2 October 2025 – The JR Biotek Foundation today unveiled the Agri-Innovation & Impact Project (AGRIIP), its most ambitious initiative yet: a historic 10-year mission to re-centre Africa’s indigenous crops, empower millions of farmers and scientists, and build a climate-resilient, food-secure continent. At its heart, AGRIIP is more than a program. It is a movement, a […]
From Lab Training to Impact: Beakal’s Journey with JR Biotek Foundation Beakal Tadesse Girma wrote “JR Biotek provided me with invaluable hands-on training in the practical aspects of molecular biology. Through their programs, I gained experience in essential techniques such as DNA and RNA extraction, which became the foundation of my lab skills. During the COVID-19
How JR Biotek Foundation is Bridging Science and Real-World Agriculture to Transform Food Systems in Africa At JR Biotek Foundation, we are guided by a simple but powerful belief: Africa’s most pressing agricultural, food security, and environmental challenges can and must be solved by those who understand them best. That means solutions must be locally adaptable,
How the JR Biotek Africa Bio-Innovation Challenge Empowered Our Mission for a Cleaner, Greener Future The Advocate for Clean Climate & Environment Initiative, founded by Dr Bolaji Thanni, is an impact-driven project dedicated to promoting sustainable environmental practices, advocating for climate action, and empowering communities through innovative solutions. Dr Thanni, currently a postdoctoral scientist in Ecology
Cambridge, 27 March 2025 – Beneath the storied spires of the University of Cambridge, a powerful celebration unfolded – one rooted in memory, driven by science, and animated by a vision for Africa’s future. Roots of Resilience: A Decade of Innovation & Impact marked the JR Biotek Foundation’s ten-year milestone with a day-long gathering of researchers, policy experts,
Picture: Dr Ruth Naa Ashiokai Prempeh (CSIR-Crops Research Institute, Ghana) receiving her institutional and individual awards presented by Professor Chagunda. The JR Biotek Foundation hosted a profoundly moving and historic celebration on 27 March 2025 at the University of Cambridge: the inaugural JR Biotek Awards. This landmark ceremony honoured a decade of transformative partnerships, dedicated service,
Olaide Ogunsanya is a plant pathologist and soil microbiologist with expertise in plant-microbe interactions across different environments. She holds a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology and specializes in plant and soil health, sustainable agriculture, and disease diagnostics. With strong skills in microbiology and pathogen identification, Olaide is passionate about advancing research that supports resilient cropping systems. She is also a skilled communicator, dedicated to engaging diverse audiences and promoting scientific awareness.
Dr Jacob Ulzen
Jacob Ulzen is a Research Fellow at the University of Ghana’s Forest and Horticultural Crops Research Centre (FOHCREC). He holds a PhD in Soil Science from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, where he also earned his BSc in Agriculture (First Class Honours) and MSc in Soil Science. His postgraduate studies were supported by a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation scholarship through the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, under the COMPRO II and N2AFRICA projects.
Jacob’s research focuses on rhizobiology, particularly biological nitrogen fixation, bioprospecting and evaluation of isolates for enhanced nitrogen fixation, and Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM). His work also extends to carbon sequestration in tree crops and forest lands and, more recently, citizen science using the triadic approach. His current research explores the spatial mapping of mycorrhizal fungi in Ghana.
He has collaborated extensively with smallholder farmers in Ghana’s legume and cocoa landscapes. Previously, he worked as a Research Scientist at the CSIR-Soil Research Institute and as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, focusing on cocoa climate change adaptation and farmer experimentation. Jacob is also a Science Associate of the Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN).
Dr Chloé Orland
Ecology Advisor, Action Against Hunger, France
Dr Chloé Orland is the Ecology Advisor for Action Against Hunger, a humanitarian non-profit that fights against hunger and its causes. Her role consists in accompanying the field teams in developing programs that account better for biodiversity and ecosystems, that are adapted to climate change, and that mitigate negative impacts on the environment. Before taking on this position, she was a Postdoctoral Scholar at the University of California Santa Cruz, USA, where she was specialized in environmental and conservation genomics. Her main projects focused on the reintroduction of the critically endangered black abalone and on the use of environmental DNA as a research and management tool. She was also heavily involved in teaching and training undergraduates on these methods. Chloé received her PhD in Ecology from the University of Cambridge’s Department of Plant Sciences. There, her passion for education and scientific outreach led her to join the JR Biotek team and to collaborate closely with Dr Carol Ibe on developing and running workshops for the Foundation – a partnership that has now flourished for nearly a decade.
