Two outstanding master theses on the theme of food security were centre stage at the Tropentag 2019 opening ceremony.



Hundreds of people at the #Tropentag2019 stood still to reward academic hard-work, dedication and innovation, as the 21st edition of the Hans H. Ruthenberg - Graduate Award was given out. This prestigious award, instituted in honour of the famous German Agriculturist- Prof. Dr. Hans-Hartwig Ruthenberg, has been awarded to 54 recipients since 1999 for outstanding scholarly work on food security.

Recipients of this years’ award were bonded by Bonn, as both master’s thesis were research outputs from the University of Bonn , Germany. From many of the research entries submitted this year, the independent juries found the two research work worthy because they displayed ingenuity and potential impact. The young Ms. Birgit Bierschenk was the first recipient called up, for her research titled “Rice Wild Relatives under Different Iron Stress Regimes-Growth parameters, Yield and Grain Quality factors” under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Michael Frei. Her thesis aimed to proffer solution to the challenge of hidden hunger associated with rice consumption. She observed that a significant quantity of the common rice variety (Oryza sativa) consumed is deficient in iron as a result of phytate binding. Using rigorous greenhouse screening trials, she was able to observe specific wild rice variety that had significantly higher iron and lower phytate concentration. This pioneer research is already yielding great impact for the young researcher, as the University of São Paulo, Brazil has already sealed a long-term collaboration with the University of Bonn. The collaboration would include student exchange and knowledge transfer across both universities, as they seek to develop nutrient-dense rice varieties.



The other recipient was Mr, Martin Paul JR. Tabe-Ojong, an international student from Cameroon. He was selected for this award for his research work titled “A Double Hurdle Model of the impacts of improved Chickpea Adoption on Smallholder Commercialisation in Ethiopia (Panel Analysis)” supervised by Prof. Dr. Thomas Heckelel. His work involved using econometric models to predict factors responsible for improved chickpea adoption on smallholder commercialisation in Ethiopia. He posited that male farmers, educated and within proximity to market, could be better positioned for improved chickpea commercialization in Ethiopia. He also had practical policy recommendations for the government and research institutes working in Ethiopia. There is also great potential for the replication of his model in other spheres. When asked how he felt about winning this prestigious award, he had this to say: “this is a big shot for me, it motivates me to push further”. He also leaves this advice for international students, especially those studying in Germany; “be consistent in your studies and have an open mind to opportunities around you”.

Each participant was awarded a cash prize of €2,500, certificates, a medal with their names crafted on and bouquet. As both winners leave with their awards, the next set of applications is already near. I guess it is safe to wish hopeful applicant of this prestigious award, “Bonn Awardie!”