Dr Mercy Diebiru-Ojo has been named one of the 2025 Africa Food Prize Laureates in recognition of her groundbreaking contributions to Africa’s agricultural transformation. 

The award highlights her work promoting Semi-Autotrophic Hydroponics (SAH), a novel node culture technology for cassava and yams.

Dr Diebiru-Ojo’s research is reshaping crop multiplication across sub-Saharan Africa. SAH enables the rapid production of clean, disease-free planting materials, ensuring improved varieties of cassava and yams reach farmers more quickly and efficiently. 

These crops are staples for millions of Africans, making this innovation crucial for food security.

Under Dr Diebiru-Ojo’s leadership, SAH has moved beyond laboratory research into practical, scalable solutions. The technology supports stronger seed systems across multiple countries, creating opportunities for youth and women agripreneurs while strengthening sustainable livelihoods.

“Dr Mercy Diebiru-Ojo’s recognition as a recipient of the Africa Food Prize underscores the power of African-led science to deliver practical solutions,” said Dr Simeon Ehui, IITA Director General and CGIAR Regional Director for Continental Africa. 

“Her work demonstrates how cutting-edge research, when scaled, can drive real transformation in farmers’ lives and secure Africa’s agricultural future.”

Speaking on her award, Dr Diebiru-Ojo said: “This award is not the end, it is a beginning. A call to action. A reminder that much remains to be done if we are to achieve a food-secure Africa.

” Her success bridges the gap between scientific research and practical solutions on the ground, setting a model for translating discoveries into impact at scale.

The Africa Food Prize is awarded annually to individuals and institutions leading the transformation of African agriculture. 

It recognises innovations that have a tangible impact, from boosting productivity to creating jobs and improving livelihoods. 

Source: IITA