The One Planet Fellowship Programme (OPFP) is a five-year (2019 – 2023) program that aims to build a vibrant, connected, and intergenerational network of African and European scientists equipped to lead research on agriculture - and climate change in Africa. The One Planet Fellowship Programme with a budget of 19,2 millions US dollars (17,3 M €) and boosts the capabilities of promising agricultural researchers by developing their leadership, scientific, networking, and mentoring skills. It creates an opportunity for African and European scientists to exchange context-specific knowledge.

The program's core objective is to establish a dynamic and interconnected network of scientists from both continents, spanning multiple generations, to lead research on the impact of climate change on African agriculture, discover innovative solutions, and address diverse population needs.In the framework of the OPFP, a select group of African scientists, known as OPFP laureates, have the opportunity to enhance their scientific skills through advanced training. This includes working in state-of-the-art laboratories and institutions in Europe and benefiting from mentorship by experienced scientists in their respective fields. With its three pillars, developing the science and leadership skills of fellow African Laureate Candidates and fostering mentoring partnerships, OPFP is building a community of practice of outstanding climate adaptation researchers in Africa and Europe. One Planet Fellowship Programme is jointly implemented by Agropolis Fondation and AWARD (African Women in Agricultural Research and Development).Learn more

The University of Goettingen division of Tropical Plant Production and Agricultural Systems Modelling is hosting two Ethiopian scientists, Dr. Fitih Ademe Mamo and Mr.Gobena Dirirsa Bayis in 2023.

Dr. Fitih Ademe Mamo, a One Planet Laureate Candidate from Ethiopia, is our visiting researcher at TROPAGS under the One Planet Fellowship Program. Under close supervision of Professor Dr. Reimund P. Roetter, Dr. Mamo is executing a project entitled “Optimizing water and nutrient use for wheat production under changing climate conditions in the mid-highland wheat growing belts of Ethiopia”. Wheat is one of the most important food security crops in Ethiopia while its production is highly threatened by climate change. Drought is intensifying in the region due to climate change and is affecting wheat production. With the aim of availing adaptation and mitigation options to small holder wheat growers in Ethiopia, this project was initiated to be executed in two phases (Greenhouse & field experimentation and modeling). In the TROPAGS, the researcher has been conducting a greenhouse experiment using the high-tech plantarray phenotypic lysimeter to understand the different wheat varieties responses to recurrent drought which is a common phenomenon in Ethiopia. The result from this greenhouse experiment and subsequent field and modeling research activities will generate science-based evidence that pave a way to strategic decisions in wheat production in the face of climate change. The project contributes to enhanced livelihoods, ensures food security, and avails effective adaptation and mitigation options to the challenges posed by climate change in Ethiopia.

Mr.Gobena Dirirsa Bayis, a One Planet Laureate Candidate from Ethiopia, is our visiting researcher at TROPAGS under the One Planet Fellowship Program. Under Supervision of Professor Dr. Reimund P. Roetter, Mr. Bayis focuses on addressing the challenges of crop production in water-scarce, arid, and semi-arid regions of Ethiopia. Given changing climate conditions and diminishing water resources, the research aims to improve water use efficiency and enhance agricultural output with a more reliable water supply. I am conducting controlled experiments using a functional phenotyping platform to assess how seven different wheat varieties respond to water stress, ultimately striving to ensure sustainable crop production in regions where water resources are limited.