Dr Lyn Kouadio
Dr Lyn Kouadio is Beacon Junior Research Fellow in Postcolonial and Race Studies at University College Oxford, where she is currently researching the politics of the making and archiving of the RDA, a Francophone Pan-Africanist and anti-colonial movement founded in 1946 in Black French Africa. Lyn completed her doctoral studies at the University of Cambridge where she also received her MPhil. She also holds a B.A.(Hons)from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana. Her research interests lie in the international politics of (Black Francophone) Africa and its associated politics of knowledge production.
Dr Carol Ibe
Dr Carol Ibe is the Executive Director & Founder of JR Biotek Foundation, and Strategy Lead of the Agri-Innovation & Impact Project (AGRIIP). As a molecular plant scientist, she has dedicated her career to empowering African researchers and farmers with the skills, resources, and partnerships necessary to tackle hunger, malnutrition, and poverty.
Carol earned her PhD in Plant Sciences as a Gates Scholar at the University of Cambridge and completed postdoctoral research at the John Innes Centre, UK. Over the past decade, she has pioneered and led transformative initiatives, including the Africa Diaspora Biotech Summit, the UK–Africa Food Security Symposium, the Africa Bio-Innovation Venture Creation & Pitch Challenge, and world-class scientific lab capacity-building programs such as the Plant Molecular Biology Laboratory Training and Reach & Teach Science in Africa. These initiatives have trained thousands of scientists and students across Africa, both virtually and in person.
Through AGRIIP, Dr Ibe is fostering powerful collaborations among scientists, farmers, and community leaders to co-create innovations that build climate-resilient food systems. Her work has received global recognition, with features in Forbes and TEDx Oxford, and prestigious awards including the University of Cambridge’s CSAR Award and the 2019 Bill Gates Sr. Prize, underscoring her impact on science, innovation, and community-led change.
Dr. Juliet Kariuki
Senior Advisor – Country Operations & Field Coordination Department
Dr. Juliet Kariuki is a social scientist with expertise in the social, historical, and institutional dimensions of crop and livestock systems in sub-Saharan Africa. Her research focuses on how gender, equity, and food security shape sustainable agricultural and environmental outcomes, applying qualitative, mixed-methods, and participatory approaches. She has studied the influence of livestock breeding, marketing, risk management, natural resource management, and ICTs on the wellbeing of smallholder farmers, with a focus on the different experiences of men and women. She previously worked at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Kenya, where she led research on gender and socio-economic dimensions of livestock production. She holds a PhD in Agricultural Sciences from the University of Hohenheim, Germany, where she examined gender equity in market-based conservation mechanisms in Kenya. As AGRIIP’s Senior Advisor in the Country Operations & Field Coordination Department, Dr. Kariuki brings deep expertise on gender, equity, and social inclusion to strengthen farmer–scientist partnerships and ensure AGRIIP’s field-level innovations are both impactful and inclusive.
Mainda Kiwelu
Department Lead – Fellowship & Innovation
Mainda Kiwelu is an International Law and Business graduate with over 15 years of experience in product management and marketing across industries including publishing, education, retail, travel, and professional services. Having grown up in East Africa and later moved to England, she brings a global perspective to entrepreneurship, innovation, and venture development.
She has mentored and supported entrepreneurs through programmes at Cambridge Judge Business School and the Queen’s Young Leaders Programme, combining her expertise in commercial strategy, technology, and intellectual property management with a passion for empowering young people and startups. As AGRIIP’s Fellowship & Innovation Department Lead, Mainda designs and oversees initiatives that equip scientists and farmers with the skills, mentorship, and entrepreneurial support needed to co-create climate-smart innovations and build sustainable ventures across Africa.
Dr. Francis Wamonje
Senior Advisor – Country Operations & Field Coordination Department
Dr. Francis Wamonje is a Research Leader in Entomology at NIAB, UK, with expertise in plant–insect interactions and the application of ‘omics’ tools for pest detection, surveillance, and biocontrol. He earned his PhD in Plant Sciences at the University of Cambridge under the mentorship of Professor John Carr and previously served as a Royal Society FLAIR Fellow at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) in Nairobi, Kenya.
His research advances agricultural sustainability and environmental resilience, with a focus on supporting innovation in the Global South. Beyond his research, he authors 52 Science Stories, a widely read LinkedIn newsletter that makes complex concepts in plant sciences, agroecology, and biodiversity accessible to broad audiences. As AGRIIP’s Senior Advisor in the Country Operations & Field Coordination Department, Dr. Wamonje provides strategic guidance to strengthen farmer–scientist partnerships and ensure field-level innovations deliver meaningful impact.
