Image of D.r Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg, the Managing Director for AGRA, she is among the top scientists recognizedAfrican scientists and agricultural innovators have earned strong global recognition after several researchers from across the continent were named among the 2026 Top Agri-food Pioneers, highlighting Africa's growing leadership in developing solutions to global food security, climate resilience and sustainable agriculture.
Announced by the World Food Prize Foundation as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations, the annual list recognises 40 scientists, innovators, policymakers and entrepreneurs from 30 countries whose work is transforming food systems through research, technology and innovation. Honourees will be recognised during the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue in Iowa, United States, later this year.
Among the African honourees is Professor Rajeev Varshney, an African Academy of Sciences (AAS) Fellow whose genomics research has transformed crop breeding programmes across Africa. His work has helped develop climate-resilient, high-yielding legume varieties while making advanced genomic breeding technologies more accessible to national agricultural research programmes across low- and middle-income countries.
The 2026 cohort also features several other distinguished African researchers and innovators whose work spans crop breeding, agricultural technology, irrigation, seed systems and scientific capacity building.
Nigeria's Professor Chiedozie Ngozi Egesi, Executive Director of the National Root Crops Research Institute, was recognised for his pioneering work in cassava breeding and biotechnology. His research has accelerated the development and adoption of improved cassava varieties, including biofortified and disease-resistant cultivars that have strengthened food security and rural livelihoods across Africa.
From Kenya, Dr Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg, Managing Director for Africa at the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), was honoured for her leadership in strengthening Africa's agricultural innovation ecosystem and expanding opportunities for African scientists, particularly women, through research leadership and capacity development.
Maman Abdou of Niger earned recognition for pioneering digital technologies that improve irrigation management and climate-smart agriculture in arid and semi-arid regions. His innovations in smart irrigation and environmental management have supported rural farming communities facing increasing water scarcity.
Jeffrey Appiagyei of Ghana, co-founder of SAYeTECH, was recognised for developing digital agricultural technologies that help farmers improve productivity and access precision agriculture solutions.
Also recognised was Abdoulaye Sawadogo of Burkina Faso, founder of NAFASO SA, whose enterprise has become one of West Africa's leading producers and distributors of improved seed varieties, supplying more than 10,000 tonnes of certified seed annually and reaching over one million smallholder farmers.
Beyond recognising individual achievements, the awards highlight the growing influence of African-led research in shaping resilient food systems. Scientists across the continent are increasingly applying genomics, biotechnology, digital agriculture, artificial intelligence and precision breeding to improve crop productivity, strengthen nutrition and support climate adaptation.
Photo courtesy: Google
Article by Jed Mwangi
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