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Ghanaian researcher Harry Okyere, aged 43, has seen his fortunes change significantly since gaining his PhD with funding from the West African Agricultural Productivity Program (WAAPP). During the WAPP, over 1,000 people were trained across West Africa, producing probably the largest cohort of next-generation scientists in West Africa.

Harry's story dates back to 2014, when he was selected along with other applicants to benefit from a PPAAO scholarship. The scholarship enabled Harry to attend a four-year program at Kwame Nkrumah University's Department of Chemistry, where he conducted his research. On completion of his studies, he obtained a PhD in Environmental Chemistry. 

The PPAAO helped me a lot. Without it, I wouldn't have been able to get this PhD."

Dr Harry Okyere

With his doctorate in hand, Dr. Harry is now in a good position to write and submit proposals without being flunked for lack of a PhD, which wasn't the case before.

"When you write proposals, some require a PhD. Today, that PhD has opened doors for me, and I can submit proposals anywhere," says Dr. Harry. 

It also catapulted the young researcher into his professional career. He currently holds the position of Industrial Scientific Research Advisor at the Conseil de la recherche scientifique et industrielle's (CSIR) Institute for Crop Research.

From his position in the post-harvest unit, he has a cross-sectional view of everything that requires chemical expertise: controlling the quality of water used to irrigate crops, monitoring heavy metal levels in plants, and so on.

"My studies and new knowledge have been incredibly useful. It has elevated me to the position I'm in now," he says with a smile.

Turning cassava residues into income

Harry's thesis focused on finding solutions to mitigate the problems associated with processing cassava into "gari".

"Residues from the processing of cassava into gari are a problem for farmers," says Dr. Okyere.

Faced with this challenge, the researcher chose to tackle solid waste management. Farmers find it difficult to manage this form of waste. So Harry developed a system for transforming this waste into food for rabbits.

"With the right processes, we've managed to turn these residues into rabbit feed, and our products can also be used to feed sheep, fish and many other animals," says Dr. Harry.

So, with this technology developed by the researcher, residues that were once a source of problems for farmers and communities who didn't know how to manage their piles in the wild, are now a source of additional income.

Satisfied with the program and above all eager for its continuity, the scientist declares: "the PPAAO is an excellent program and I hope it will continue, more specifically in technology transfer."

"The success story isn't over yet. I'm convinced that they can do more," he says to backers.

Under the technical coordination of CORAF, the WAPP was implemented from 2008 to 2019. It is an initiative of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), financed by the World Bank.