Dr. Edinam Dean Eton
Department Lead – People, Culture, Communications & Storytelling
Dr. Edinam Dean Eton is a Human Resource Management specialist with expertise in equality, diversity, and inclusion. He combines his academic background in business and HR with over a decade of experience as a creative and performing artist in music and visual arts, bringing both strategic and cultural perspectives to his work. As Head of People and Culture at JR Biotek and AGRIIP’s Department Lead for People, Culture, Communications & Storytelling, Dr. Eton fosters an inclusive, focused, and collaborative environment where scientists, farmers, and volunteers can thrive. His leadership ensures that AGRIIP’s culture, communications, and storytelling reflect both its mission and its vision for a resilient, innovative Africa.
Dr. Anthony Mabele
Department Lead – Country Operations & Field Coordination
Dr. Anthony Mabele is a Senior Research Fellow and Molecular Plant Virologist at Kibabii University, Kenya, with expertise in emerging plant viruses, virus–host interactions, and the impact of climate change on plant disease. His applied research focuses on virus detection, strain differentiation, and the sanitization of infected plant materials, with the goal of developing sustainable management strategies for resilient agriculture.
A distinguished researcher and Trainer of Trainers for the Biology of Vector-Borne Diseases (BVBD) course at the University of Idaho, USA, Dr. Mabele is committed to equipping scientists with emerging technologies and strengthening global research collaborations. His work bridges science and practice, engaging researchers, policymakers, and farming communities to improve livelihoods, enhance environmental health, and build climate adaptation strategies. As AGRIIP’s Department Lead for Country Operations & Field Coordination, Dr. Mabele provides overall leadership for in-country teams, ensuring farmer–scientist partnerships translate into tangible, on-the-ground impact across Africa.
Tomilola Olumide
Art for Impact & Fundraising Officer
Tomilola Olumide is a Nigerian artist, writer, and researcher based in the United Kingdom. She holds a Master’s degree in Contemporary Art Practice from the Royal College of Art, London, and a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art from the University of Southampton. She is also the founder of Èfùnsíkú, an interdisciplinary incubator that supports African creative practitioners.
Her art practice documents memory and identity, drawing on her formative years in Lagos and expressed through sculpture, installation, ceramics, performance, textiles, and painting. Working across disciplines, she adopts a process-led and research-driven approach that connects creativity, culture, and lived experience. As AGRIIP’s Art for Impact & Fundraising Officer, Tomilola brings creative and strategic perspectives to the People, Culture, Communications & Storytelling Department. She uses art and community engagement to translate agricultural research into accessible narratives, build visual identity, and mobilise support for AGRIIP’s mission of advancing innovation and resilience in African agriculture.
Faith Mohammed
Nigeria Country Team Member
Faith Mohammed is an agricultural scientist specialising in plant pathology, biological control, and sustainable agriculture. She holds a Master’s in Agricultural Science and Production Systems from Harper Adams University, UK, where she conducted research with Bayer Crop Science on the impact of fungicide seed treatment withdrawal in European cereals. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, which gave her strong foundations in crop protection and food safety. Her career spans research, teaching, and agricultural development with institutions such as the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Bluesea Investment Limited, and Harper Adams University. At IITA, she contributed to the development of Aflasafe™, a biocontrol product now used across 13 African countries to reduce mycotoxin contamination in grains. With Bluesea Investment, she partnered with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to promote sustainable, farmer-focused projects in Oyo and Lagos States. Faith’s work bridges laboratory research, field studies, and farmer collaboration. She has also supported international students through the Marshal Papworth Scholarship programme, guiding agricultural project design, post-harvest storage, and aflatoxin prevention. As part of AGRIIP’s Nigeria Country Team, she applies her expertise to strengthen farmer–scientist partnerships and promote innovations that link science, policy, and farming for real community impact.
Aondona Precious Kumawuese
Digital Media – Web/Social
Aondona Precious Kumawuese is an innovator, web developer, and community builder passionate about leveraging technology for sustainable impact. She is pursuing a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and has gained practical experience in software development, program organization, and digital support through internships and community-focused projects such as 3MTT Nigeria. She is also the founder of 3PGENERATION, an initiative that combines web services, personal development coaching, and women’s empowerment through the 3P Generation Ladies Movement.
Actively engaged with ENACTUS JOSTUM since her undergraduate studies, Aondona has aligned her work with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in education, gender empowerment, and sustainable communities. She has facilitated both virtual and in-person programs, honing her skills in problem-solving, communication, and leadership while building collaborative networks. As AGRIIP’s Digital Media – Web/Social Officer, Aondona applies her creativity, technical expertise, and passion for community impact to strengthen AGRIIP’s online platforms, bridging technology and local knowledge to enhance food security and agricultural innovation across Africa.
