Ho, Ghana (January 2026) — Dr. Jerry Asalma Nboyine, a Core Team member of the Alliance for Cowpea Improvement in Africa (ACIA) and Principal Research Scientist at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research–Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI), has been named Ghana’s Best Agricultural Researcher of 2025 at the country’s 41st National Farmers’ Day celebration, held in Ho.
The national honor, awarded by Ghana’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), recognizes Dr. Nboyine’s leadership in advancing farmer-focused agricultural research, including his pivotal role in the development and release of Ghana’s first genetically modified pod borer-resistant cowpea variety. The award was presented in recognition of scientific breakthroughs that have helped farmers reduce pesticide use, increase yields, and strengthen food security in northern Ghana and beyond.
“I am deeply honored by this national recognition, which reflects the collective effort of dedicated scientists, extension officers and farmers who believe in the power of research to transform agriculture,” said Dr. Nboyine. “This award strengthens our resolve to continue developing innovative and sustainable solutions that enhance productivity, reduce production constraints and improve the livelihoods of farming communities across Ghana.”
Dr. Nboyine is a Principal Research Scientist and Entomologist at CSIR-SARI in Nyankpala, Ghana, with nearly a decade and half of experience in pest ecology, integrated pest management, and climate-resilient agricultural systems.
Beyond cowpea, Dr. Nboyine’s work has contributed to the release of multiple crop varieties, including sorghum, sweet potato, and groundnut, and to the promotion of environmentally friendly pest management strategies such as habitat manipulation and biological control. He also leads farmer field schools and works closely with extension agents to ensure that new technologies reach farming communities that need them most.
As a Core Team member of ACIA, Dr. Nboyine exemplifies the alliance’s commitment to Africa-led, science-based solutions that improve productivity, reduce reliance on chemical inputs, and build resilience against climate and pest pressures. Cowpea is a protein-rich staple for millions across sub-Saharan Africa, yet pests such as the legume pod borer can destroy up to 80–90 percent of harvests under severe infestation. His recognition underscores the impact of coordinated research and regional collaboration in delivering innovations that directly support smallholder farmers and national food security goals.
About the Alliance for Cowpea Improvement in Africa (ACIA)
The Alliance for Cowpea Improvement in Africa (ACIA) is an Africa-focused agricultural research partnership embracing the opportunities and addressing the challenges of cowpea production and consumption. More information is available at Alliance for Cowpea.
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