Recognising researchers and scientists critical to enhancing food security in Africa

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OPINION

By Eng. Dr Dorothy Okello

In the face of growing challenges such as climate change, population growth, and economic instability, recognising the contributions of researchers and scientists in Africa to deal with these challenges is more crucial than ever. Scientists have the potential, through their research and innovations, to transform agricultural practices and improve food security across the continent.

The Africa Food Prize is one such platform that was established to honour those who have made significant contributions to improving food security in Africa. The prize highlights the innovative efforts of researchers and their influence on agricultural development.

Modelled around the prestigious World Food Prize and Nobel Prize, the $100,000 Africa Food Prize aims to elevate individuals and organisations whose efforts are changing the reality of farming in Africa, and to inspire others by putting a spotlight on achievements and innovations that can be replicated across the continent. Such innovations have the potential to eliminate hunger and poverty and provide a vital new source of employment and income.

For Ugandan scientists and researchers, the Africa Food Prize is an opportunity to showcase their groundbreaking work, gain international recognition, and attract investments in their projects. It has the potential to elevate individual work and organisations that are changing the reality of farming in Africa.

Since its inception, the Africa Food Prize has recognised several outstanding individuals from and organisations in Uganda, whose work has impacted both smallholder and large-scale farmers in the country. Dr Emma Naluyima was recognised in 2019 for her innovative and enterprising approach to smallholder farming based on highly profitable integration of crops and livestock and for her efforts to share skills, knowledge and lessons learned on her farm, One Acre Unlimited. She hosts over 10,000 people annually on her farm and provides advisory agribusiness services on efficient land utilisation.

Dr Catherine Nakalembe was recognised in 2020 for her commitment to improving the lives of smallholder farmers by using satellite technology to harness data to guide agricultural decision making. Her work has helped prevent potentially disastrous impacts of crop failure. She has promoted the formulation of policies and programs that are directly impacting farmers against the impacts of food failure. Dr Nakalembe has collaborated with African governments and leaders in East Africa (Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda), agricultural extension agents, regional farmers, and groups to promote the use of Earth observation (EO) in driving positive change for food security.

The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) is part of the collaborative network, the Pan-African Bean Research Alliance (PABRA), which was recognised in 2023 for developing and scaling biofortified, climate-smart bean varieties across Africa to combat malnutrition and improve food security.

Through its partnerships with farmers, researchers, and stakeholders, the network has released 536 bean varieties, including 45 high-iron and zinc biofortified types. These improved beans have increased yields, incomes, and nutritional status, particularly among vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and children, reaching more than 37 million smallholder farmers and over 30 million households across Africa.

These Ugandan laureates should serve as an inspiration to other scientists, researchers, and innovators in the country, whose work is improving the lives of smallholder farmers and promoting sustainable agriculture.

Through initiatives such as the Africa Food Prize, we can cultivate an ecosystem that nurtures innovation and recognises excellence in agricultural research and development. It is important to acknowledge the contributions of researchers and scientists to reinforce the critical role they play in enhancing food security across the continent. Their work transforms not only the lives of farmers but also the future of food systems in Africa, ensuring that we can meet the needs of our growing population.

Therefore, it is essential that we champion and support our researchers and scientists, recognising their innovations and contributions to agriculture and food security. That way, we can build a sustainable food future for Africa, rooted in innovation, collaboration, and recognition of excellence.

The writer is the Dean, School of Engineering, Makerere University, and a Committee Member of the Africa Food Prize.