Dr. Velma Okaron
Kenya Country Team Member
Dr. Velma Okaron is a plant breeder with expertise in developing disease-resistant groundnut varieties and advancing climate-smart agricultural innovation in sub-Saharan Africa. She holds a PhD in Plant Breeding from Makerere University, Uganda, an MSc in Plant Genetics, and a BSc in Botany from the University of Eldoret, Kenya. Her research has spanned genomic tools for crop improvement and the identification of indigenous rhizobia to enhance nitrogen fixation in phosphorus-deficient soils.
She has served as a junior researcher with ICRISAT and contributed to projects with Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) that improved smallholder farmer livelihoods. A valued alumna of the JR Biotek Foundation, Velma co-founded the JR Biotek–Plant Cell Atlas African PhD Scholars Mentoring Programme, which has supported early-career African scientists. As part of AGRIIP’s Kenya Country Team, Velma brings her plant breeding expertise, farmer engagement experience, and project management skills to strengthen farmer–scientist collaborations and drive innovations that support Africa’s Vision 2030 for sustainable agriculture.
Nwogwugwu Precious A.
Nigeria Country Team Member
Nwogwugwu Precious A. is a PhD student in Plant Breeding at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, and a Research Fellow at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). Her doctoral research focuses on unlocking the potential of the African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa), an underutilized legume with significant promise for food and nutritional security in Africa.
She holds a BSc in Plant Science and Biotechnology from the University of Port Harcourt and an MSc in Plant Breeding and Seed Technology from FUNAAB, Nigeria. With over four years of practical experience in plant breeding and seed conservation, she has worked on research programs integrating field experimentation, data analysis, and molecular tools for crop improvement.
Precious has also worked extensively with farmers through participatory variety evaluations and extension activities, gaining firsthand insights into farming challenges and supporting the adoption of climate-smart agriculture and resilient crop practices. As part of AGRIIP’s Nigeria Country Team, Precious applies her expertise in crop improvement and farmer engagement to bridge research and practice, advancing climate-resilient, high-yielding varieties that contribute to sustainable food systems and lasting impact across Africa.
Dr. Olamilekan Jolayemi
Program Development & Implementation Lead
Dr. Olamilekan Jolayemi is a crop scientist with over a decade of experience in plant research and development across Africa and Europe. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in plant science from Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria, and a PhD in Plant Breeding from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Alnarp.
His research spans arable and tree crops from temperate and tropical regions, with expertise gained at leading institutions including Africa Rice Centre, SLU, and the University of Surrey. At Africa Rice Centre, he developed elite lowland rice varieties with enhanced tolerance to abiotic stress, while his PhD research explored the use of biostimulants to improve growth and drought tolerance in sugar beet and wheat. He has also worked in indoor vegetable production using hydroponics in Sweden and pioneered aeroponic propagation techniques for tree saplings during his postdoctoral research in the UK. As AGRIIP’s Program Development & Implementation Lead, Dr. Jolayemi drives the design and delivery of innovative agricultural programs, ensuring that scientific research translates into practical solutions that advance climate resilience and sustainable farming systems across Africa.
Igyuve Terngu Moses
Nigeria Country Team Member
Igyuve Terngu Moses is a plant breeder and agricultural researcher dedicated to advancing food security and climate resilience in Africa. He holds a B.Agric. and M.Sc. in Plant Breeding, Seed Science and Genetics from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Plant Breeding at Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria.
With more than a decade of professional experience, Moses has contributed to the development of climate-smart crop varieties, including four resilient maize hybrids, and is working with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to develop drought-tolerant, high-yield rice hybrids. His expertise spans genetic improvement of cereals, seed systems, and climate adaptation.
He has led and supported large-scale agricultural initiatives, including the Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project (KSADP) with Sasakawa Africa Association, where he promoted regenerative farming practices and improved seed systems for smallholder farmers. At Value Seeds Limited, he directed the COVID-19 Response Rice Seed (CORIS) Project, safeguarding rice production through quality seed access, logistics, and farmer training. An SRP (Sustainable Rice Platform)–certified professional with 16 peer-reviewed publications, Moses is an active member of the Genetic Society of Nigeria (GSN) and the Nigerian Plant Breeders Association (NPBA). As part of AGRIIP’s Nigeria Country Team, he bridges research and field implementation to empower smallholders and build resilient, climate-smart food systems.
