Cameroon crew promotes research and innovation

Thousands learn about progress in African agriculture during a lively and informative fair.

The 5th edition of the “Days of Excellence in Scientific Research and Innovation” (Journées d’excellence de la recherche scientifique et de l’innovation, JERSIC 2015) took place from 10-12 November 2015 in Yaoundé, Cameroon under the auspices of the Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation (MINRESI) with the theme “Research for Development: Focus on Innovations.” The three-day exhibition attracted hundreds of researchers, innovators, and institutions, including the World Vegetable Center (AVRDC) Cameroon. Jean Claude Bidogeza, Liaison Officer for Cameroon, chatted with the Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation Magdaléne Tchuenté when her entourage visited the Center’s stand during the opening ceremony.

Items on display at the stand included seedlings from the Center’s improved lines of tomato (ngoro), okra (bitétam), jute mallow (aziga), nightshade (zom), eggplant (zong), amaranth (folong), and pepper. Visitors asked questions about cultivation practices and the process for obtaining improved seed, and picked up brochures and other informational materials to help them improve their farming outputs. Posters on the okra breeding program in Cameroon, the production of okra under humid tropic conditions in Cameroon, the technical and scale efficiency of vegetable farms within a humid forest base system in Southwest Cameroon, and maintaining the nutritional properties of traditional African vegetables sparked many fruitful discussions among the AVRDC team and visitors.

Members of the AVRDC Team enjoyed discussing the Center's activities with curious visitors.

Members of the AVRDC Team enjoyed discussing the Center’s activities with curious visitors.

Dr. Magdaléne Tchuenté, Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation, visited the AVRDC stand, where she met AVRDC staff Geraldine Njumbe and Jean-Claude Bidogeza, Country Liaison Officer. Tsimi Evouna, Mayor of Yaoundé from the Urban Yaoundé Council (back to camera) also took a look at the booth.

Dr. Magdaléne Tchuenté, Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation, visited the AVRDC stand, where she met AVRDC staff Geraldine Njumbe and Jean-Claude Bidogeza, Country Liaison Officer. Tsimi Evouna, Mayor of Yaoundé from the Urban Yaoundé Council (back to camera) also took a look at the booth.

Story and photos: Jean-Claude Bidogeza, Emerencia Mbounda, and Geraldine Njumbe

Many people stopped at the AVRDC stand to ask questions and view posters.

Many people stopped at the AVRDC stand to ask questions and view posters.

Colorful tents and flags beckoned fair visitors.

Colorful tents and flags beckoned fair visitors.