François Essouma Manga | Agroecology transition | Best Research Article Award

Dr. François Essouma Manga | Agroecology transition | Best Research Article Award

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

  • Climate change perception and local adaptation of natural resource management in a farming community of Cameroon: A case studyCited by 28, 2022

  • In vitro antifungal potential of aqueous seeds extracts of Azadirachta indica and Thevetia peruviana against Phytophthora megakarya in CameroonCited by 25, 2016

  • Cocoa-based agroforestry system dynamics and trends in the Akongo subregion of central CameroonCited by 18, 2021

  • In vitro study of the compatibility of six fungicides with two strains of Trichoderma asperellum…Cited by 14, 2018

  • Insecticides: Advances in insect control and sustainable pest managementCited by 12, 2023

  • Vulnerability of family farming systems to climate change: Forest-savannah transition zone, CameroonCited by 12, 2023

  • Forest–Agriculture in the Centre–South Region of Cameroon: Traditional Knowledge and Integrated ManagementCited by 8, 2020

  • Factors affecting decision-making to strengthen climate resilience of smallholder farms in CameroonCited by 6, 2024

  • Climate Change Perception and Local Adaptation… (duplicate entry)Cited by 6, 2022

  • Investigation about dieback in cocoa orchards in CameroonCited by 6, 2018

  • Family Farming Systems in Northern Central Cameroon: Challenges and ProspectsCited by 5, 2023

  • Isolation of Beauveria bassiana from coffee soils and its insecticidal activityCited by 3, 2021

  • Insecticidal activity of Moringa Oleifera seed formulations on Acanthoscelides obtectusCited by 3, 2021

  • Farm typology and farmer decision making in Centre CameroonCited by 2, 2023

  • Biosciences and Plant BiologyCited by 2, 2019

Birara Gebeyhu Reta | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Birara Gebeyhu Reta | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Birara Gebeyhu Reta, Arba Minch University, Ethiopia

Mr. Birara Gebeyhu Reta is a dedicated researcher and lecturer in water resources and irrigation engineering at Arba Minch University, Ethiopia. With a passion for sustainable water management, he has contributed significantly to irrigation systems, soil reclamation, and crop water productivity. His work focuses on improving agricultural water use efficiency, climate adaptation, and irrigation performance. He has presented his research at international conferences and published extensively in peer-reviewed journals. His expertise in GIS, AquaCrop modeling, and irrigation planning makes him a key figure in water resource engineering and agricultural sustainability. 🌱💧

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🎓 Education

Mr. Birara holds a B.Sc. in Water Resources and Irrigation Engineering and an M.Sc. in Irrigation and Drainage Engineering from Arba Minch University, Ethiopia (2012-2020). His academic journey has equipped him with strong technical skills in irrigation scheduling, hydrology, and water resource management. His education emphasized climate-smart agriculture, sustainable irrigation techniques, and soil-water interactions. Through rigorous coursework and research, he developed expertise in GIS-based water analysis, crop modeling, and land-use planning, laying the foundation for his impactful contributions to irrigation engineering. 🎓📘

💼 Experience

Since December 2017, Mr. Birara has been a lecturer and researcher at Arba Minch University, Ethiopia, specializing in water resource system planning, irrigation engineering, and drainage management. He has led multiple research projects, including saline soil reclamation, irrigation scheduling, and AquaCrop-based productivity evaluations. His teaching focuses on water resource planning and irrigation management, helping students develop practical skills. Additionally, he has contributed to internationally funded projects, such as the WaterPIP Knowledge and Action Network. His extensive field and academic experience make him a leader in sustainable water management. 🏫📊

🏆 Awards & Honors

Mr. Birara has been recognized for his research contributions through conference invitations, training programs, and professional certifications. He has participated in the International Conference on the Nile River Basin, the Abbay International Water Conference, and the Climate-Smart Agriculture Conference. Additionally, he has received certifications in scientific writing, grant proposal development, and research dissemination. His involvement in global research networks has enhanced his impact on irrigation science and agricultural water management. His dedication to solving water resource challenges has earned him credibility in the scientific community. 🏅🌍

🔬 Research Focus

Mr. Birara’s research explores irrigation performance, soil reclamation, drought analysis, and climate adaptation in agriculture. His studies include saline-sodic soil improvement, optimal irrigation scheduling, and crop water productivity. He specializes in AquaCrop modeling, GIS-based hydrological analysis, and water use efficiency improvement. His research aims to enhance agricultural sustainability, mitigate climate change effects on irrigation, and optimize water resource allocation. By integrating advanced computational tools and field-based experiments, he provides practical solutions to water scarcity and food security challenges in Ethiopia and beyond. 🌾💡