Theodora Owusu Nkansah
Ghana Country Team Member
Theodora Owusu Nkansah is a biologist with a background in Plant and Environmental Biology from the University of Ghana. Her academic training, combined with self-driven learning in microbiology, has given her a strong foundation in biological systems and their real-world applications. Beyond science, she has professional experience in customer service and organizational management, where she built skills in communication, problem-solving, and team coordination. Passionate about sustainability, agricultural advancement, and environmental stewardship, Theodora brings both scientific knowledge and organizational expertise to her work. As part of AGRIIP’s Ghana Country Team, she contributes to farmer–scientist collaborations and community-driven projects, helping to strengthen resilience and support innovation for sustainable agriculture.
Dr. Binta Sani Ibrahim
Nigeria Country Team Member
Dr. Binta Sani Ibrahim is a plant biotechnologist and principal lecturer at Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, Kano, with over two decades of experience in biochemistry, microbiology, and science education. She earned her PhD in Plant Biotechnology from Universiti Putra Malaysia, where her research investigated the PAL gene family in banana in response to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (TR4), a devastating soil-borne fungus threatening global banana production. Her work contributes to developing sustainable strategies to combat plant diseases and improve food security across Africa.
Beyond academia, Dr. Ibrahim is also a farmer, a dual perspective that drives her commitment to bridging laboratory research with practical solutions for rural communities. She has been actively engaged with JR Biotek Foundation since 2021, contributing to international outreach and training programs that empower African scientists and students, including co-delivering molecular biology workshops that connect researchers with global expertise. As part of AGRIIP’s Nigeria Country Team, Dr. Ibrahim applies her scientific expertise and passion for community impact to strengthen food security, enhance climate resilience, and promote sustainable agricultural practices across Africa.
Dr. Flora Adachi Asibe
Nigeria Country Team Member
Dr. Flora Adachi Asibe is an agriculture and biotechnology expert with over 12 years of experience in agricultural research, agribusiness development, rural transformation, and STEM education. She began her career at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), where she contributed to Gates Foundation–funded projects on aflatoxin management in maize under the Aflasafe and AfricaYam programs. She later joined INNOVX as part of the pioneer team introducing carbon farming through the TOURBA project, Nigeria’s first initiative linking regenerative agriculture with carbon credits for smallholder farmers.
Flora’s work spans both science and advocacy. Through the US TechWomen Program, JR Biotek’s Reach & Teach Science Initiative, EduChamps, and Scholars Connect, she has actively promoted sustainable farming practices and strengthened STEM capacity among researchers, women, youth, and smallholder producers. She holds a B.Sc. in Crop Science and Biotechnology, an M.Agric. in Crop Protection, and a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, alongside professional certifications in project management and agribusiness.
Currently a Business Development Advisor at GIZ, she supports the EU-VACE/TARED programme, advancing agrifood value chains among MSMEs through value addition, climate-smart practices, and inclusive business models. As part of AGRIIP’s Nigeria Country Team, Flora contributes her scientific expertise, agribusiness knowledge, and passion for farmer-centered innovation to strengthen food systems and mentor the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs and scientists across Africa.
David Munthali is a seasoned development specialist with over 20 years of experience in food security, livelihoods, climate change, and disaster risk reduction. He holds an MSc in Environment and Development from the University of Edinburgh and a BSc in Agriculture (Animal Science) from the University of Malawi, alongside advanced training in project management, environmental management, financial management for NGOs, and business development.
His career spans government, international NGOs, and regional development programs. He has served as a technical advisor with Catholic Relief Services at both country and regional levels in Southern Africa, supporting projects in agriculture, health, and climate change. David has built strong partnerships with governments, private sector actors, research institutions, and CGIAR centers, while also leading program development and successful proposal design. Earlier, he worked with the Government of Malawi for eight years, spearheading livestock and animal health development. As AGRIIP’s Fundraising & Strategic Partnerships Officer (Co-Lead), David leverages his extensive expertise and networks to mobilise resources and build strategic collaborations that sustain and scale AGRIIP’s mission of empowering scientists and farmers to drive climate-smart agricultural innovation across Africa.
David Nii Kwartei Quartey
Fundraising & Strategic Partnerships Officer
David Nii Kwartei Quartey is a British-Ghanaian bioprocess engineer and design researcher committed to connecting science, innovation, and society to shape regenerative futures. He recently completed the Innovation Design Programme at the Royal College of Art and Imperial College London, where his projects spanned biomaterials, environmental sensing, low-power IoT, and sustainable design.
