Adjata Kamara is one of the 20 winners of the L’Oréal Foundation and UNESCO program called “For women in science,” which aims to increase the visibility of female researchers all around the world.
The Ivorian woman, 25, was selected for her work on biopesticides to safeguard yam crops, a root that is highly appreciated in sub-Saharan Africa.
Her childhood experience of watching her father’s mango crops destroyed by fungi ignited her enthusiasm for study.
Adjata stated, “It gives me the opportunity to present my study to other women and to other nations, and it somewhat strains me because I remind myself that now, I have to be a role model for young ladies in science.
According to Adjata, her objective is to create “biopesticides based on plant extracts, fungus, and bacteria.”
With advantageous microorganisms, “in order to remedy this abnormality that interferes with the growth of a plant that serves as the basis for a staple diet in various African regions without the use of pesticides.
“I am involved in the creation of biopesticides based on fungus, bacteria, and plant extracts. However, these fungus and bacteria are supposedly advantageous, therefore I’m looking for ways to manage the fungi that attack yams after harvest “Adjata stated.
Adjata is one of the twenty winners from sub-Saharan Africa—excluding South Africa—of the For Women in Science Young Talent Prize. Each winner will get between 10,000 and 15,000 euros to support their research.
“My father had a mango plantation from a young age. Additionally, fungus invaded this farm,” he said.
