On Friday 3 May 2024, the Steering Committee (COPIL) of the project entitled ‘Improving the Quality of Pre-basic Varieties and Seeds and of Integrated Soil Fertility Management’ (PAVSGS-2C) convened its very first meeting in MINRESI’s conference room. The meeting was chaired by the Secretary General, Prof. EBELLE ETAME Rebecca Madeleine, representing the Minister, President of the Committee, who was unable to attend. Members of the Committee, as well as invited guests and stakeholders in the cocoa and coffee sector, attended the meeting.
Dr EFOMBAGN MOUSSENI Ives Bruno, National Coordinator of the PAVSGS-2C Project, presented the 2023 (RAP2023) and 2024 (RAP2024) Annual Performance Reports.
According to the report, activities carried out under the PAVSGS-2C Project in 2023 focused mainly on improving the production chain of cocoa and coffee varieties and seeds, as well as the fertility of soils used for cocoa and coffee farming.
This was followed by a wide-ranging exchange of views on how to improve the full implementation of the project in the field over the next few years. Recommendations were also made to ensure that future Committee sessions run smoothly. It is worth recalling that the PAVSGS-2C Project was officially launched in 2023, following the funding agreement signed on 12 April 2023 between the Cocoa and coffee Subsectors Development Fund (FODECC) Management Committee and the Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, which is responsible for implementing the Government’s objectives in promoting the cocoa and coffee sectors.
Cameroon, which is the world’s 4th largest cocoa producer, took part in the 5th International Cocoa Conference. It played a major role in the transfer of the headquarters of the International Cocoa Organisation from London to Abidjan.
A delegation from MINRESI guided IRD’s CEO on a tour of the future Environmental Biogeosciences Centre in the presence of the French Ambassador and AFD Representative in Cameroon.
Following instructions from the Minister, Dr Madeleine TCHUINTE, MINRESI’s delegation led IRD’s CEO, Dr Valérie VERDIER, to take a tour of the future Environmental Biogeosciences Centre (EBC) site on Friday 19 April 2024. They were accompanied by the French Ambassador, H.E Thierry MARCHAND, and AFD’s representative in Cameroon. It is important to note that the French delegation was impressed by the geographical location of the site, which is on the outskirts of Yaounde, next to IRAD and MIPROMALO in the Nkolbisson district. The futuristic building, which shall include laboratories, a conference room, lecture halls and reception facilities for foreign researchers, will emerge as part of an already existing research ecosystem.
According to the French Ambassador and IRD’s CEO, it will take three years to complete the building and equip it. The Biogeosciences Centre construction project is funded by C2D programme. It is therefore one of the projects that highlight the strength and vitality of France’s scientific partnership with Cameroon. Thanks to its strategic sub-regional location, the centre will contribute in making Cameroon a hub for research and innovation in Central Africa.
The Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation, Dr Madeleine TCHUINTE, granted an audience to the CEO of IRD, Valérie VERDIER, during her work visit in Cameroon on Thursday, 18 April 2024. Cooperation between MINRESI and IRD was at the heart of all discussions.
The Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation, Dr Madeleine TCHUINTE, and the CEO of IRD, Valérie VERDIER, had a working session on Thursday, 18 April 2024. During close to an hour, discussions centered on the partnership between both institutions. MINRESI and IRD have a long-standing relationship which is set to continue. Several research institutes under the technical supervision of MINRESI carry out research in collaboration with IRD through its representation in Cameroon, notably IMPM-CREMER, of IRGM and IRAD.
Prior to this working visit, the IRD Representative in Cameroon, Telesphore SIME NGANDO, was granted an audience on Monday, 15 April 2024. On Tuesday, 16 April 2024, the Minister awarded medals to Cameroonian researchers at IRD. This was to reward and honour the work carried out by the IRD Representation in Cameroon, in partnership with the Cameroonian Government through MINRESI. During this ceremony, the Minister did not fail to appreciate the success of this historic partnership with IRD.
AN OVERVIEW OF THE COOPERATION BETWEEN IRD AND CAMEROON IN THE FIELD OF RESEARCH
IRD and Cameroon enjoy excellent relations in the field of scientific research and innovation. This internationally recognised multi-disciplinary organisation will soon celebrate its 80th anniversary and can look back on 75 years of prosperous scientific and technical cooperation in Cameroon. Its results have a visible impact on the population, both in the domain of health and environment.
