icipe Governing Council Awards 2024
During its Annual General Meeting held on 13th November 2024, the icipe Governing Council, which consists of globally renowned scientists, honoured seven outstanding postgraduate scholars, currently undertaking their research at the Centre.
Best published science paper by an icipe scholar
Evalyne Wambui Ndotono (PhD, Kenya)
icipe mentors: Dr Fathiya Khamis and Dr Chrysantus Tanga
Paper: Ndotono, E. W., Tanga, C. M., Kelemu, S., & Khamis, F. M. (2024). Mitogenomic profiling and gut microbial analysis of the newly identified polystyrene-consuming lesser mealworm in Kenya. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 21370. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-72201-9 IF 3.8
Contribution to science: This paper stands out in its innovative approach to addressing two significant global challenges: plastic pollution and the need for sustainable protein sources. The research is among the first to explore the plastic-degrading potential of insect species native to Africa. By utilizing state-of-the-art mitogenomic sequencing and microbial community analysis, the study goes beyond traditional waste management methods, highlighting the potential of biological organisms in environmental bioremediation. The complete mitogenomic sequence of the lesser mealworm adds a new genetic resource to the scientific community, enhancing the understanding of insect’s biodiversity and evolution, particularly within the Tenebrionidae family. The identification of specific gut bacteria, such as Kluyvera, Klebsiella, and Lactococcus, associated with polystyrene degradation, offers valuable insights into microbial processes that could be harnessed for bioremediation. These discoveries pave the way for further research into the metabolic pathways and enzymes involved in plastic degradation, which could lead to the development of new biotechnological applications for managing plastic waste. Additionally, the study’s exploration of the insect’s potential to convert waste into high-value protein aligns with the growing interest in sustainable and alternative protein sources, contributing to food security and sustainable agriculture practices. The dual focus on the insect’s waste degradation abilities and its use in producing protein-rich biomass for animal feeds presents a novel intersection of environmental science and sustainable agriculture, offering a holistic solution to these pressing issues.
Funding: This research received financial support from the Canadian International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) (INSFEED—Phase 2: Cultivate Grant No: 108866-001), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (INV-032416), the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation, the Section for Research Innovation, and Higher Education grant number RAF-3058 KEN-18/0005 (CAP-Africa), the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research, WOTRO Science for Global Development (NWO-WOTRO) (ILIPA—W 08.250.202), the Rockefeller Foundation (SIPFEED—Grant No: 2018 FOD 009) and the Curt Bergfors Foundation Food Planet Prize Award. In addition, the authors gratefully acknowledge icipe's core funding provided by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida); the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC); the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR); the Government of Norway; the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ); and the Government of the Republic of Kenya. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the donors.
University: The scholar is registered at the University of Pretoria, South Africa.
Emmanuel Onyekwelu Anedo (PhD, Nigeria)
icipe mentors: Dr. Chrysantus M. Tanga, Dr. Dennis Beesigamukama, Dr. Solveig Haukeland and Dr. Xavier Cheseto
Paper: Anedo, E. O., Beesigamukama, D., Mochoge, B., Korir, N. K., Haukeland, S., Cheseto, X., Subramanian, S., Kelemu, S., & Tanga, C. M. (2024). Evolving dynamics of insect frass fertilizer for sustainable nematode management and potato production. Frontiers in Plant Science, 15, 1343038. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2024.1343038 IF 4.1
Contribution to science: Our study contributes significantly to the fields of sustainable agriculture and integrated pest management. The utilization of the products of BSF mass rearing such as frass fertilizer and the chitin-rich exuviae promotes circular economy principles by turning waste into valuable agricultural inputs for supporting crop production. The study showed significant reduction in potato cyst nematode populations (9 – 98%), and reproduction rate (31–98%). We noted that the nematode suppression increased with an increase in chitin inclusion rate with best results obtained at 5% chitin amendment, indicating that higher doses are required in highly infested soils. On the other hand, application of chitin-fortified BSFFF boosted potato tuber yield by 69 – 362% compared to the values achieved using unfertilized soil. The application of chitin-fortified BSF frass fertilizer also caused significant improvements in key soil chemical properties such as pH, nutrients (mineral nitrogen, available phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, potassium), and cation exchange capacity. Our study also showed that application of BSFFF fortified with 5% chitin is effective for enhancing soil fertility, potato yield and nematode suppression. The body of knowledge generated provides evidence for use of chitin-fortified BSFFF as a regenerative organic soil amendment for improved potato production and act as a bench mark for future research efforts aimed at advancing the use of insect frass fertilizer and insect chitin in transforming agri-food systems.
