The Center of Excellence on dry cereals and associated crops has been extended to the National Agricultural Research Centre (CNRA), the Bureau of Macroeconomic Analysis (BAME), the Institute of Food Technology (ITA), the National School of Agronomy (ENSA) with the Regional Study Centre for the Improvement of Adaptation to Drought (CERAAS) as lead partner.
The Center of Excellence on Dry Grains and Associated Crops has an international vocation. It (i) relies on international partners at all levels, (ii) conducts demand-driven research taking into account value chains, (iii) provides scientific and technical assistance in the development and implementation of research (and policy) projects to face climate change, food and nutrition insecurity and promote sustainable agriculture.
We are a hub for training (graduate and non-graduate) and capacity building. Between 2012 and 2020, we have financed, through the WAAPP programme, the research work of 261 scientists, including 114 PhDs, 135 Master’s degrees, 9 engineers and 3 bachelor’s degrees. In partnership with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) within the framework of its mobility scholarship programme, 20 PhDs and 30 Master’s degrees from the sub-region (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Niger and Togo) were hosted and trained at CERAAS.
We also have hosted, supervised and trained 66 students from 14 African countries in their research projects (Msc and PhD) and represent a factory of the next generation of African scientists and managers to solve the problems facing the continent today, particularly in the areas of food security and malnutrition.