This audience reflects the excellent cooperation between MINRESI and IRD. The working session between the Minister and IRD’s CEO was followed by a guided tour of the infrastructure and technical facilities of CREMER (Research Centre on Emerging and Re-emerging diseases). CREMER reflects the dynamism and success of the research partnership between the IRD and Cameroon. Thanks to this partnership, this virology reference laboratory carries out genomic surveillance of SARS COV variants and other emerging pathogens through AFROSCREEN programme. As part of the African response to COVID-19, a research-action project called ARIACOV has been jointly conducted by CREMER and IRD. CREMER’s activities cover the entire Central African sub-region.
In addition to CREMER, IRD also collaborates with the Institute of Geological and Mining Research (IRGM) and the Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD).
At IRGM, this collaboration was expressed through:
JeuneEquipe in collaboration with IRD (JEAI-MORPHOCAM): Morphogenesis and pre-Quaternary denudation of the Cameroon Highlands;
LaboratoireMixte International (LMI DYCOFAC): dynamics of continental ecosystems in Central Africa in the context of global change;
Observatoire (M-TROPICS): Observation of continental surfaces and interfaces.
At the Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD), IRD is involved in the following project:
JeuneEquipe in collaboration with l’IRD (JEAI AVOSAN): Varietal improvement to optimise the health of vegetables grown in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon.
LOOKING AHEAD: THE BIOGEOSCIENCES CENTRE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT
One of the most striking examples of cooperation between MINRESI and IRD is undoubtedly the Environmental Biogeosciences Research Centre (CBE) to be built in Yaounde. This high-level research centre will eventually be used to develop research projects, promote networking between researchers in Central Africa and abroad, as well as help train future generations in environmental sciences. This working visit comes just as MINRESI and IRD are finalising the project to build this centre. From 25 to 28 March 2024, a large MINRESI delegation paid a working visit to IRD headquarters in France. The visit enabled the two parties to hold constructive discussions with a view to finalising the project, which is being carried out with C2D funding.
The 11th edition of the Scientific Convocation was held on March 21, 2024 at the campus of the National School of Administration and Magistracy (ENAM). The event was chaired by the Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation, Dr Madeleine TCHUINTE, flanked by the Secretary General, central administration officials and the Directors General of institutes supervised by MINRESI. This year’s theme was “Scientific and Technical Cooperation as a Strategic Tool for Cameroon’s Socio-Economic Development”.
The Scientific Convocation was instituted in 2013 by the Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation (MINRESI), and has now become one of its major events. The idea behind this event is to enhance and celebrate research as a profession. Just as in previous editions, researchers from the 8 MINRESI-supervised institutes turned out in their numbers this year. They were grouped according to their grades as follows: Research Assistants, Research Officers, Senior Research Officers, Chief research officers who participated in the grand parade. This was followed by an official ceremony featuring the inaugural lecture and scientific honours.
Inaugural lecture
The inaugural lecture of this 11th edition was delivered by Dr BEYALA ATEBA Jean Félix, Senior Research Officer at the National Radiation Protection Agency (ANRP), on the theme: “Scientific and Technical Cooperation as a Strategic Tool for Cameroon’s Socio-Economic Development”. He explained that scientific thinking is an open-access resource that can be harnessed to obtain high-value products. Such thoughts are the basis for cooperation, especially scientific and technical cooperation.
Dr BEYALA lauded various results obtained by MINRESI- supervised institutes thanks to the scientific and technical cooperation between Cameroon and several countries and institutions around the world. Lastly, he pointed out the disadvantages of this scientific cooperation, namely: brain drain, risks associated with foreign funded cooperation, and free access to strategic data on national resources.
Scientific honours
This year’s edition featured an eminent researcher who was celebrated and honoured as the Scientific Convocation tradition demands. The honouree was Dr NDI Christopher, Chief Research Officer, born on 27 August 1954 in Bambui, Bamenda. He was recruited as a Research Assistant on 5 September 1985 at the then Zootechnical Research Institute (IRZ) and posted to the WakwaZootechnical Research Centre near Ngaoundéré in the Adamawa Region. He was upgraded to Research Officer in 1993 and to Senior Research Officer in 1997 and eventually became Chief Research Officer in 2006.
His extensive experience on animal research led to his appointment as National Scientific Coordinator for Animal and Fisheries Production at the head office of the Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD), Yaounde from 2006 to 2012.
In his capacity as an international consultant on animal health/animal production since 2011, he has also participated in several capacity-building training workshops sponsored at national and international levels by theFAO, AfDB, the World Bank, the African Union Commission and many other funding agencies. His main research areas of interest have been animal health, animal production and livestock breeding.
He was awarded a scientific role of honour by the Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation in recognition of his significant contribution towards furthering science in general and developing national research in particular.
Furthermore, the Minister paid tribute to two internationally recognised researchers. These included two ladies: Dr FANTA YADAM Sabine and Ms HADIDJATOU DAIROU who received the l’OREAL-UNESCO 2023 International Prize. Both researchers were recognised for their research on the use of medicinal plants in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases.
