The University of the Free State
(UFS) researcher, Prof. Maryke Labuschagne, known for her research on plant
breeding has received a country lifetime achiever award for Africa’s most
influential women in business and government programme, reports NaijaAgroNet.
Labuschagne’s research dwells on the
genetic improvement of food security crops in Africa, including staples such as
maize and cassava.
“These crops are genetically
improved for yield, disease and insect resistance and nutritional value. Food
security is one of the key factors for stability on the continent,” said
Labuschagne while adding that it was good to have one’s work recognized.
The award was given to Labuschagne
during the most influential women breakfast at the Vodacom Dome in Midrand on
July 28.
An NRF-rated researcher and author
or co-author of more than 160 articles in accredited journals, her research is
helping to provide food for thousands of people on the African continent.
In 2008, she was also chosen as the
National agriculturalist of the year by the Agricultural Writers Association of
South Africa. In 2012, she received the researcher of the year award from Grain
South Africa and the AU’s Kwame Nkrumah science award for life sciences on the
continent.
The country lifetime achiever award
is a prestigious award that recognizes and honours the lifelong efforts,
achievements and contributions by individuals in their local communities.
This recognition covers all sectors
and countries to create a platform where the work and involvement of
extraordinary people can be displayed and noted.
Cyriacus Nnaji/GEE
... Linking agrobiz, sustainable environs, people & technology
PIX: Prof. Maryke Labuschagne
