
African Plant Nutrition Scholarships
Recipients of the 2024 African Plant Nutrition Scholar Award include 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.
ETHIOPIA
Mr. Tessema Tesfaye ATUMO (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) fertilization, 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 fertilization for three sorghum cultivars, aids in model calibration and evaluation. 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 aims 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 modeling, climate change adaptation, and sustainable agriculture for food security and nutrition.
Mr. Mengistu Liramo AJA (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’s research aims to address crucial aspects of agricultural productivity and soil management in the region. His objectives include analyzing the spatial variability of soil fertility, examining soil-plant nutrient interactions, and evaluating the response of wheat to nutrient deficiencies in the Hadiya Zone. His study will encompass four districts (Soro, Duna, Gibe and Gonbora) 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.
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’s 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. Zufan Desta MEHARI (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 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 roles in 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 aspires to look beyond the limited perspective of SWC measures and understand the community’s vital role in SWC interventions through free mobilization and payable contributions 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.
GHANA
Ms. Agnes Naa Abeley ABBEY (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 with a combined application of 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 while conducting interdisciplinary research to boost productivity and sustainability.
KENYA
Ms. Karen Jepchumba AYABEI (Doctorate Program) – University of Nairobi
AREA OF STUDY: Effects of Phosphorus Composite Biochar and Solubilizing Microbes on Potato Yield and Carbon Sequestration

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. 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 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). Upon 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 hopes to continue working with smallholder farmers, conduct further research, and support the adoption of proven technologies resulting in increased sustainable nutrient use efficiency, reduced yield gaps, and mitigated 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 across the continent and those promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
MOROCCO
Mr. Reda MOKERE (Doctorate Program) – 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. He aims 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.
NIGERIA
Mr. Adedotun Daniel ADEWUMI (Doctorate Program) – University of Ibadan
AREA OF STUDY: Performance of Lima Bean 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 for the 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 southwestern Nigeria will be assessed. The objectives of his 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 from legume-cereal rotation systems. His ultimate career goal is to be a researcher and consultant in the field of plant nutrition and farming systems in which he designs, models, and implements ecologically based soil fertility management strategies for farmers to improve their productivity.
SOUTH AFRICA
Mr. Kelvin KIPROTICH (Doctorate Program) – Stellenbosch University
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’s 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). He is utilizing targeted amplicon DNA sequences of bacterial, fungal, and nematode 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.
His career goal is to become a renowned researcher in academia or research institutions, focusing on plant microbe interactions, agroecology, biodiversity, and biotechnology. He aspires to collaborate with international partners to help establish a food-secure Africa.
TANZANIA
Ms. Grace Christopher MPINDA (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 from climate change and food security.
ZIMBABWE
Mr. William MAKAZA (Doctorate Program) – Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)
AREA OF STUDY: Agronomic Values of Liming Materials and Starter Fertilizers

Mr. Makaza is enrolled as a Ph.D. Candidate specializing in Fertilizer and Soil Sciences at the Center for Soils and Fertilizer Research in Africa at UM6P. He holds a BSc (Honors) degree in Agriculture-Crop Science from the University of Zimbabwe. The specific objectives of his work 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 an updated 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.
William has strong research and technical experience, good awareness of the importance of R4D 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 the gap between research, fertilizer industry, policymakers and the community in agri-food systems as this could be explained by his future PhD study outcomes.

African Phosphorus Fellowship Awards
This initiative strives to encourage scientific programs relevant to understanding and improving phosphorus (P) management in agro-ecosystems. In 2024, five researchers had successful proposals and will each receive awards of $5,000 (U.S. Dollars).
NIGERIA
Dr. Chukwuebuka Azuka (Senior Lecturer) – Department of Soil Science, University of Nigeria
PROJECT: Effect of Integrated Lime, Organic Manure and Phosphorus Fertilizer Application on Phosphorus Availability of Degraded Ultisols in Nsukka, Southeastern

Dr. Azuka plans to investigate how the integration of lime with organic manure and inorganic phosphorus fertilizer will help to improve phosphorus availability in strongly acidic and highly weathered ultisols in Nsukka, Southeastern Nigeria. The study location will be the Department of Soil Science Teaching and Research Farm, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He will employ both greenhouse and field studies.
TANZANIA
Dr. Kobusinge Aloys Nyabwisho (Senior Research Officer) – Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI)
PROJECT: Optimizing Phosphorus Application Strategies for Rice Production in Tanzania: Evaluating the Efficiency of Different P Sources, Rates and Timings