Funding: The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support for this research by the following organizations and agencies: Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) (ProteinAfrica –Grant No: LS/2020/154), Novo Nordisk Foundation (RefIPro: NNF22SA0078466), the Rockefeller Foundation (WAVE-IN—Grant No: 2021 FOD 030); Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (INV-032416); IKEA Foundation (G-2204-02144), European Commission (HORIZON 101060762 NESTLER and HORIZON 101136739 INNOECOFOOD), Postkode Lottery, Sweden (Waste for Cash Eco Project (WACEP-PJ1651), and the Curt Bergfors Foundation Food Planet Prize Award. In addition, the authors gratefully acknowledge icipe's core funding provided by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida); the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC); the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR); the Government of Norway; the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ); and the Government of the Republic of Kenya. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the donors.
University: The scholar is registered at Kenyatta University, Kenya.
Bashiru Adams (PhD, Ghana)
icipe mentors: Dr. Fathiya Khamis and Prof. Baldwyn Torto
Paper: Adams, B., Khamis, F. M., Yusuf, A. A., & Torto, B. (2024). Zoophytophagous predator sex pheromone and visual cues of opposing reflectance spectra lure predator and invasive prey. Journal of Advanced Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jare.2024.05.005 IF 11.4
Contribution to science: In our publication, we developed and demonstrated a bio-based management strategy for both the zoophytophagous predator Nesidiocoris tenuis and the invasive pest Phthorimaea. absoluta in tomato fields based on combining predator sensory cues and specific visual cues.
The study has shown that the female-produced sex pheromone of the Kenyan population of the zoophytophagous mirid predator N. tenuis is a blend of an alcohol (1-octanol) and an ester (hexyl hexanoate) in 4:1 ratio, respectively. Interestingly, electrophysiological studies revealed that both pheromone components are detected by adults of N. tenuis and its prey P. absoluta. Field validation of the pheromone through trap catches demonstrated that both predator and prey were lured into pheromone-baited traps of distinct wavelengths which are linked to their fundamental biology. Importantly, the discovery of a trapping system for P. absoluta females, which were lured distinctly into pheromone-baited red trap whose reflectance spectrum mimicked that of one of its feeding substrates, ripe tomato fruits (long wavelength). In contrast, N. tenuis males were lured into baited white trap (short wavelength) mimicking daylight when it is most actively searching for prey. In summary, we have shown that predator cues can be combined with different visual cues to suppress pest populations and conspecifics when they become a pest in the absence of prey. This lays the foundation for the potential use of N. tenuis sex pheromones combined with a visual cue (red-colored traps) for the sustainable management of the invasive tomato leafminer, P. absoluta.
Funding: The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support for this research by; the African Union (Contract number AURG-II-2-123-2018); and by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)-In-Region Postgraduate Scholarship through the African Regional Postgraduate Programme in Insect Science (ARPPIS). In addition, the authors gratefully acknowledge icipe's core funding provided by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida); the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC); the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR); the Government of Norway; the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ); and the Government of the Republic of Kenya. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the donors.
University: The scholar graduated from the University of Pretoria, South Africa.
Best science poster by an icipe scholar
Raphael Mongare (MSc, Kenya)
icipe mentor: Dr. Elfatih M. Abdel-Rahman and Daniel Masiga
Poster Title: Modelling potential habitats for tsetse fly in Kenya: a key vector of African animal trypanosomosis.
