Pearl Boamah Agyekum is a citizen of Ghana. She is a Doctoral Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme, and a doctoral student of Food Science and Technology at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana. Her current research is focused on enhancing the functional properties of high protein powders derived from underutilized legumes for possible utilization in food and pharmaceutical products. Pearl aspires to contribute to sustainable food solutions and address nutritional challenges through her research. Her vision is to advance knowledge and address global food security challenges using underutilized food commodities. Pearl is being mentored by Dr Olawale Olayide.

Fabiola Niyonshuti is a citizen of Rwanda. She is a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme. She graduated from Department of Dairy and Food Science and Technology with Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Technology at Egerton University, Kenya. She is currently pursuing Masters of Science in Food Process and Engineering from Department of Agriculture Engineering at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Malawi. Her area of interest are Food and Nutrition security with aim of solving problem of food insecurity and hunger based on sustainable development goal 2 (ending hunger, and all forms of malnutrition, achieve food security and improved nutrition). Her expectation from the programme is to build network and improve her scientific writing skills. Fabiola is being mentored by Professor Ayodeji Oluleye.

Adrien Dogo is a citizen of Benin Republic. He is a Doctoral Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme. He is currently conducting his research at the Nutrition and Food Sciences Laboratory of Faculty of Agronomy, University of Parakou in Bénin. Adrien is being mentored is Dr Souleimane Adekambi.

Edinah Musenya Shikoli is citizen of Kenya. She is a Doctoral Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme. She holds a Master’s degree in Horticulture from Egerton University, Kenya. She is currently enrolled as a Ph.D student of Plant protection at Eduardo Mondlane University, Mozambique. Edinah is being mentored by Dr Oluseun Olubode.

Rebecca Ifeoluwa Adewole is a citizen of Nigeria. She is a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife where she gained skills in evaluation and rural development. She is currently a graduate student of the department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria where she specialises in Development Communication. Her research interests range from policy effects on development to poverty alleviation, food security, climate change, and international development. She is currently working on the vulnerability assessment of the fuel subsidy removal on households in Nigeria. Rebecca is being mentored Professor Idowu Oladele.

Andrew Kolawole Aladele is a citizen of Nigeria. He is a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme. He is a graduate student in the Department of Biological Sciences, at Covenant University Ota, Nigeria. He had his undergraduate degree in Plant Physiology at the Federal Univerisity of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria. His area of research focuses on understanding the genetics of underutilised legumes for sustainable crop improvement. Andrew is being mentored by Dr Ebenezer Ajayi.

Herbert Ochan Alinaitwe is a citizen of Uganda. He is a Master fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme. He is currently pursuing a Master in Crop Science at Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, under the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), at the School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS) as well as National Semi-Arid Resources Research Institute (NaSARRI) located in Serere, Uganda. His research focus is in addressing the finger millet blast disease, a critical issue causing substantial yield losses to farmers in Uganda by exploring the use of biochemical mechanisms and host-plant resistance. My research interests include plant pathology, genomics, and bioinformatics. Herbert is being mentored by Professor Oluwole Fatunbi.

Juliet Anena is a citizen of Uganda. She is a Doctoral Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme. She is also an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Food Science and Post-harvest Technology, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment of Gulu University, Uganda. She holds a joint Master degree in Sustainable Management of Resources and Cultural Heritage for Local Development: Specializing in Sustainable Food Systems, offered by Six Italian Universities founded by the IHEA Foundation as well as a Bachelor Degree in Agricultural Sciences from Makerere University, Uganda. Juliet’s research area is in Food Processing and Product Development, Food Security, and Community Nutrition. Juliet is being mentored by Dr Adefoyeke O. Aduramigba-Modupe.

Omar Abdullahi Askalan is a citizen of Somalia. He is a Doctoral Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme. His Ph.D programme is in the field of Agricultural Structures and Irrigation (Specialized in Irrigation) at Ataturk University in Erzurum, Turkey. He obtained a Master degree in Agricultural Biosystems Engineering (Land and Water Resources) at Bursa Uludağ University in Bursa, Turkey. His interests also include interests Data Science (Machine Learning) applications in agricultural land and water resources, irrigation, and plant-water consumption modeling. Omar is being mentored by Dr Paul Guthiga.