Dr. Nyabwisho’s study addresses the challenges of phosphorus management in Tanzanian rice farming by investigating the growth dynamics of rice under different phosphorus sources, application rates, and timings. Her study aims to identify the optimal P application strategy that aligns with rice growth stages to maximize nutrient uptake and yield.
BENIN
Dr. Coffi Leonce Geoffroy Sossa (Research Assist and Lecturer) – National Institute of Water, University of Abomey Calavi, Benin
PROJECT: Water Regimes and P-Fertilizer Levels on Phosphorus Dynamic, Carbon Balance and Global Warming Potential of Rice Production under Zero Tillage in Benin, West Africa

Dr. Sossa’s field experiment will evaluate the phosphorus dynamic and phosphorus use efficiency in zero till rice production. He will also assess the different GHG emissions from rice cultivation and assess the net ecosystem carbon balance and the global warming potential from rice cultivation as affected by water regimes and P-fertilizer levels under zero tillage. At the end of the experiment, a sustainable strategy to accelerate the implementation of climate-smart practices based on water-P management for sustainable irrigated rice in smallholder farms will be established.
GHANA
Mr. Nasirudeen Sulemana – University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
PROJECT: Carbon and Phosphorus Fractions in Cocoa Monoculture and Agroforestry Systems in the Semi-Deciduous and Moist Evergreen Agro-Ecological Zones of Ghana

Mr. Sulemana’s overall objective is to ascertain the influence of cocoa monoculture and agroforestry cropping systems on carbon sequestration and P fractions and the role of organic amendments on the dynamics of carbon and P fractions in the semi-deciduous and moist evergreen zones of the Western North Region of Ghana.
MOROCCO
Dr. Driss Touhami (Assistant Professor) – Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Benguerir, Morocco
PROJECT: From Soil to Sustainability: Investigating Phosphorus Dynamics under Different Tillage Systems in Morocco

Dr. Touhami’s research seeks to elucidate the role and contribution of organic P fractions and microbial biomass and activity to soil P fertility under conservation agriculture in arid and semi-arid environments. Such knowledge is vital to ensuring the efficient use of finite phosphate reserves and optimizing plant P nutrition. Additionally, this study aims to assess seasonal variations in soil microbial biomass and phosphatase enzymes under conservation agriculture, which are pertinent to P cycling, particularly in the context of global climate change.

African Plant Nutrition Outreach Awards
This award acknowledges innovation in education, training and communication programs relevant to improving the use and efficiency of plant nutrients in African agro ecosystems. In 2024, two scientists were supported with $5,000 (U.S. Dollars).
ZIMBABWE
Dr. Moreblessing Chimweta Chisuro (Lecturer) – Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Bindura, Zimbabwe
PROJECT: Capacity Enhancement of Extension Personnel to Improve the Ease and Precision with which Nutrient Deficiencies are Detected and Addressed in Nutritional Home Gardens in Zimbabwe

Dr. Chimweta is exploring how management of home gardens can be enhanced to augment the availability of nutrient-rich foods for rural communities in Zimbabwe. She is interested in determining i) how farmers can maneuver the use of indigenous knowledge and available materials to manage home gardens; ii) how adoption of new methods can be enhanced; and iii) how communities can be empowered by precision agriculture through machine related learning and AI. The study will explore locally available resources for moisture and nutrient management; nurture the importance of legume inclusion and tailor-made garden experience; and build the capacities for extension personnel and lead farmers on machine and related learning and AI methods for moisture, pest and nutrient detection and management.
KENYA
Dr. George Mose (Senior Lecturer) – Murang’a University of Technology, Murang’a, Kenya
PROJECT: Empowering Extension Officers for Gender-Inclusive, Digital Climate-Smart Agriculture: Training and Organizational Development to Support Women and Marginalized Farmers

Dr. Mose’s project will employ a structured, iterative approach to building capacity among extension officers and their organizations, focusing on gender inclusivity and the use of digital tools for climate smart agriculture. The methodology centers on a Training of Trainers (ToT) model, supplemented by ongoing mentoring and institutional support, aimed at creating sustainable changes within agricultural extension systems. The training program will consist of an initial intensive course covering climate-smart agriculture practices, gender sensitivity, digital literacy, and leadership skills. This will be followed by a structured mentoring program, where new trainers will receive guidance and feedback as they begin to apply their training in field settings. This approach ensures that the benefits of training scale out to reach a broad audience, particularly women farmers, and continue beyond the project’s funded period.
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/excel-africa-initiative