Thokozani Gloria Njoka is a citizen of Malawi. She is and a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme (AGMCP). She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Horticulture within the Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) in Lilongwe, Malawi. Her research interests focus on ensuring food and nutrition security through sustainable horticultural practices. Through the mentorship programme, she hopes to gain insights into advanced research methodologies, guidance on effective project implementation, and valuable networking opportunities in the field of horticulture. She is honoured to be mentored by Dr Olawale Olayide.
Daniel Omokpariola is a citizen of Nigeria and a Doctoral Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme (AGMCP). He is currently pursuing his doctoral degree in Environmental Chemistry at Pure and Industrial Chemistry Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. His research focuses on utilizing remote sensing tools to quantify atmospheric pollutants from natural and anthropogenic releases in Nigeria using tropospheric satellite data, as well as assessing trends analysis, chemometrics, and health risk assessment. Daniel possesses a strong background in quality assurance and control, research and development, chemical safety and security, quality management system (QMS) and occupational health and safety management systems (OHSMS), and good manufacturing practices (GMP). He is committed to continual improvement and enhancement of his research skills, particularly in environmental chemistry, and facilitate significant contribution to sustainable environmental management in Africa. Daniel’s mentor is Dr Ebenezer I.O. Ajayi.
Takiyu Wandera is a citizen of Uganda. He is a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme (AGMCP). He graduated with Bachelor’s Degree of Food Science and Technology from Faculty of Agricultural Production and Processing Technology at International University of Africa in Khartoum, Sudan. He is currently pursuing Master’s of Science degree in Food Process and Engineering from Department of Agricultural Engineering at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Malawi. His area of interest are Postharvest innovations to provide a sustainable way to increase the value addition of agricultural produce, lower post-harvest losses, and boost agro-industrial output. Takiyu’s research contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by ensuring Food and Nutrition security. His expectation from the programme is to build network and improve his Research and Scientific writing skills. Takiyu is being mentored by Dr Faith Kasim.
Emmanuel Byiringiro is a citizen of Rwanda. He is a Doctoral Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme (AGMCP). He holds a Master degree in Environment and Water Resources Management from Alexandria University, Egypt and a Bachelor of Science in Irrigation and Drainage from University of Rwanda, Rwanda. He is a doctoral student of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering in School of Engineering at the University for Development Studies (UDS), Tamale Ghana under West African Centre of Excellence for Water, Irrigation and Sustainable Agriculture (WACWISA). His current research is focused on modelling the effects of irrigation depths and fertigation rates on growth and yield of lettuce using hydroponics in unregulated environment. Emmanuel desires to contribute to sustainable food solutions through advanced irrigation systems. His expectation from the programme is to build network and gain advanced scientific skills. Emmanuel is being mentored by Dr Greenwell Matchaya.
Benjamin Chukwu is a citizen of Nigeria. He is a Doctoral Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme (AGMCP). He holds a master of philosophy in Renewable Energy Technologies from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana. He is currently a Ph.D. scholar in the Renewable Energy thematic area at the University of Nairobi, Kenya. His research area in the AGMCP fellowship is building resilient agrifood systems through innovative applications of renewable energy technologies. He expects to gain insights and guidance on aligning renewable energy solutions with sustainable agrifood systems as well as to build strong research networks and contribute to impactful projects under the mentorship of seasoned experts. Benjamin is being mentored by Professor Oluwole Fatunbi.
Nixon Keya Ombima is a citizen of Kenya. He is a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme (AGMCP). He is currently pursuing a Master in Food Science and Technology, department of Human Nutrition Science, Faculty of Agriculture at Jomo Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya. His research focus is on quality characterization of silver cyprinid and its potential utilization in high school feeding programme. His research aims to enhance the nutritional status of adolescents, combat malnutrition, and promote the use of locally available, nutrient rich food sources in Kenya. He anticipates that the mentorship programme would provide exposure, practical insights, guidance in navigating diverse research methodologies to improve his skills in the realm of food security and nutrition. Nixon’s mentor is Professor Adebisi Agboola.
Adebisi Esther Enochoghene is citizen of Nigeria, and a Post-doctoral Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme (AGMCP). She holds a Ph.D. in Ecology and Environmental Science from the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. She is currently a Lecturer at the Environmental Management and Toxicology Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria, and has been lecturing for over five years within Nigeria. As an ecologist and environmental scientist, her research interests span soil ecology, plant ecology, agroecology, and environmental toxicology. Her expectation from the programme is to be better equipped as a researcher. She wishes to enhance her research clarity, improve her writing skills and research output, as well as network with and engage other researchers. Dr Enochoghene is being mentored by Dr Desalegn Ayal.