Gbèdotchitché Gwladys Azongnide is citizen of Benin Republic. She is a Post-doctoral Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme. She holds Bachelor and Master degrees in Natural Resource Management. She obtained a Ph.D from the University of Parakou, Benin.  She is a Research Assistant at the Laboratoire d’Etudes et de Recherches Forestières, University of Parakou, Benin. Her research focuses on the domestication and conservation of forest species of food, economic and ecological importance to local communities. Dr Azongnide is being mentored by Dr Souleimane Adekambi.

Pilirani Lyana Chaguza is a Malawian and an MSc student in Environmental Science at the University of Malawi. She is a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme (AGMCP Cohort 5). She obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Malawi. She has worked as an Assistant Farm Manager with Malawi’s largest poultry production company, Central Poultry 2000LTD. Amid her MSc studies, she has developed a keen interest in food and nutrition security while delving deeper into sustainable agriculture production and environmental protection within the context of sustainable food systems. Her goal is to foster agricultural development, and enhance resilient and inclusive food systems that not only provide economic growth and nourishment for individuals but also ensure the protection of our environment for the well-being of future generations. Pilirani is being mentored by Professor Adebisi Agboola.

Mercy Chelangat is a citizen of Kenya. She is a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme. She earned a degree in Agricultural Economics from the Laikipia University, Kenya. She is currently pursuing a Master degree in Agricultural and Applied Economics at the University of Nairobi, Kenya in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics. Her area of research is technologies for agriculture, food security, and rural development. She hopes to gaining a comprehensive understanding of the complexities inherent in African food systems and acquiring the necessary skills to assess and contribute to their sustainability, and anticipates that the mentorship would provide practical insights, guidance in navigating diverse research methodologies, and exposure to cutting-edge developments in the realm of sustainable agriculture. Mercy is being mentored by Dr Aminou Arouna.

Nancy Malala Juma is a citizen of Kenya. She is a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme. She is currently a graduate student in the department of Applied Economics at Kenyatta University, Kenya. She holds a degree in Economics with Information Technology from Maseno University, Kenya and is currently undertaking research on how interventions by development projects influence productivity of smallholder farmers’ and their welfare through the provision of farm inputs. Nancy’s research interest is in Economic Sustainability of African Food Systems. Her expectation for the fellowship year is to improve her research skills and capacity for assessing sustainable African food systems. Nancy is being mentored by Dr Tosin Adeniyi.

Damilola Omotolani Itadare is a citizen of Nigeria. He is a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme.  He is currently affiliated with the Department of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria. His research in Production Economics focuses on Effects of False Bottom Technology on Economic Performance of Rice Processors in Ekiti State, Nigeria. He looks forward to being further guided on the quantitative and qualitative approach to research, engage in group reviews, and seminars, also to network and gain from shared experiences from scholars in the mentorship programme. Damilola is being mentored by Dr Aminou Arouna.

Rose Kachingwe is a citizen of Malawi. She is a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme.  She is currently enrolled for a Master of Science in One Health at the Malawi University of Science and Technology in the Energy Resources Management department within the Ndata School of Climate and Earth Sciences, Malawi. She had her undergraduate degree in Water Quality and Management. Rose delves into the complex nexus of water resource management, ecological balance, and the broader environmental context as it relates to sustainable African food systems. Rose aims to expand her knowledge and skills, eventually making meaningful contributions to the field. Rose is under the mentorship of Dr Mary Gichure.

Collins Kiprotich Kangogo is a citizen of Kenya. He is a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme. He obtained a Bachelor degree in Food Science and Technology from Chuka University, Kenya, and currently enrolled for a Master degree in Food Science and Technology in Egerton University, Njoro, Kenya. His research interest is in the utilization of butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata) seeds as a thickener in the production of fermented camel milk products. Collins is excited about the prospect of working alongside experts and other fellows to develop sustainable solutions that can make a real difference in the lives of African farmers. Collins is being mentored by Professor Oluwole Fatunbi.