Contribution to science: Tsetse fly (Glossina spp.) cyclically transmits African animal trypanosomosis (AAT) and human African trypanosomosis (HAT) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The AAT is of economic importance with detrimental impacts on the agro-pastoral systems. The disease causes a reduction in meat and milk production, anemia, and livestock deaths that challenge the livelihoods of over 300 million small-scale livestock keepers in the SSA region. In Kenya, these negative impacts result in annual economic loss of over 200 million US$. Our research aimed to update the existing knowledge of tsetse fly distribution in Kenya. This study entailed the application of advanced machine-learning modelling techniques to predict tsetse suitable habitats at a relatively finer spatial resolution (1 x 1 km). We integrated this high-level modeling approach with recent in-situ tsetse fly occurrence data and satellite-based ecological predictors. The model outputs (maps) demonstrated an updated spatial distribution of tsetse fly at varying suitability levels, pinpointing risk areas for targeted site-specific interventions. Outputs from this research work are currently adapted by the national systems to inform country-wide surveillance operations. Furthermore, this work could inform and support evidence-based, site-specific, and targeted tsetse fly control campaigns.
Funding: The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support for this research by the following organizations and agencies: the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement number 101000467, acronym “COMBAT” (Controlling and Progressively Minimizing the Burden of Animal Trypanosomosis); the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida); the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC); the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR); the Government of Norway; the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ); and the Government of the Republic of Kenya. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the donors.
University: The scholar is registered at the School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa.
Sylvia Syombua Mwanza (MSc, Kenya)
icipe mentors: Dr. Cynthia Mudalungu and Dr. Chrysantus Tanga
Poster Title: Trash to Treasure: Nutraceutical, Microbial Composition and Therapeutic Properties of scarabaeoid beetle larvae.
Contribution to science: The study significantly contributes to science by addressing critical issues in food security, waste management and antibiotic resistance through an integrated and eco-friendly approach. It demonstrates that Cetonia aurata and Oryctes rhinoceros larvae are excellent sources of both macronutrients providing 43% and 64% protein content, respectively, and key micronutrients, particularly calcium (20.42–22.65 mg/g) and zinc (0.28–0.3 mg/g). This suggests that Scarabaeoid beetle larvae are nutrient-rich and contain entomochemicals, qualifying them as promising candidates for formulation of food and feed products. Additionally, the study highlights the microbiota functions within beetle larvae, particularly their roles in cellulose and nitrogen degradation, offering a theoretical basis for developing waste management strategies. These larvae present an eco-benign alternative for processing organic waste and reducing the strain on conventional waste management systems. By addressing the growing waste management crisis, this approach supports cleaner, more sustainable urban and rural environments. In the fight against antibiotic resistance, this study isolated two naphtho-γ-pyrones with antibacterial properties from Aspergillus welwitschiae, a gut fungus of the beetle larvae. Given the increasing threat of antibiotic resistance to global health, this nature-based discovery approach expands the pool of potential antibiotic sources and promotes sustainable, biologically derived solutions to urgent medical challenges. These compounds show promise as lead scaffolds for developing treatments against multi-drug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, positioning them as valuable assets for pharmaceutical innovation. The findings align with the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, emphasizing good health and well-being, by advancing efforts to combat antibiotic resistance.
Funding: The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support for this research by the following organizations and agencies: the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) (ProteinAfrica –Grant No: LS/2020/154), Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research, WOTRO Science for Global Development (NWO-WOTRO) (ILIPA—W 08.250.202), IKEA Foundation (G-2204-02144), Global Affairs Canada (BRAINS project: P011585), European Commission (HORIZON 101060762 NESTLER and HORIZON 101136739 INNOECOFOOD), Postkode Lottery, Sweden (Waste for Cash Eco Project (WACEP-PJ1651), Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Project (KCSAP) (Grant No. GA02-4/1); The French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs (BIO Kenya project- FEF N°2024-53), the Government of Norway (Grant No: SAF-21/0004); Novo Nordisk Foundation (RefIPro: NNF22SA0078466), the Rockefeller Foundation (WAVE-IN—Grant No: 2021 FOD 030); Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (INV-032416); the Curt Bergfors Foundation Food Planet Prize Award; the Government of Norway, the Section for research, innovation, and higher education grant number RAF–3058 KEN–18/0005 (CAP–Africa); the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida); the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC); the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR); the Government of Norway; the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ); and the Government of the Republic of Kenya. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the donors.