Ayiorwoth Venice a citizen of Uganda. She is a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme (AGMCP. She graduated from college of agriculture and environmental sciences with a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture and Rural Innovations at Makerere University, Uganda. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree of Science in Extension and Rural Development from Extension Department at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Malawi. Her area of interest is in Agroecology with the research focus on extension methods for promoting agroecology with the aim of promoting sustainable agricultural production, gaining back the indigenous neglected crop species and protecting the environment. Her expectation from the programme is to build network with colleagues and improve her scientific writing skills. Venice is being mentored by Professor Idowu Oladele.
Angelique MANISHIMWE is a citizen of Rwanda, and a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme (AGMCP). She graduated from Department of Rural Development and Agricultural Economics with Bachelor of Science degree in Agribusiness at University of Rwanda, CAVM-Busogo Campus. She is currently pursuing a Master’s of Science in Agribusiness Management from Department of Agribusiness Management at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Malawi. Her area of research interest is assessing the role of microfinance institutions in promoting rice production: a case of RIM microfinance Ltd Huye branch in Rwanda with the aim of evaluating how microfinance institutions, specifically RIM Microfinance Ltd in Huye, Rwanda, contribute to enhancing rice production among smallholder farmers. The project seeks to identify the impact of microfinance services on farmers’ productivity and overall performance within the agrifood systems. Her expectation from the programme is to build network and improve her scientific writing skills. Angelique is being mentored by Dr Paul Guthiga.
Joseph Taiwo is a citizen of Nigeria. He is a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme (AGMCP). He earned a Bachelor degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. He recently completed his Master of Science in Agricultural Economics at Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD). His research interests include agricultural production economics and technology adoption, rural welfare economics, and livelihood sustainability. His expectation from the programme is to build a network and improve his scientific writing skills, thereby enhancing his ability to communicate research effectively, write academic papers, and contribute to publications, which will support his professional and academic development. Joseph is being mentored by Dr Moraka Makhura.
Juwon John Kolawole is a citizen of Nigeria. He is a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme (AGMCP). He holds a Bachelor’s degree in General Agriculture and is currently pursuing his Master’s degree in Animal Production from the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria. His master’s research focuses on a sustainable approach to utilising alternative feed stuff and novel processing to improve productive metric, animal welfare, health and meat quality. He hopes that through this mentorship programme, he would gain relevant networks in research and improve skill in data analysis. Juwon’s mentor is Professor Adebisi Agboola.
Tolulope Linder Owoyemi is a citizen of Nigeria. She is a Doctoral Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship Programme (AGMCP). She holds a Master’s degree in Human Nutrition from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D in Human Nutrition at the same institution. Tolulope aspires to strengthen global food systems through generating quality evidence-based research that informs policy development. Tolulope is being mentored by Dr Pearl Boamah Agyekum.
Toluwanimi Bimosefe Taiwo is a citizen of Nigeria. He is a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme (AGMCP). He graduated from the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology, Faculty of Agriculture at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, Nigeria. He is currently pursuing Master of Science degree in Rural Development from Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Ibadan, Nigeria. His area of interest is advancing inclusivity and equitable livelihoods. His expectation from the programme is to develop his research skills, contribute to the body of knowledge, develop and build the right network. Toluwanimi is being mentored by Dr Hodjo Manzamasso.
Oluwayemisi Salufu is a citizen of Nigeria and a Doctoral Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme (AGMCP). She is also a doctoral candidate in Agricultural Economics at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Her current research focuses on the intersection of economic development, household resilience, and food security in rural communities, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of her research is to provide evidence-based insights for designing policies that enhance household resilience and ensure sustainable food security, thereby contributing to broader efforts to combat poverty and vulnerability. In the long term, Oluwayemisi aims to generate actionable insights that inform policy formulation and promote the sustainable development of vulnerable populations, with a focus on building more resilient and adaptive rural economies. Through the mentorship programme, she seeks to strengthen her leadership abilities, improve the policy relevance of her research in addressing real-world development challenges, and contribute more effectively to the agricultural and economic resilience of rural communities in Africa. Oluwayemisi is being mentored by Dr Souleimane Adekambi.