Yamikani Matope is a citizen of Malawi. He is a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme. He is currently enrolled for a Master degree programme in Animal Science at the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Malawi. His research interest is in animal breeding and genetics focusing on estimating the genetic and non-genetic parameters of dairy cattle as a prerequisite step towards the establishment of breed improvement programs of dairy cattle in Malawi. His expectation from the fellowship programme is obtain more knowledge on practices that can aid in improving food productivity in Africa. Yamikani is being mentored by Dr Mary Gichure.

Mary Wambui Muroki is a citizen of Kenya. She is a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme. She is currently enrolled as a Master student in Food Science and Technology in the Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Dairy, Food Science and Technology, and studied Foods, Nutrition and Dietetics in the Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Human Nutrition, both at Egerton University, Njoro Campus, Kenya. She is also a licensed clinical nutritionist by the Kenya Nutritionists and Dietetics Institute. She is currently working with biofortified common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) under the Pan African Bean Research Alliance (PABRA) programme in Burundi. Her expectations from the mentorship programme are to gain deeper insights into the African food systems, policy development, and youth involvement in the African food systems, identify possible gaps that can be addressed to create a thriving environment for all stakeholders. Mary is being mentored by Professor Adebisi Agboola.

James Ndambuki Musyoka is a citizen of Kenya. He is a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme. He is currently pursuing a Master degree in Food Science and Technology at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya. His main research interests are postharvest handling, value addition, nutrition, food security and food system in developing countries. He hopes to establish a mechanism of enhancing storage stability of flours in Kenya. His expectation from the fellowship programme is to improve his research, data analysis and academic writing skills. James is being mentored by Ms Clare Kyomuhendo.

Winfred Nthamo Muteti is a citizen of Mozambique. She is a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme. She is pursuing a Master degree in the Plant Breeding and Seed Systems in the Agronomy and Forest Engineering Faculty at Eduardo Mondlane University, Mozambique. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology and Biosafety from the University of Eldoret, Kenya. She specializes in the genetic improvement of seed and food crops. Through the mentorship programme, Winfred aims to further her mission of leveraging the power of modern biosciences, precision technologies and sustainable practices to ensure continental food and nutrition security. She believes that the convergence of modern agricultural practices, advanced technologies, and sustainable approaches can drive positive change in agriculture. Winfred is being mentored by Dr Isata Kamanda.

Rebecca Nassuna is a citizen of Uganda. She is a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme. She is graduate student of Quantitative Economics from the University of Abderrahmane Mira of Béjaïa, Algeria. She won the Algerian government scholarship for her Bachelor and Master degrees. She has a keen interest in learning, researching, and understanding more about the Economic Sustainability of African Food systems with all its dynamics. By the end of this fellowship, she hopes to put up at least a publication about African Food systems as well as build up her professional and social networks. Rebecca is being mentored by Dr Olawale Olayide.

Jean Bosco Ngarukiyimana is a citizen of Rwanda. He is a Doctoral Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme. He holds a Master degree in Soil Science from Makerere University, Uganda, and a Bachelor degree in Soil and Environment Management from University of Rwanda, Rwanda. He is also a Ph.D scholar of West African Centre of Excellence for Water, Irrigation and Sustainable Agriculture (WACWISA Cohort 4), University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana. His PhD programme is Environmental Management and Sustainability. His area of interest is Agro-ecology and Environmental Sustainability. He hopes to strengthen his capacity in finding nature-based solutions to agroecological and environmental problems, and to  create valuable networking opportunities to help enhance his career. Jean is being mentored by Dr Desalegn Ayal.

Yoshwa Ntamushigo is a citizen of the Democratic Republic of Congo. He is a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme. He holds a Bachelor degree in Rural Economy from the Université Evangélique en Afrique, UEA-Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo where he is also a Teaching and Research Assistant in the Faculty of Economics and Management. He is currently enrolled for a Master degree programme in Integrated Management of Tropical Forests and Lands at Ecole Régionale post-universitaire d’Aménagement et de Gestion Intégrés des Forêts et Territoires Tropicaux (ERAIFT-UNESCO) in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. His research interests include agricultural value chain analysis, landscape ecology, food security, food systems, food policy, bushmeat, climate change, transhumance, natural resources governance, entrepreneurship and econometrics. Yoshwa is being mentored by Dr John Mususa Ulimwengu.