With professional experience in vaccine process engineering and Industry 4.0 data systems at Oxford Biomedica, as well as expertise in biomedical engineering and biomanufacturing, David blends technical rigour with creative design thinking. His work bridges biodesign education, citizen science, and ecological design, and he has presented internationally, including at the University of Basel’s Liquid Urbanisms in Africa conference (2025). As AGRIIP’s Fundraising & Strategic Partnerships Officer, David leverages his interdisciplinary background to build global networks, mobilise resources, and support partnerships that advance Africa-led agricultural innovation and climate resilience.
Roselyne Aleyo
Communications & Impact Storytelling Officer
Roselyne Aleyo is a scientist and communicator passionate about translating research into narratives that inspire agricultural innovation. She is a PhD candidate in Agricultural and Horticultural Systems Management at Massey University, New Zealand, where she researches plant–microbial interactions and plant traits that reduce nitrous oxide emissions, contributing to climate-smart solutions in agriculture. She also holds an MSc in Microbiology and a BSc in Microbiology and Biotechnology from the University of Nairobi.
Her career spans academia, research institutions, the private sector, and NGOs. She has worked with the University of Nairobi, KEMRI, and CIFOR-ICRAF, and contributed to the circular economy as R&D Specialist at Ecodudu Ltd., developing sustainable pathways for alternative protein production while training farmers. Currently, she is part of the New Zealand Bioeconomy Science Institute under AgResearch, focusing on climate change and forage innovation.
Beyond her research, Roselyne is deeply committed to mentorship and capacity building, supporting early-career scientists through the STEM for Development organization. As AGRIIP’s Communications & Impact Storytelling Officer, Roselyne combines scientific expertise with creative storytelling to amplify farmer and fellow voices, showcase indigenous crops, and mobilize global audiences for Africa-led agricultural resilience.
Olanrewaju Babalola
Fellowship Program Lead – Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Olanrewaju Babalola is an entrepreneurial consultant, business mentor, and ecosystem builder working at the intersection of agriculture, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He holds a degree in Entrepreneurship from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria, and an MBA from the University of Nebraska Omaha, bringing both technical knowledge and business acumen to advancing sustainable development in Africa.
His career spans consulting, program design, and entrepreneurship education across Africa and North America. He has supported entrepreneurs through the Nebraska Business Development Center and created The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, built on his original MASK framework, to equip professionals with innovation tools, mentorship, and practical pathways to impact. His thought leadership has been featured on Forbes and AllBusiness.com, and he has received fellowships including the Young Innovation Leaders Fellowship and the Lagos Business School Young Talents Programme. As AGRIIP’s Fellowship Program Lead – Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Olanrewaju designs and coordinates the Fellowship Program, driving innovation bootcamps, capacity-building, and mentorship initiatives for scientists and farmers. He sees AGRIIP as a return to his roots and an opportunity to help translate groundbreaking agricultural research into practical solutions that strengthen livelihoods and build climate-smart food systems across Africa.
Samuel Khavi
Kenya Country Team Lead
Samuel Khabi is an agriculture expert specializing in crop health, value chain development, and sustainable farming systems. With extensive experience working with smallholder farmers in Kenya, he has championed the adoption of biological control methods in arid regions such as Kajiado and Garissa, improving tomato production and resilience against pests.
His professional journey began at CABI, where he worked as a technical expert in mass rearing parasitoids against Fall Armyworm in maize. He later joined KALRO as a research scientist under the USAID underutilized fruit project, promoting traditional and forgotten fruits and vegetables to enhance household nutrition. Samuel has since focused on crop health research in organic farming and is currently leading efforts to combat Persea mite, a new avocado pest threatening Kenyan farmers.
At the international level, he has partnered with Land O’Lakes Venture 37 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, training farmers on sustainable maize production. He also served on the committee of the 11th International IPM Symposium and currently contributes as a national expert on tomatoes for Kenya’s NAVCDP and Food Systems Resilient Project (FSRP).
Samuel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from Kenyatta University and is pursuing a Master’s in Crop Protection at the University of Nairobi. A trained Plant Doctor and certified Trainer of Trainers, he brings technical expertise and a collaborative spirit to building interdisciplinary teams for smallholder farmer success. As AGRIIP’s Kenya Country Team Lead, Samuel drives farmer–scientist partnerships and innovation pilots in Kenya, ensuring that indigenous knowledge and cutting-edge science work hand in hand to build climate-resilient food systems.
Uhuru Olusegun Obasanjo
Kenya Country Team Member
Uhuru Olusegun Obasanjo is a Kenyan environmental professional with expertise in project management, community engagement, and sustainable agriculture. He holds a BSc in Environmental Education and certifications in Project Management, with over five years of experience working on projects that enhance resilience and improve livelihoods.
