Dr. François Essouma Manga, Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD), Cameroon
Dr. François Essouma Manga is a Cameroonian Research Officer at the Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD), where he leads the Cocoa Research Station in Nkoemvone. Holding a PhD in Plant Biology and Ecology from the University of Yaoundé I, his expertise lies in cocoa agroforestry, plant biotechnology, and sustainable agricultural practices. With over 20 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Manga’s work focuses on climate-resilient agriculture, indigenous knowledge systems, and pest management. He has led multiple regional and international research projects funded by IFS, FAO, WIPO, and Bioversity-CIAT. His research has appeared in journals such as Agricultural Systems, Land Use Policy, and Environmental Challenges. An award-winning scientist and active mentor, Dr. Manga has represented Cameroon in key international forums and training programs across Africa, Europe, and Asia. Fluent in French and English, he integrates science and policy to promote biodiversity, food security, and climate adaptation across sub-S
Publication Profile
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Professional Experience
Dr. François Essouma Manga, a seasoned agricultural researcher with over a decade of experience, currently serves as Research Officer at IRAD and Head of the Cocoa Research Station in Nkoemvone. He has led critical national and international projects focused on sustainable cocoa production, agroecology, biopesticides, and biodiversity. His work includes VAT and DUS trials for new plant varieties, biostimulant evaluation under climate change, and extensive phytopathological studies for pesticide registration. He has managed land resources, seedling production, and staff while supporting agro-industrial sustainability initiatives like Cocoasoils and EURD. Dr. Manga has served as expert consultant for FAO, Bioversity-CIAT, GIZ, and CIFOR, and currently coordinates regional development programs with Groupe RADER and ALLUVIA Research. A committed educator, he has taught in multiple universities and trained stakeholders across sectors. His efforts bridge scientific research, farmer engagement, and environmental policy, making him a pivotal figure in climate-resilient agriculture in Central Africa.
🎓 Academic Background
Dr. François Essouma Manga possesses a multidisciplinary academic background that anchors his expertise in sustainable agriculture and innovation. He earned a PhD in Plant Biotechnologies from the University of Yaoundé I in 2022 with the highest distinction, focusing on biopesticide development, plant production, and farmer adoption of eco-friendly solutions. In the same year, he completed a Professional Master’s in Intellectual and Industrial Property at the University of Yaoundé II in collaboration with OAPI and WIPO, emphasizing research patentability. His earlier academic journey includes a Research Master’s in Plant Biotechnologies (2012) and a Professional Master’s in Agroforestry (2013), where he studied cyanogenic compounds and agroforestry dynamics. Dr. Manga also pursued agronomy and agricultural education at ENSET de Bambili – University of Bamenda in 2016. This robust educational foundation supports his impactful research in plant protection, intellectual property, and climate-resilient agroforestry systems across Cameroon and Central Africa.
🔍 Research Focus
Dr. François Essouma Manga’s research falls within the category of climate-smart agriculture and agroecological systems, with a strong specialization in biopesticide development, sustainable pest management, and the resilience of smallholder farming systems. His work integrates plant biotechnologies with local knowledge to develop nature-based solutions for managing pests and diseases—particularly in cocoa and food crop systems across Cameroon. His studies also explore climate change perception, agroforestry dynamics, and adaptive decision-making among rural farmers, contributing to broader environmental and food security goals. With publications in journals such as Environmental Challenges, Agroforestry Systems, and Land Use Policy, Dr. Manga addresses critical topics like the compatibility of biocontrol agents with fungicides, vulnerability of farming systems, and integration of traditional ecological knowledge in forest–agriculture systems. His multidisciplinary approach connects entomopathogenic fungi, agroecological restoration, and community resilience, placing his work at the intersection of agricultural innovation, climate adaptation, and ecological sustainability.
Publication Top Notes
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Climate change perception and local adaptation of natural resource management in a farming community of Cameroon: A case study – Cited by 28, 2022
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In vitro antifungal potential of aqueous seeds extracts of Azadirachta indica and Thevetia peruviana against Phytophthora megakarya in Cameroon – Cited by 25, 2016
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Cocoa-based agroforestry system dynamics and trends in the Akongo subregion of central Cameroon – Cited by 18, 2021
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In vitro study of the compatibility of six fungicides with two strains of Trichoderma asperellum… – Cited by 14, 2018
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Insecticides: Advances in insect control and sustainable pest management – Cited by 12, 2023
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Vulnerability of family farming systems to climate change: Forest-savannah transition zone, Cameroon – Cited by 12, 2023
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Forest–Agriculture in the Centre–South Region of Cameroon: Traditional Knowledge and Integrated Management – Cited by 8, 2020
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Factors affecting decision-making to strengthen climate resilience of smallholder farms in Cameroon – Cited by 6, 2024
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Climate Change Perception and Local Adaptation… (duplicate entry) – Cited by 6, 2022
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Investigation about dieback in cocoa orchards in Cameroon – Cited by 6, 2018
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Family Farming Systems in Northern Central Cameroon: Challenges and Prospects – Cited by 5, 2023
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Isolation of Beauveria bassiana from coffee soils and its insecticidal activity – Cited by 3, 2021
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Insecticidal activity of Moringa Oleifera seed formulations on Acanthoscelides obtectus – Cited by 3, 2021
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Farm typology and farmer decision making in Centre Cameroon – Cited by 2, 2023
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Biosciences and Plant Biology – Cited by 2, 2019