Maxwell Kanyire Nyuor is a citizen of Ghana. He is a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme (AGMCP). He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Applied Mechanics from the University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana. He also served as a Teaching Assistant at the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering after my graduation. He is currently enrolled for a Master’s degree in Energy Engineering at the Pan African University Institute for Water and Energy Sciences (including Climate Change) in Tlemcen, Algeria. His research interest is in sustainable energy systems. He looks forward to wonderful interaction and building of his research, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills at the end of the Fellowship year. Maxwell is being mentored by Ms. Souhir Belaid.
Dekassan Paques Kone is a citizen of Cote d’Ivoire. He is a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme (AGMCP). He is also pursuing a Master’s degree in Agrifood Biotechnology at the UFR Biosciences, University Félix Houphouet-Boigny of Abidjan-Cocody, Côte d’Ivoire. His research focuses on ensuring food and nutrition security, particularly through sustainable food processing and biotechnology applications. He aims to deepen his expertise in food security strategies, innovative biotechnological solutions, and policy development. Through the mentorship programme, he hopes to gain valuable insights, networking opportunities, and guidance to contribute effectively to sustainable agrifood systems in Africa. He also seeks to enhance his scientific and professional skills under the mentorship of Dr Aminou Arouna.
Laura Aladriru is a citizen of Uganda. She is a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme (AGMCP). Laura is currently pursuing a Master’s degree of Science in Plant Breeding and Seed Systems at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences of Makerere University, Uganda. Her research efforts focus on the evaluation of selected South American cassava genotypes for resistance to cassava brown streak disease and root quality in Uganda. The study would validate the resistance reported in the Latin American cassava genotypes in a hotspot environment and establish variability for root quality attributes in Uganda. She expects to learn several concepts to broaden her knowledge of sustainable agriculture for food, nutrition and income security from the programme. She also expects to get useful network with fellow mentees, and mentors. Laura is being mentored by Professor Oluwole Fatunbi.
Mayeso Sabola Kachingwe is a citizen of Malawi, and a recipient of the Master Fellowship Award under Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme (AGMCP). He is an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Engineering, School of Malawi Institute of Technology, at the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), located in Thyolo, Malawi. He holds a Master of Science degree in Food Science from the University of Malawi and a Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology from the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources. His research focuses on building resilient agrifood systems. Through the AGMCP mentorship, he aims to enhance his expertise in food systems, research proposals, scientific writing, manuscript development, grant applications, and emerging issues in sustainable food systems. He is being mentored by Dr Clare Kyomuhendo.
Adjowa Yéwa Tossoukpe is a citizen of Togo. She is a Doctoral Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme (AGMCP), and a doctoral student in West African Service centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL), especially Climate Change and Human Habitat programme at the Federal University of Technology, Minna in Nigeria. She is currently working on the implication of urban land expansion on ecosystem services employing geospatial techniques and Remote Sensing. These ecosystem services comprise carbon sequestration, urban cooling, flood mitigation and food production. Adjowa is being mentored by Dr Marius Affonfere.
Titus Joshua Mazima is a citizen of Uganda. He is a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme (AGMCP). He is a graduate student in the Department of Applied Statistics at the School of Statistics, College of Business and Management Sciences at Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda. He had his undergraduate degree in Quantitative Economics at Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda. His area of research focuses on assessing the Efficiency of Common Bean Production in Uganda using the Data Envelopment Analysis. Titus is being mentored by Dr Olawale Olayide.
Ayele Grace Johanita Mensah is a citizen of Benin Republic. She is a Doctoral Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme (AGMCP). She is also a doctoral student in Food Process Bioengineering at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences (FSA) of the University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC) in Benin. Her research focuses on developing an extraction technology for flavor and health-enhancing micronutrients from Anacardium occidentale (cashew apple). By advancing this technology, Grace aims to add value to this underutilized crop and contribute to the development of innovative food products. She is passionate about using science to address food security challenges and believes that this mentorship programme will provide her with the opportunity to collaborate with a team dedicated to sustainable agrifood solutions in Africa. Ayele is being mentored by Dr Saadatou Alkassoum Sangaré.
