Dr. Elliott Dossou-Yovo Wins the 2024 Japan International Award

Dr. Dossou-Yovo during the award ceremony. (Credit: AfricaRice)

November 22, 2024 - Dr. Elliott Dossou-Yovo has been recognized as one of the three Winners of the prestigious 2024 Japan International Award for Young Agricultural Researchers. This honor underscores his outstanding contributions to advancing sustainable rice production in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

The award ceremony took place at the United Nations University in Tokyo where Dr. Dossou-Yovo delivered an insightful lecture on “Water Management Innovations to Enhance Smallholder Farmers’ Resilience to Climate Change in Rice-Based Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa.”

Recognizing Transformative Research

The Japan Award selection committee highlighted Dr. Dossou-Yovo’s groundbreaking work addressing water-related stresses exacerbated by climate change, which significantly impact crop yields and food security in SSA. His team’s innovative approaches to water management have impacted rice farming practices across the region:

• Iron Toxicity and Water Use Efficiency: Research in Côte d'Ivoire demonstrated that mid-season drainage reduced iron toxicity by 43%, decreased water use by 11%, and improved water productivity by 18%. Fields with high soil organic carbon and optimal fertilizer timing yielded better results than continuously flooded fields.

• Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD): In irrigated lowlands of Côte d'Ivoire and Mali, AWD reduced water use by 23% without compromising yields. Success depended on factors like soil pH, fertilizer management, and rice variety.

• Expanding AWD Adoption: Using machine learning and soil water balance, the team identified suitable areas in Burkina Faso where AWD could increase rice cultivation while minimizing water use.

• Smart-Valleys Approach: Adapted to local conditions, this water control method doubled rice yields and increased yield stability by 65%. Benefiting over 50,000 farmers across 10 African countries, it has significantly improved farmer resilience and incomes.

• Sustainable Intensification: Innovations like drought mapping and practices such as no-tillage and mulching have enhanced soil carbon and promoted sustainable intensification, contributing to rice self-sufficiency and climate resilience.

Dr. Dossou-Yovo’s research has set a benchmark in sustainable agricultural innovation. With over 40 publications in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals, his work has profoundly influenced policies and practices, benefiting farmers across SSA.

This achievement reflects the commitment of Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) to fostering scientific excellence and innovation to address the challenges of food security and environmental sustainability in Africa.