Thelma Ntow is a citizen of Ghana. She is a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme. She is also enrolled for the Master degree in Water Engineering at the Pan African University Institute of Water and Energy Sciences (including Climate Change), Tlemcen, Algeria. She holds a Bachelor degree in Agricultural Engineering with specialization in Soil and Water Conservation. Her research interest is in water. She looks forward honing her skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication at the end of the fellowship year. Thelma is mentored by Dr Greenwell Matchaya.

Ruth Nyamgero is a citizen of Kenya. She is Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate and Mentorship Programme. She is currently enrolled as a graduate student at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya for a Master of Science in Food Science and Technology. She holds a Bachelor degree in Food Science and Technology from the Technical University of Kenya. Ruth is currently working on utilization of the invasive Cactus fruit (Opuntia) by value addition as a sustainable means of managing its invasiveness that has caused displacement of people and pasture. She expects to improve her knowledge on cutting-edge research with a view to providing practical solutions to the world. Ruth is being mentored by Dr Folasade Adeboyejo.

Lajuwomi Oluwatosin Owolabi is is citizen of Nigeria. He is a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme. He had his first degree in Political Science. He is currently a Master student at the Pan African University Institute of Governance, Humanities and Social Sciences, Cameroon, specializing in Governance. His research areas are political economy, international relations, and regional integration, with special interest in economic development and illicit financial flows (IFFs). He genuinely believes that the Fellowship Year will direct and promote him to develop into an influential researcher who would support sustainable development in Africa and better know-how to communicate research results through publications. Lajuwomi is being mentored by Dr Etse Dzakpa.

Felix Pariyo is a citizen of Uganda. He is a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme. He holds a Bachelor degree in Agriculture from the Department of Agricultural Production, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University, Uganda. Currently, he is pursuing a Master degree in Plant Breeding and Seed Systems at his alma mater. He looks forward to building professional networks, developing essential, professional and problem-solving skills, developing resilience, and staying updated on current trends in his field of study. Felix is being mentored by Dr Isata Kamanda.

Samantha Akoth Anyuor is a citizen of Kenya. She is a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme. She is currently a Graduate Assistant in the Faculty of Agriculture at Chuka University, Kenya. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Extension at Chuka University. Her current research focuses on communication of climate adaptation strategies, and her broader research interests encompass sustainable food systems, climate adaptation, and the communication of agricultural technologies to farmers. She aspires to enhance her research skills through the fellowship through establishing connections with professionals in the fields of food systems and climate adaptation. Samantha is being mentored by Professor Idowu Oladele.

Mohamed Hassan Sawadogo is a citizen of Burkina Faso. He is a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme. He is also a graduate student in Agricultural Extension and Communication at the Rural Development Institute of Nazi Boni University, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. He is hopeful that the fellowship programme would deepen his knowledge about sustainable agriculture and the specific challenges in Africa. He is thrilled to meet other passionate scholars, and exchange experiences. It would be great to grow and learn together! Mohamed is being mentored by Dr Denis Ouedraogo.

Ziblila Sayibu is a citizen of Ghana. He is a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme. He holds a Bachelor degree in Agricultural Technology from the University for Development Studies (UDS), Tamale, Ghana. He is currently studying for Mphil in Biotechnology in the Department of Biotechnology at the University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana under the sponsorship of the Islamic Development Bank scholarship. Ziblila is a tissue culture specialist at CSIR-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute, Tamale, Ghana. His research interest is plant tissue culture for crops improvement, micropropagation techniques for quality seed multiplication, and molecular breeding techniques/tools for crops improvement. His expectation for the mentorship programme is to meet and network with young people in Africa and learn from both mentors and colleagues with a view to advancing his research career and broaden his expertise in the area of technologies for transforming African food systems. Ziblila is being mentored by Dr Ebenezer Ajayi.

Idé Soumana Sourounda is a citizen of Niger Republic. He is a Doctoral Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme. He is currently enrolled in Biochemistry (Nutrition, Food and Food Sciences) at the Doctoral School of Exact and Technical Sciences in Niger. He was for two years an international reciprocity volunteer between Niger and Togo. His research interests are in food transformation, nutrition and food security.  He would like to strengthen his research and professional skills and expand his network during the fellowship year. Idé is being mentored by Dr Saadatou A. Sangare.