Dennis Reign Mphongolo Kawonga is a citizen of Malawi. He is a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme (AGMCP). He graduated from the Department of Extension with a Bachelor’s in Agriculture Extension at the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), Malawi. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Rural Development and Extension at LUANAR. His area of interest is Sustainable Land Management (SLM) with a specific focus on SLM technology adaptation. This area is based on the agenda 2063, goal 7 (environmentally sustainable and climate resilient economies and communities). The core programme expectations are to gain personalised feedback, career advancement and networking, and strategies for better work-life balance. Dennis is being mentored by Dr Omobolaji Obisesan.
Boluwatife Victoria Bamidele is a citizen of Nigeria. She is a Doctoral Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme (AGMCP). She is a graduate of the Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria and also currently pursuing her Doctoral programme in the Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Her research interest ranges from agrifood systems management, particularly green supply chain management to digital technology adoption in agriculture, food security and Agricultural Finance. Boluwatife aspires to contribute to advancing sustainable agriculture in Africa through her research. Her expectation from the programme is to connect to professionals and improve her ability to write high impact research. Boluwatife is being mentored by Professor Raphael Babatunde.
Boussini Arsène Prosper Zidabouré is a citizen of Burkina Faso, and a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme (AGMCP). He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Agriculture at University Saint Thomas d’Aquin in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, and is conducting his research at the Kamboinse Central Agricultural Entomology Laboratory (LCEAK) under INERA/CREAF. His research focuses on evaluating the impact of various food substrates on the biology of Plutella xylostella, the world’s leading cabbage pest, to enhance understanding of this insect for national pest management strategies. The primary objective of his work is to develop ecological solutions for controlling this pest, which causes significant damage to horticultural crops, while also promoting sustainable practices for the conservation of wild fauna and flora. Through the fellowship programme, he hopes to build a robust network, improve his writing skills, and contribute his research to the broader academic community. Boussini is being mentored by Dr Irène Mitchodigni.
Alpha Sow is a citizen of Senegal, and a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme (AGMCP). He is pursuing a Master’s degree in Agriculture Science with a specialisation in Plant Breeding at the Pan African University Institute of Life and Earth Sciences (including Health and Agriculture), PAULESI, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. His research focuses on building resilient agrifood systems. Through the mentorship programme, he hopes to gain access to AGMCP-hosted conferences, seminars, and workshops that will enable him to interact with key stakeholders in the field, connect with industry experts, researchers, and policymakers, and build a robust professional network. Additionally, he aims to enhance his research and analytical skills through targeted training sessions, workshops, and hands-on experiences in data analysis, sustainable practices, and innovative solutions in agrifood systems. Alpha is being mentored by Dr Etse Yawo Dzakpa.
Chisom Loretta Alor is a citizen of Nigeria, and a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme (AGMCP). She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Crop Science at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Nigeria. Her research focuses on intensifying sustainable food production, agro-industrialisation, and trade. Through the mentorship programme, she aims to gain deeper insights into scientific knowledge, improve herself, connect with professionals, and ultimately give back to the society. Chisom is being mentored by Dr Prosper Mataruse.
Lydia Ojonugwa Joel-Abah is a citizen of Nigeria, and a Doctoral Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme (AGMCP). She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture (Animal Production) from Kogi State University, Anyigba, and a Master’s degree in Animal Science (Breeding and Genetics) from the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D in Animal Science (Breeding and Genetics) at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Her research focuses on the gene structure and association of the Ghrelin gene with growth traits among Fulani and Yoruba ecotype chickens in Nigeria. Lydia aspires to gain greater clarity in her career path, enhance her research knowledge and competence, and refine her skills as a researcher and writer so that she can contribute meaningfully to agricultural development and sustainability globally. She is being mentored by Dr Irene Mitchodigni-Houndolo.
Salama Amiri Mohamed is a citizen of Tanzania, and a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme (AGMCP). She is currently a Master’s degree student in Aquaculture and Fisheries Science at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) in Malawi. Her research focuses on determining spatial and temporal variation of fish diversity in four satellites lakes and how the lakes contribute economically to the community. The main goal is to have conservation and management approaches for sustainability of the lakes. She looks forward to the programme for professional development of research and to build network. Salama is being mentored by Dr Adefoyeke Aduramigba-Modupe.
Taiwo Boluwatife Jeremiah is a citizen of Nigeria, and a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme (AGMCP). He is currently enrolled in the Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, College of Animal Production and Livestock Management at the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. His research focuses on Animal Biotechnology. At the end of the mentorship programme, he aspires to become a problem-solver whose research contributions will alleviate hunger and make the world a better place. Taiwo is being mentored by Dr Mary Mbole-Kariuki.