University: The scholar is registered at the University of Embu, Kenya.
Linus Kiriungi Wamai (MSc, Kenya)
Icipe mentor: Dr. Chrysantus Mbi.Tanga
Poster Title: Poultry feed enrichment with black soldier fly( Hermetia illucens) larvae protein enhances egg production, quality and economic parameters of layer chicken production.
Contribution to science: Rising feed cost challenges due to expensive conventional protein sources continue to make headlines in Africa, causing drops in profit margins. Insects are considered excellent sources of nutrients for poultry due to their high protein content, well-balanced amino acid profile, and energy (fat/oil) levels. Their short life cycle allows rapid breeding and adaptation to different ecological conditions. The low cost of breeding insects, their efficient feed conversion, and their high nutritional quality make them suitable for large-scale production for use as a readily available and accessible source of protein in poultry feeds. Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.,BSFLM) larvae have been shown to be very nutritious with 40~56% crude protein, 25~40% fat level, and a good balance of amino acids (especially lysine and methionine) and minerals.Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of different inclusion levels of BSFLM as a substitute for soybean meal and sunflower seed cake on laying hens’ (ISA Brown) diets on laying performance, feed use efficiency, and cost effectiveness under commercial on-farm conditions. Our findings revealed that when layer hens were fed BSFLM-based diets, their feed intake decreased by 8–14%, resulting in a feed cost savings of 10.64% (2 US$). Feeding BSFLM-based diets to layer hens increased egg laying by 20%, leading to greater profit margins of 67~104% and a return on investment of 33.36%. Egg protein content increased by 16–24% in layers fed BSFLM-based diets. Our studies showed that diets containing 75% BSFLM lowered feeding costs, increased egg output, and enhanced economic returns in commercial on-farm poultry production systems. The utilisation of BSFLM to replace plant-based proteins in laying hen diets significantly influenced poultry farmer operations and profitability. Thus, BSFLM contains favourable nutrients and low production costs and is environmentally friendly compared to plant-based proteins with commonly reported inappropriate amino acid profiles, anti-nutritional factors, and frequent mycotoxin contamination. BSFLM represents a promising alternative source of protein that could be sustainably used to promote climate-smart sustainable layer chicken production.
Funding: The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support for this research by the following organizations and agencies: Horizon Europe (NESTLER—Project: 101060762—HORIZON-CL6-2021-FARM2FORK-01), Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) (ProteinAfrica—Grant No: LS/2020/154), IKEA Foundation (G-2204-02144), Novo Nordisk Foundation (RefIPro: NNF22SA0078466), the Rockefeller Foundation (WAVE-IN—Grant No: 2021 FOD 030), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (INV-032416), the Curt Bergfors Foundation Food Planet Prize Award, and the Government of Norway, the Section for research, innovation, and higher education grant number RAF-3058 KEN-18/0005 (CAP–Africa); the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida); the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC); the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR); the Government of Norway; the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ); and the Government of the Republic of Kenya. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the donors.
University: The scholar is registered at Kenyatta University, Kenya.
