Sali Atanga Ndindeng | Food Quality | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sali Atanga Ndindeng | Food Quality | Best Researcher Award

Africa Rice Center | Ivory Coast

Dr. Sali Atanga Ndindeng is a distinguished Grain Quality and Post-Harvest Scientist and Program Leader of the Rice Sector Development Program at the Africa Rice Center, where he also serves as Principal Scientist in Grain Quality and Post-Harvest Technology, Co-Lead for Scaling for Impact, and Interim One CGIAR Country Convenor for Côte d’Ivoire. With a PhD in Agriculture from Hokkaido University, Japan, and extensive experience in biochemistry and agricultural sciences, he has dedicated his career to developing, testing, and scaling innovations in rice post-harvest management and grain quality enhancement. He collaborates closely with breeders under the Global One Rice Program, National Agricultural Research Institutes across Africa, and development partners to advance varietal screening, parboiling technologies, fortified rice products, and low glycemic rice-based foods. He has successfully established multi-stakeholder rice platforms in numerous African countries and led the creation of Healthy Diets Living Laboratories to promote nutritious food systems. His work encompasses designing climate-smart rice value chains, coordinating major donor-funded projects, and fostering public-private partnerships to strengthen research, policy, and market linkages. Ndindeng has developed a range of innovations, including improved artisanal parboiling technologies, rice husk stoves, multipurpose grinders, fortified rice recipes, and methodologies for assessing post-harvest losses. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, demonstrating the impact of his research on agricultural productivity, nutrition, and sustainable development, with 603 citations by 514 documents across 40 publications and an h-index of 14. Fluent in English and French, he also mentors emerging scientists and guides the next generation of rice sector innovators across Africa, reflecting his commitment to advancing agricultural science and improving livelihoods on the continent.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar | LinkedIn | Researchgate 

Featured Publications

Wanji, S., Tanke, T., Atanga, S. N., Ajonina, C., Nicholas, T., & Fontenille, D. (2003). Anopheles species of the mount Cameroon region: Biting habits, feeding behaviour and entomological inoculation rates. Tropical Medicine & International Health, 8(7), 643-649.

Ndindeng, S. A., Mbassi, J. E. G., Mbacham, W. F., Manful, J., Graham-Acquaah, S., … (2015). Quality optimization in briquettes made from rice milling by-products. Energy for Sustainable Development, 29, 24-31.

Wanji, S., Tendongfor, N., Esum, M., Ndindeng, S., & Enyong, P. (2003). Epidemiology of concomitant infections due to Loa loa, Mansonella perstans, and Onchocerca volvulus in rain forest villages of Cameroon. Medical Microbiology and Immunology, 192(1), 15-21.

Ndindeng, S. A., Manful, J., Futakuchi, K., Mapiemfu-Lamare, D., Akoa-Etoa, J. M., … (2015). Upgrading the quality of Africa’s rice: A novel artisanal parboiling technology for rice processors in sub-Saharan Africa. Food Science & Nutrition, 3(6), 557-568.

Zohoun, E. V., Tang, E. N., Soumanou, M. M., Manful, J., Akissoe, N. H., Bigoga, J., … (2018). Physicochemical and nutritional properties of rice as affected by parboiling steaming time at atmospheric pressure and variety. Food Science & Nutrition, 6(3), 638-652.

Oluwakamisi Akinmoladun | Food Safety | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Oluwakamisi Akinmoladun | Food Safety | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer | University of Johannesburg | South Africa

Dr. Festus Oluwakamisi Akinmoladun is a seasoned scholar and academic in Animal Science, with core expertise in animal nutrition, physiology, welfare, and feed safety. With extensive teaching, research, and supervision experience across Nigerian and South African institutions, he has made significant contributions to livestock production and animal biotechnology. He has mentored students at all academic levels, managed multidisciplinary research, and advanced knowledge on stress amelioration in small ruminants using vitamin C. Currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Johannesburg, his work bridges scientific rigor and practical solutions for sustainable animal agriculture and food safety globally.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Akinmoladun earned his PhD in Animal Science from the University of Fort Hare, South Africa, focusing on water stress and vitamin C supplementation in goats. His MSc in Animal Science was completed at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, where he analyzed the nutritional composition of cheese and whey from indigenous milk sources. He obtained his Bachelor’s in Agricultural Technology (Animal Production and Health) from the Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria. His academic journey reflects a consistent focus on animal performance, welfare, and health under challenging environmental conditions.

Experience

Dr. Akinmoladun has extensive academic and professional experience spanning over a decade. He currently serves as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Johannesburg, previously held the same role at the University of Fort Hare, and has lectured in both South African and Nigerian universities. He has also served as a livestock specialist and youth corps educator, contributing to animal production systems, farm management, and curriculum development. His practical and theoretical knowledge in animal health and nutrition is enriched by hands-on farm training and strategic roles in scientific report writing, supervision, and administration.

Research Interests

Dr. Akinmoladun’s research centers on sustainable livestock production, animal nutrition under stress conditions, biotechnology, and feed safety. He investigates the impacts of environmental stressors like water scarcity and heat on animal physiology and productivity, using interventions such as vitamin C supplementation. His current projects explore mycotoxin mitigation in feed, adaptive traits in indigenous goat breeds, and green biotechnology solutions. His research advances knowledge in food safety, animal welfare, and resilience of livestock systems under climate stress particularly in African contexts. He also applies solid-state fermentation and statistical modeling to optimize animal performance.

Awards

Dr. Akinmoladun’s dedication to excellence has earned him recognition in academia and research. He has participated in international scientific conferences, presented groundbreaking studies, and served as an external examiner. His recent appointment at the University of Johannesburg and collaborations on EU-AU research projects signify his growing influence in global livestock research. His scholarly productivity, impactful supervision, and successful project executions distinguish him as a rising leader in animal science and food biotechnology, dedicated to solving real-world problems in sustainable animal production systems.

Top Noted Publications

Title: Assessment of the adaptation of Nguni goats to water stress
Year: 2023
Cited by: 7

Title: Perception and attitude towards goat meat and milk consumption
Year: 2021
Cited by: 5

Title: Fatty acid profile and sensory attributes of vitamin C-supplemented Xhosa goat
Year: 2021
Cited by: 4

Title: Intake and nutrient digestibility of water-restricted goats
Year: 2020
Cited by: 6

Title: Veterinary drug residues in meat
Year: 2020
Cited by: 3

Conclusion

Given his strong academic foundation, prolific publication record, mentorship roles, and research that addresses both local and global agricultural challenges, Dr. Akinmoladun is a suitable and competitive candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work contributes significantly to sustainable livestock production and food safety, aligning well with global development priorities. Continued engagement in international collaborations and leadership roles would elevate his scholarly reach even further.