Publication Top Notes

📘 Effect of furrow irrigation systems and irrigation levels on maize agronomy and water use efficiency in Arba Minch, Southern, EthiopiaCited by: 17 (2023) 🔗 Heliyon 9(7) 🌽💧

📘 Assessment of soil mulching field management, and deficit irrigation effect on productivity of watermelon varieties, and AquaCrop model validationCited by: 12 (2023) 🔗 Heliyon 9(11) 🍉🌱

📘 Crop water requirement and irrigation scheduling under climate change scenario, and optimal cropland allocation in lower kulfo catchmentCited by: 5 (2024) 🔗 Heliyon 10(10) 🌍💦

📘 Power Data Access Viewer‐Based Meteorological Drought Analysis and Rainfall Variability in the Nile River BasinCited by: 3 (2024) 🔗 Advances in Meteorology 2024(1) ☀️🌧️

📘 Soil moisture-based irrigation interval and irrigation performance evaluation: In the case of lower kulfo catchment, EthiopiaCited by: 1 (2024) 🔗 Heliyon 10(16) 🌾📊

📘 Assessment of irrigation water management performance indicators and mitigation measure in Arba Minch irrigation scheme, EthiopiaCited by: 1 (2024) 🔗 Advances in Agriculture 2024(1) 🚰⚙️

📘 Evaluation of Small‐Scale Irrigation Scheme Performance and Proposed Alternative Mitigation for Improved Water Management on Wezeqa and Gatto Irrigation Schemes, Southern, EthiopiaCited by: 1 (2024) 🔗 Advances in Agriculture 2024(1) 🌊🌍

📘 Optimizing Tomato Yield in Saline‐Sodic Soils With Gypsum and Mulching Techniques Near Lake Abaya, EthiopiaCited by: – (2025) 🔗 Applied and Environmental Soil Science 2025(1) 🍅🧂

📘 Review of Soil Erosion and Sediment Transport, and Management Status in the Blue Nile River Basin: The Case of EthiopiaCited by: – (2023) 🔗 Abbay Journal of Water and Environmental Sciences 🌊🛤️

🔍 Conclusion

Mr. Birara Gebeyhu Reta is a highly qualified researcher with a strong background in irrigation engineering, water management, and climate adaptation studies. His extensive research output, international conference participation, and scientific contributions make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work significantly impacts sustainable water use, making him deserving of recognition in his field. 🌍💧

ASSIENE AGAMOU JULIEN ARMEL | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Dr. ASSIENE AGAMOU JULIEN ARMEL | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer, University of Douala, Cameroon

Dr. Julien Armel Assiene Agamou is a dedicated lecturer at ENSET, University of Douala, specializing in Food Sciences-Nutrition and Food Biotechnology. His expertise lies in optimizing food production processes and developing functional foods to combat malnutrition. Driven by discipline and a strong team spirit, he actively contributes to nutritional education and community health initiatives in Cameroon.

Profile

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Education 📚

Dr. Assiene holds a Ph.D. in Food Sciences-Nutrition from ENSAI, University of Ngaoundéré, Cameroon. He completed his Master’s degree in Food Science and Nutrition and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Chemistry. His academic journey emphasizes the nutritional and functional properties of indigenous foods.

Experience 💼

His professional experience spans teaching roles at ENSET and other institutions, including practical work in Food Biochemistry and Food Microbiology. Dr. Assiene has managed projects focusing on the valorization of local food products and the development of nutrient-dense foods. He has also served as a stock manager and academic supervisor, contributing significantly to food science research.

Research Interests 🧪

Optimization of food production processes

Functional foods and their impact on nutrition

Biochemical and microbiological analyses

Food quality control and nutritional education

Awards 🏆

His contributions to food science and nutrition have been recognized through awards for academic excellence and research impact in Cameroon.

Publications

Assiené AJA, Fombang EN, Mbofung CMF. Particular benefits can be attributed to Moringa oleifera Lam leaves based on origin and stage of maturity, Journal of Experimental Biology and Agricultural Sciences, 2015.

Fombang EN, Assiéné AJA, Mbofung CMF. Incorporation of Ricinodendron heudolotii Meal into Blends of Wheat and Precooked Taro Flour for production of Nutrient Dense Biscuits, Indian Journal of Nutrition, 2016.

Assiené AJA, Fombang EN, Mbofung CMF. Nutritional potential and bioactive compounds of Moringa oleifera leaf powders, Cameroon Nutritional Science Society, 2017.

Assiené AJA, Fombang EN, Mbofung CMF. In vitro protein digestibility and iron bioavailability according to agro-ecological zone and stage of maturity of Moringa oleifera Lam leaves, Europeans Journal of Nutrition and Food Safety, 2020.