This event was punctuated by the presence of several special guests of the Minister, flanked by central administrative officials from the Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation. Heads of MINRESI-supervised Institutes and Regional Centres for Research and Innovation (CRRI) also took part in the event.
The IRAD-Bayangam antenna was inaugurated on 15 March 2024 by the Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation, Dr Madeleine TCHUINTE. Female farmers were given gifts of agricultural equipment during the event.
On 15 March 2024, the Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation, Dr Madeleine TCHUINTE, inaugurated the Bayangam antenna of the Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD). Important administrative and political figures from the Koung-Khi Division as well as the Governor of the West Region attended the ceremony. Traditional chiefs attended the ceremony and gave their blessings, reflecting the importance of this new antenna to the local population, who turned out in large numbers.
IRAD Bayangam: Cameroon’s Irish potato bed of roses
The IRAD Bayangam Antenna, specialised in Irish potato production, provides great opportunities, not just for employment, but also for supplying the sub-region with this highly sought-after crop in the agri-food industry. Speaking at the event, Dr Madeleine TCHUINTE thanked the Head of State, His Excellency Paul BIYA, for having made this project possible.
The decision to carry out the potato project in Bayangam was based on scientific parameters which were outlined by the IITA Resident Representative in Cameroon and the Director General of IRAD in their respective speeches. The high altitude required to grow quality Irish potatoes is one of the reasons for this choice. The IRAD Bayangam antenna, which is affiliated to the IRAD-Bagangte station, is the result of a drive towards specialisation based on the environmental characteristics of Cameroon’s agro-ecological zones. Prior to its inauguration, IRAD organised a training session for trainers.
Award of certificates and gifts to female farmers
As part of activities to inaugurate the IRAD-Bayangam antenna, 250 women and some thirty associations were awarded certificates and donated seeds as well as farming tools. These were women who had taken part in a training course conducted by IRAD researchers on 6 March 2024 in Bandjoun.
The training focused on the production and processing chain for various crops, including tomatoes, Irish potatoes and maize. Emphasis was placed on preservation techniques for products derived from these crops.
This donation was Dr Madeleine TCHUINTE’s way of supporting women’s associations in their farming activities. These tools were provided to complement the training they had undergone. The tools, it is hoped, will build their capacity and increase production. Moreover, a special gift from the First Lady, Madame Chantal BIYA, was handed over to the peasant community through the D.O. of Koung-Khi.
On Tuesday 5 March 2024, women from the Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation presented gifts to the grey-haired inmates of the Béthanie VIACAM retirement home.
In preparation for the 39th celebration of the International Women’s Day, MINRESI women carried out social activities under the supervision of theMinister, Dr. Madeleine TCHUINTE. In this connection, they handed gifts to the BETHANIE VIACAM retirement home in the Yaounde- Nkolmesseng neighbourhood on Tuesday 5 March.
The Béthanie VIACAM Centre (for disabled and abandoned grey-haired people in Cameroon) was founded in 1981 by Sister Gertrude Julienne AVOUZOA, sensitive to the difficulties faced by the elderly. It is one of the few institutions that takes care of the elderly in Cameroon. Since the death of its founder in 2016, the Béthanie VIACAM centre has relied exclusively on donations from do-gooders.
The MINRESI delegation, led by the Secretary General, Prof EBELLE ETAME Rebecca, was welcomed at the centre by its residents, their two housekeepers and Abbé MBALLA EFFA, representative of the centre’s Director. They were hosted in the centre’s tiny chapel.
The prelate’s sermon focused on one of the three pillars of the lent season, namely “sharing”. He saluted the visit of the women from MINRESI, which is a perfect example of sharing according to the Gospel. Speaking on behalf of the lucky beneficiaries, he thanked the Minister and all the women who had made the trip. Apart from the gifts in kind, they had shown love and provided warmth, which the residents lack most.
In her turn, the Secretary General of MINRESI recalled that the Minister, Dr Madeleine TCHUINTE, is very sensitive to human suffering in general and to that of the elderly in particular. She pointed out that old age is a blessing and warmly comforted the inmates. Having handed the gifts, the “Amazons of MINRESI ” had a warm chat with all the fourteen inmates of the centre. Their spokeswoman, fondly called “Princess”, thanked the Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation in particular for her special gifts. She also expressed her gratitude to all MINRESI women, appealing to them that they must not compete with men, but rather they must courageously support and tirelessly work in developing their families and our country.
The two-hour visit ended in jubilation, amid singing and dancing. Memorable photo shots were captured and archived in the “Amazons of MINRESI “collection, bearing witness to the imperative need to “invest in women”.