He has contributed to initiatives in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), advancing clean energy, sustainable water access, and the cultivation of medicinal, aromatic, and fruit plants in Western Kenya for both income generation and ecosystem restoration. His work with NGOs and community-based organizations has strengthened his skills in project coordination, monitoring and evaluation, and participatory methods that promote local ownership of solutions. As part of AGRIIP’s Kenya Country Team, Uhuru brings grassroots insight, technical expertise, and a strong commitment to empowering farming communities. He supports farmer–scientist partnerships and innovation pilots that build climate resilience and drive sustainable development in Kenya.
Nazeer Musa Ahmad
Nigeria Country Team Lead
Nazeer Musa Ahmad is a Climate-Smart Agriculture and Agribusiness Specialist with over a decade of experience supporting smallholder farmers to build resilience to climate change. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Crop Production at Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology Wudil, focusing on climate-smart strategies for managing drought and heat stress in cereal–legume systems. Nazeer has worked with leading organizations including Mercy Corps, IITA, Technoserve, Tetra Tech International Development, and Extension Africa, where he has designed and led programs that have reached hundreds of thousands of farmers. His expertise spans regenerative agriculture, sustainable seed systems, the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), carbon accounting, and digital extension. As National Coordinator at Extension Africa, he has supported over 200,000 farmers while strengthening agribusiness value chains and rural infrastructure.
He holds a Master’s in Agronomy (Dryland Agriculture) and a Bachelor’s in Agriculture (Crop Protection), with further training in carbon accounting, project management, M&E, GIS, and remote sensing. His leadership has earned him recognition as Star Performer of the Year, Best Team Player, and Most Dedicated Staff at Extension Africa. As AGRIIP’s Nigeria Country Team Lead, Nazeer drives field implementation and farmer–scientist collaboration in Nigeria, ensuring that AGRIIP’s innovations translate into tangible resilience and livelihood improvements for rural communities. Passionate about youth and women’s empowerment, he sees agriculture not just as a career but as a mission to build resilient food systems for future generations.
Biebele Eretoru
Fellowship Program Member – Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Biebele Eretoru is an agribusiness professional, youth development practitioner, and innovation-driven entrepreneur with strong expertise in agribusiness, project management, and capacity building. She holds a degree in Plant Science and Biotechnology from the University of Port Harcourt and is pursuing an MBA in Business Administration with a focus on Human Resource Management.
Her experience spans technical and leadership roles, including producing over two million clean seedlings of banana, plantain, and ginger at Contec Global Agro Limited and coordinating entrepreneurial training with the ELF/TOTAL Host Communities Program. As Centre Coordinator of the Thomas Honeycomb Foundation’s Incubation and Acceleration Centre, she leads youth-focused agribusiness incubation and training—work that earned the Centre recognition as the Best African Incubation Centre by AAIN in 2024.
Biebele has also contributed to the IITA Youth in Sustainable Agriculture (YAS) Project and is a certified Project Management Artisan and Farmer Trainer. Passionate about empowering Africa’s next generation of agripreneurs, she combines technical expertise with entrepreneurial insight. At AGRIIP, Biebele serves as a Fellowship Program Member – Innovation & Entrepreneurship, where she supports the design and delivery of innovation bootcamps, venture development, and mentorship for scientists and farmers, helping to transform ideas into scalable solutions for resilient food systems.
Dr. Velma Okaron
Kenya Country Team Member
Dr. Velma Okaron is a plant breeder with expertise in developing disease-resistant groundnut varieties and advancing climate-smart agricultural innovation in sub-Saharan Africa. She holds a PhD in Plant Breeding from Makerere University, Uganda, an MSc in Plant Genetics, and a BSc in Botany from the University of Eldoret, Kenya. Her research has spanned genomic tools for crop improvement and the identification of indigenous rhizobia to enhance nitrogen fixation in phosphorus-deficient soils.
She has served as a junior researcher with ICRISAT and contributed to projects with Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) that improved smallholder farmer livelihoods. A valued alumna of the JR Biotek Foundation, Velma co-founded the JR Biotek–Plant Cell Atlas African PhD Scholars Mentoring Programme, which has supported early-career African scientists. As part of AGRIIP’s Kenya Country Team, Velma brings her plant breeding expertise, farmer engagement experience, and project management skills to strengthen farmer–scientist collaborations and drive innovations that support Africa’s Vision 2030 for sustainable agriculture.
Grace Olwenyo
Program Development & Implementation Co-Lead
Grace Olwenyo is an agricultural scientist and Principal Laboratory Technologist at Kibabii University, Kenya, with strong expertise in plant breeding, biotechnology, and climate-smart agriculture. She has supported farmer-focused initiatives such as the Sweet Potato Improvement Project with KALRO, client-oriented plant breeding programs, and climate-resilient training under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) initiative in Kakamega County.
