship.
Most of the smallholder farmers in Ghana have yet to benefit from recent research findings and new initiatives by agricultural scientists in Ghana. In most instances, farmers do not use the right type of fertilizers, which are also either under- or over applied using unsuitable methods. This work plans targeted educational and outreach activities to train farmers on the 4Rs of nutrient stewardship and to introduce them to the outcome of new research initiatives in nutrient management in Ghana. It also involves collaboration between key stakeholders to translate research into practice.
The main objective is to increase nutrient use efficiency and productivity of smallholder farms in the breadbasket regions of Ghana through tailor-made outreach and hands-on training programs. Specifically, the proposal seeks to develop customized training modules and manuals for farmers on good nutrient stewardship and new research findings, deliver hands-on training for the targeted farmers using the modules and manuals developed. The work
will contribute to increased productivity of agro ecosystems in Ghana. This will also ensure nutrient use efficiency and environmental sustainability, partly serving as a pilot activity for implementation of recent fertilizer research in Ghana. More so, the capacity of key stakeholders in the agricultural value chain will be built to facilitate replication and dissemination of the strategies and technologies taught.
TANZANIA
Ms. Rose Moses Massawe, Regional Agricultural Extension Advisory, Arusha Region Secretariat, Arusha, Tanzania
AREA OF STUDY: ACCELERATE-CSA: Accelerating uptake of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) Interventions in Longido Climate-Smart Villages, Tanzania
Longido District is in the north-eastern corner of Tanzania in Arusha Region, on the leeward sides of Meru and Kilimanjaro mountains. In Tanzania drought has significantly worsened food insecurity, livestock and crop losses, and outbreaks of insect pests and diseases. Drought is more common in different regions of Tanzania including Arusha Region. Londigo is among the most drought-stricken districts of Arusha region, where poverty is also estimated to be high.
As a response to the climate related risks in Longido, this project seeks to accelerate the uptake of the Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) activities for strengthening local adaptation and building resilience, and training farmers on improved agronomic practices. Specific objectives include the establishment of demonstration trials for promotion of CSA and improved agronomic practices for maize, beans and Irish potatoes (i.e., early planting, crop rotation, and intercropping). Field days will be organized to further promote the new strategies to farmers and extension officers and disseminate educational material planned for development. The project intends to use the established or existing village savings and credit organizations (SACCOS) as a vehicle for accelerating the uptake of CSA activities for strengthening local adaptation and building resilience.
Our Scholarships and Fellowships are made possible through APNI’s partnership with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) and OCP Group (OCP S.A.).
Learn more about our Award and Fellowship programs at https://apni.net/awards.
