Research area:

Plant Biotechnology

Host Organisation & country:

National Centre for Research, Sudan

Summary

The demand for alternative and enhanced food production mechanisms to sustain the growing African population has led to the increased manufacture of synthetic N-fertilizers and thus, contributing heavily to greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).

Dr Abdellatef’s research aims to establish an eco-friendly production system for indigenous African Cereals (Sorghum and Pearl Millet) through developing efficient nutrient uptake cultivars/ability of N-fixation and replacing the N-fertilizers by cereals-specific bio-fertilizers that contain active plant-beneficial microbes.

Grantee Description

Dr Abdellatef is a scientist at the Commission for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, National centre for Research, Sudan. He obtained his PhD from the Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany in 2015 and has more than 25 scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals (+1080 citations).

He is actively contributing to harnessing the applications of advanced biotechnology for meeting agricultural development challenges, utilization and conservation of plant genetic resources including advanced molecular biology techniques in a wide range of crops (Barley, Maize, Sesame and Chickpea). He contributes strongly to teaching biosciences, supervision and mentoring of postgraduate and undergraduate students.

The Project title: MetaGenomics-Led Harnessing of the African Orphan Cereals-Rhizosphere-Microbiota for Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Agriculture in Sub Saharan Africa (AfCerRhMic)

The impact of climate change on agriculture, the food system, and the macro economy, is expected to be immediate, negative, and devastating in SSA than the global average. This is caused by the prevailing environmental conditions, less diversified and poor rural economies, and the low level of agricultural development despite the sector's importance in generating export revenues and income. The AfCerRhMic project aims to reduce the GHG emissions from agricultural activities using innovative technologies to improve the nutrients uptake efficiency and N-fixation ability of the African Orphan Cereals.