Emmanuel Onyekwelu Anedo (PhD, Nigeria)
icipe Mentors: Dr. Chrysantus M. Tanga, Dr. Dennis Beesigamukama, Dr. Solveig Haukeland and Dr. Xavier Cheseto
Poster title: Insect frass fertilizer technology for sustainable management of potato cyst nematodes in Kenya
Contribution to science: This study contributes significantly to the fields of sustainable agriculture and integrated pest management. The utilization of the products of BSF mass rearing such as frass fertilizer and the chitin-rich exuviae promotes circular economy principles by turning waste into valuable agricultural inputs for supporting crop production. This study showed that application of BSFFF+5% chitin produced 9 – 28% higher tubers per plant compared to other treatments and 26% higher tuber yield compared to NPK+nematicide treatment. Soil amendment with BSFFF+5% chitin had 5–35% higher reduction in the number of cysts per 200 g soil-1 compared to NPK+nematicide and SAFI treatments. The same treatment reduced the PCN reproduction rate by 20% and 75% compared to NPK + nematicide and SAFI, respectively. Both BSFFF and NPK+nematicide treatments achieved comparable suppression of number of eggs and infective juveniles (J2) per cyst-1 and eggs g-1 soil. However, BSFFF+5% chitin reduced the number of eggs and J2 per cyst-1 and eggs g-1 soil by 55–92% compared to SAFI. Our findings demonstrate that chitin-fortified BSFFF can significantly contribute to potato cyst nematode suppression and boost potato yields in open field smallholder farming systems, thus, making it a promising and sustainable alternative to commercial fertilizers and nematicides. The adoption of this regenerative and multipurpose fertilizer will reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers and nematicides which are costly, and harmful to the environment and human health. This study will pave way for further exploration into bio-based soil amendments, their mechanisms of action, and their applicability across various crops and regions.
Funding: The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support for this research by the following organizations and agencies: Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) (ProteinAfrica –Grant No: LS/2020/154), Novo Nordisk Foundation (RefIPro: NNF22SA0078466), the Rockefeller Foundation (WAVE-IN—Grant No: 2021 FOD 030); Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (INV-032416); IKEA Foundation (G-2204-02144), European Commission (HORIZON 101060762 NESTLER and HORIZON 101136739 INNOECOFOOD), Postkode Lottery, Sweden (Waste for Cash Eco Project (WACEP-PJ1651), the Curt Bergfors Foundation Food Planet Prize Award; the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida); the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC); the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR); the Government of Norway; the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ); and the Government of the Republic of Kenya. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the donors.
University: The scholar is registered at Kenyatta University, Kenya.
Franck Bruno Noumbo Tonle (PhD, Cameroon)
icipe Mentors: Dr. Takemore Chagomoka and Dr. Elfatih Abdel-Rahman
Poster title: A novel integrated computational approach and a decision support system for agroecological similarity.
Contribution to science: The poster presents a novel integrated computational approach for assessing agroecological similarity, designed to address challenges posed by large datasets, temporal variability, and diverse environmental conditions. Leveraging Fourier transform techniques, the Agroecology Fourier-based Similarity Assessment (AFSA) provides precise evaluations across regions without relying on fixed thresholds, thus reducing biases often introduced by expert-defined criteria. With parallel processing capabilities, AFSA efficiently handles complex, multivariate data across large spatial scales, making it invaluable to agricultural scientists, ecologists, and policymakers. Integrated within a user-friendly decision support system (DSS) called webafsa, AFSA is accessible to users regardless of technical expertise, offering actionable insights for crop suitability, land use planning, and sustainable resource allocation. The adaptability of AFSA across varied climates and crop types positions it as a significant advancement in promoting sustainable agricultural practices, contributing a versatile and scalable solution to the global need for data-driven decision-making in agriculture.
Funding: The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support for this research by the following organizations and agencies: the USAID/OFDA through the project titled “Reinforcing and Expanding the Community-Based Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) Monitoring, Forecasting for Early Warning and Timely Management to Protect Food Security and Improve Livelihoods of Vulnerable Communities-CBFAMFEW II” grant Number “720FDA20IO00133”. Additional funding was obtained from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), commissioned and administered through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Fund for International Agricultural Research (FIA), Germany, grant number 18.7860.2–001.00; the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida); the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC); the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR); the Government of Norway; the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ); and the Government of the Republic of Kenya. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the donors.
University: The scholar is registered at the University of Dschang, Cameroon.