Dr. Omonlola Nadine Worou is a prominent agronomist and environmental scientist currently serving as the Senegal Scientific Coordinator for the Accelerating the Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research in Africa (AICCRA) at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Dakar, Senegal. Her work primarily focuses on climate change adaptation, sustainable agriculture, and natural resource management.
Academic Background:
Ph.D. in Agronomy (2012) – University of Bonn, Germany 🇩🇪 Master’s in Plant and Animal Resource Management in Tropical Areas (2006) – University of Liège, Belgium 🇧🇪 Environmental Management Engineering Degree (2002) – University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin 🇧🇯 Sociology First Year Degree (1999) – University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin 🇧🇯
Career Highlights:
ILRI (2022-Present): Leading the AICCRA-Senegal project, focusing on action research, partnerships, and project outcome delivery 🌿🤝 ICRISAT (2018-2022): Senior Program Manager, overseeing resilience, food, and nutrition security projects in Mali 🌾🍲 WASCAL (2012-2018): Roles included Research Station Coordinator, Agronomist, and Manager of Contract, Research, and Development 🌱🔬
Skills and Expertise:
Modeling Expertise: Proficient in crop models like SARRA-H, EPIC, APSIM, and DSSAT 📈 Project Management: Experienced with MS Project Package for efficient project execution 📋 Statistical Analysis: Skilled in R and SPSS for data analysis 📊] Languages: Fluent in English, French, Ewe, and Yoruba; basic German proficiency 🌐🗣️ Leadership: Proven leadership in managing staff, supervising students, and mentoring young researchers 👩🏫🌟
Awards and Recognitions:
- Best Mentor (ICRISAT, 2021) 🏆
- First Principal Investigator (ICRISAT, 2020) 🥇
- New Donor Award (ICRISAT, 2020 and 2022) 💡
- Best Project Developed (SMHI, 2017) 🌟
Research Focus: Crop Modelling
Dr. Omonlola Nadine Worou’s research in crop modelling primarily addresses the challenges posed by climate change to agricultural productivity, particularly in the semi-arid and arid regions of West Africa. Her work involves the use of advanced crop modelling tools to predict the growth and yield of various crops under different climatic scenarios, with a strong emphasis on resilience, sustainability, and food security.
1. Maize Response to Temporary Floods Under Ambient On-Farm Conditions of the West African Sahel
- Authors: Daku, E.K., Salack, S., Worou, O.N., Ogunjobi, K.
- Journal: Environmental Research Communications, 2022
- Summary: This study investigates the response of maize to temporary flooding under real-world farm conditions in the West African Sahel. The findings are crucial for developing adaptive farming strategies in regions prone to erratic rainfall and flooding.
2. Impact of Crop Diversification on Household Food and Nutrition Security in Southern and Central Mali
- Authors: Douyon, A., Worou, O.N., Diama, A., Nebie, B., Tabo, R.
- Journal: Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 2022
- Summary: This research assesses how diversifying crops can improve food and nutrition security at the household level in Mali. It emphasizes the role of crop diversification in enhancing resilience against climate variability.
3. How the Smart Food Concept Can Lead to the Transformation of Food Systems and Combat Malnutrition: Different Approaches in Africa, Globally, and a Case Study from Myanmar
- Authors: Diama, A., Anitha, S., Kane-Potaka, J., Worou, O.N., Tabo, R.
- Journal: World Review of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2020
- Summary: The paper explores the Smart Food concept as a strategy to transform food systems and address malnutrition. It includes a case study from Myanmar, providing lessons applicable to African contexts.
4. Conventional Versus Agro-Ecological Intensification: Assessing the Effect of Conservation Agriculture in Maize Cropping Systems with the DSSAT Model in Côte d’Ivoire (West Africa)
- Authors: Worou, O.N., Tondoh, J.E., Koné, A.W., Guéi, A.M., Edoukou, F.E.
- Journal: Regional Environmental Change, 2019
- Summary: This study compares traditional agricultural practices with conservation agriculture using the DSSAT model, highlighting the benefits of agro-ecological intensification for maize production in Côte d’Ivoire.
5. Intensifying Maize Production Under Climate Change Scenarios in Central West Burkina Faso
- Authors: Worou, O.N., Tondoh, J.E., Sanou, J., Ky-Dembele, C., Kalinganiré, A.
- Publication: Handbook of Climate Change Resilience, 2019
- Summary: The book chapter discusses strategies for increasing maize production in Burkina Faso under different climate change scenarios, using crop modelling to identify effective interventions.
6. Global Warming Induced Hybrid Rainy Seasons in the Sahel
- Authors: Salack, S., Klein, C., Giannini, A., Worou, O.N., Bliefernicht, J., Kunstman, H.
- Journal: Environmental Research Letters, 2016
- Summary: This article examines how global warming is altering the rainy seasons in the Sahel, affecting agricultural practices and crop yields.
7. Spatial and Temporal Variation in Yield of Rainfed Lowland Rice in Inland Valley as Affected by Fertilizer Application and Bunding in North-West Benin
- Authors: Worou, O.N., Gaiser, T., Saito, K., Goldbach, H., Ewert, F.
- Journal: Agricultural Water Management, 2013
- Summary: The research analyzes how different agricultural practices, such as fertilizer application and bunding, impact the yield of rainfed lowland rice in Benin, providing insights into effective water management strategies.