An alumna of JR Biotek Foundation’s Reach & Teach Science in Africa program, Grace bridges scientific innovation with practical application, from plant tissue culture and crop improvement to community-based agricultural development. She is certified by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as an expert in promoting social and behavioral approaches to addressing antimicrobial resistance in agri-food systems. She also contributes to education and capacity-building as a Certified Technical Examiner with Kenya’s National Examinations Council and a Trainer of Trainers with TVET/CDACC. As AGRIIP’s Program Development & Implementation Co-Lead, Grace plays a key role in designing and coordinating strategies that bring AGRIIP’s 10-year vision to life. She ensures that farmer–scientist partnerships are effectively implemented, inclusive, and impactful—driving sustainable agricultural transformation and resilience across Africa.
Dr. Olamilekan Jolayemi
Program Development & Implementation Lead
Dr. Olamilekan Jolayemi is a crop scientist with over a decade of experience in plant research and development across Africa and Europe. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in plant science from Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria, and a PhD in Plant Breeding from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Alnarp.
His research spans arable and tree crops from temperate and tropical regions, with expertise gained at leading institutions including Africa Rice Centre, SLU, and the University of Surrey. At Africa Rice Centre, he developed elite lowland rice varieties with enhanced tolerance to abiotic stress, while his PhD research explored the use of biostimulants to improve growth and drought tolerance in sugar beet and wheat. He has also worked in indoor vegetable production using hydroponics in Sweden and pioneered aeroponic propagation techniques for tree saplings during his postdoctoral research in the UK. As AGRIIP’s Program Development & Implementation Lead, Dr. Jolayemi drives the design and delivery of innovative agricultural programs, ensuring that scientific research translates into practical solutions that advance climate resilience and sustainable farming systems across Africa.
Chinemerem Akamihe
Support Lead – Program Strategy & Delivery
Chinemerem Akamihe is a crop scientist and recent MPhil graduate in Crop Science from the University of Cambridge, where her research focused on plant stress responses and food security. She previously earned a first-class degree in Biotechnology and has experience in research, teaching, and student leadership. Passionate about mentorship and community engagement, she volunteers with initiatives that encourage young people to pursue ambitious academic and career paths. As AGRIIP’s Support Lead for Program Strategy & Delivery, Chinemerem works alongside Dr. Carol Ibe to ensure effective program design, monitoring, and implementation. She is currently beginning a pre-doctoral fellowship at the Earlham Institute, further strengthening her expertise in plant science and research innovation.
Dr Carol Ibe
Dr. Carol Ibe is the Founder and CEO of JR Biotek Foundation and Strategy Lead of the Agri-Innovation & Impact Project (AGRIIP). A molecular plant scientist, she has dedicated her career to empowering African researchers and farmers with the skills, resources, and partnerships needed to tackle hunger, malnutrition, and poverty.
She earned her PhD in Plant Sciences as a Gates Scholar at the University of Cambridge and completed postdoctoral research at the John Innes Centre, UK. Over the past decade, she has pioneered and led transformative initiatives including the Africa Diaspora Biotech Summit, the UK–Africa Food Security Symposium, the Africa Bio-Innovation Venture Creation & Pitch Challenge, and world-class scientific lab capacity-building programs such as the Plant Molecular Biology Laboratory Training and Reach & Teach Science in Africa. These initiatives have trained thousands of scientists and students across Africa, both virtually and in person. Through AGRIIP, Dr. Ibe is fostering powerful collaborations among scientists, farmers, and community leaders to co-create innovations that build climate-resilient food systems. Her work has received global recognition, with features in Forbes and TEDx Oxford, and prestigious awards including the University of Cambridge’s CSAR Award and the 2019 Bill Gates Sr. Prize, underscoring her impact on science, innovation, and community-led change.
Dr Edinam Dean Eton
Dr. Edinam Dean Eton is a Human Resource Management specialist with expertise in equality, diversity, and inclusion. He combines his academic background in business and HR with over a decade of experience as a creative and performing artist in music and visual arts, bringing both strategic and cultural perspectives to his work. As Head of People and Culture at JR Biotek and AGRIIP’s Department Lead for People, Culture, Communications & Storytelling, Dr. Eton fosters an inclusive, focused, and collaborative environment where scientists, farmers, and volunteers can thrive. His leadership ensures that AGRIIP’s culture, communications, and storytelling reflect both its mission and its vision for a resilient, innovative Africa.