Michael Ssempiki is a citizen of Uganda. He is a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme. He is enrolled for a Master degree in Crop Science, Department of Crop Production, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, at Makerere University, Uganda with specialization in Applied Plant Nematology (designing a sustainable trap cropping system for management of potato cyst nematodes). He also works as Agricultural Officer in Uganda. He hopes that the fellowship would widen his knowledge in scholarship writings and publications. Michael is being mentored by Professor Bukola Babalola.

Reagan Vuluku is a citizen of Kenya. He is a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate and Mentorship Programme. He is a pursuing a Master of Science in Food Science and Technology at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya. He graduated from the Technical University of Kenya with a Bachelor degree in Food Science and Technology. He has a keen interest in functional foods and nutraceuticals and how to incorporate them in regularly consumed foods. He looks forward to learning and using the knowledge garnered during the fellowship programme to enhance his research work. Reagan is being mentored by Dr Folasade Adeboyejo.

Maranatha Tembo is a citizen of Malawi. She is a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme. She holds a Bachelor degree in Human Science and Community Services from Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources. She is currently pursuing a Master degree in the Department of Human Nutrition and Health, within the Faculty of Food and Human Sciences. Her research focuses on nutrition-sensitive agriculture, specifically analyzing the barriers to knowledge, attitude, and practice of nutrition-sensitive agriculture actors in integrating nutrition and agriculture into programmes. She expects to enhance and refine her communication and research skills including technical writing, data collection, and data analysis. Maranatha is being mentored by Dr Oluwaseun Ariyo.

Damiblola Grace Olanipon is a citizen of Nigeria. She is a Post-doctoral Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme. She is a young aspiring plant and environmental scientist. She works as a Lecturer in the Department of Biological Sciences, Afe Babalola University, Nigeria. She holds a Ph.D in Plant Science and Biotechnology from Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria. Her research interests are in the area of plant and soil ecology, biotechnology, biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation. She looks forward to expanding her knowledge of these scientific fields and building capacity in technical writing, idea conceptualization, article publication, and research data analytics. She wishes to build networks and create lasting connections with fellow researchers from Africa and beyond. Dr Olanipon is being mentored by Dr Olawale Olayide.

Jackline Jeruiyot is a citizen of Kenya. She is a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme.  She is enrolled for MPhil programme in Seed Science and Technology at the University of Ghana, West Africa Center for Crop Improvement (WACCI). She graduated from Kisii University in Kenya with a Bachelor degree in Agricultural Sciences. Her research aims to reduce food insecurity by guaranteeing farmers receive high-quality seeds to improve productivity, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and agribusiness. She believes that the fellowship programme would help to develop her research and analytical capacity, including paper publications and writing of grant proposals.  Jackline is being mentored by Dr Omobolaji Obisesan.

Ipyana Forlsman Mwangomba is a citizen of Malawi. He is a Master Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme. He holds a Bachelor degree in Agricultural Extension, and currently pursuing a Master degree in Rural Development and Extension at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources in the Faculty of Development Studies, Malawi. His research area is based on farmer preferences for neglected and underutilised crop species (NUS). He hopes that the fellowship programme would enhance his capacity for data analysis by using qualitative and quantitative data tools. Ipyana is being mentored by Professor Daniel Sakyi.

Chefor Ngwenyi Meungwe is a citizen of Cameroon. She is a Doctoral Fellow of the Africa Graduate Mentorship and Coaching Programme (AGMCP) 2024, under the theme “Developing Capacity for Assessing Sustainable African Food Systems”. She is currently a Ph.D. student studying Development and Institutional Economics at the University of Yaoundé 2, Soa, Cameroon, where she equally obtained her Master’s Degree in Development Economics. Her research focuses on assessing sustainable African food systems, with the goal of contributing to the growth and development of the African continent. Daisy’s participation in the AGMCP program seeks to enhance her research skills, particularly in research techniques, data collection, and data analysis methods. She also looks forward to networking with fellow researchers and mentors who can help shape her career and refine her vision. Daisy is being mentored by Prof. Babatunde Raphael.