As part of IITA’s mandate to contribute to research systems and build the capacity of the next generation or scientists, IITA-Cameroon trained 35 interns, from undergraduates to advanced researchers, in various hands-on programs that turn academic theory into tangible solutions to enhance local agrifood systems in the last one year.
This internship program addresses a growing need to bridge the gap between academic theory and the pressing, real-world challenges faced by farmers in the region. The initiative was designed following joint discussions between IITA-Cameroon and partner universities, who recognized that students need substantial practical experience in research, laboratory techniques, and field experimentation.
As a result, IITA-CGIAR established collaborative training pathways with the University of Dschang, the University of Yaounde I, the University of Buea, the University of Bamenda, and the University of Ngaoundere. These internships are strategic platforms where students can apply classroom knowledge to real agricultural problems, benefiting from hands-on supervision by IITA-CGIAR scientists, and contribute meaningfully to ongoing research that supports national and regional agricultural development.
This initiative is part of IITA’s mission to build a food-secure future. As one of the IITA-CGIAR supervisors, Dr Abang Albert (Researcher in entomology and plant health), perfectly captures, “We are not just hosting students; we are co-creating solutions with the people who will implement them long after our projects are complete. This philosophy transforms a temporary placement into a vital apprenticeship for sustainable development.”
At the IITA-Cameroon research station, interns are paired with expert mentors to learn and tackle existing agricultural challenges in greenhouses and labs. The work is diverse and directly applicable, bridging the critical gap between the classroom and the community, providing a designed environment for real impact.
One of the interns, Geovarice Yetdjo who evaluated biopesticides, assessing their effectiveness, safety, and quality to ensure they deliver reliable pest control without harming people or the environment said, “Working at IITA-CGIAR opened my eyes to the real impact of agricultural science; I was contributing to research that could directly help farmers improve their yields and income.”
The interns’ contributions are embedded in projects that address urgent needs for farmers across the region. Their work also contributes to critical data needed to push innovation forward. Under the guidance of supervisors, interns are exploring sustainable pathways for key crops such as cocoa. Belmondo Riphin Assopdjeu, who investigated how foliar fertilizers and shading affect cocoa yields, explained: “I gained skills, I never imagined, especially in practical data collection on the effect of foliar fertilizers and shading on the potential yield of cocoa plants in field experimentation and interpreting results. The support from the staff made me feel like part of a research team.”
IITA Agronomist and research supervisor Dr Pauline Mandah, highlighted the mutual benefit of such initiative: “mentoring these bright young minds is incredibly rewarding. They bring fresh energy and perspectives to our work, and we have a duty to equip them with the skills to lead our agricultural sector forward”.
A key focus at IITA is the development of eco-friendly farming practices, and interns play a central role in this effort. Charleine Grace Chendjou worked in the laboratory, studying a natural parasitic wasp as a biological control for destructive armyworms.
“Contributing to biological control research has strengthened my passion for agricultural innovation. Knowing that my work could help reduce pesticide use and protect crops in an environmentally safe way is incredibly motivating.” Her research contributes to the development of a toolkit of sustainable pest management solutions that are both effective and accessible to smallholder farmers.
Beyond technical skills, the IITA internship instills professionalism, confidence, and a problem-solving mindset. Experience often solidifies a student’s decision to build a career in agriculture, whether in research, entrepreneurship, or policy.
The impact of training 35 highly skilled young professionals in a single year creates a powerful ripple effect. They leave IITA not just with a certificate, but with a renewed determination to be agents of change in their communities and countries.
Contributed by Melanie Nyako Epse Akem and Ritha Marie Clarisse Bumwe.
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