IITA scientist Eyitayo Ogbon wins inaugural ICIPE special prize 2026
African agricultural research continues to explore practical ways to make livestock production more affordable and sustainable. One promising area is the use of insects to convert organic by-products into valuable sources of animal feed.
- Soil health
- data
- smallholders
- Policy and decision-making
African agricultural research continues to explore practical ways to make livestock production more affordable and sustainable. One promising area is the use of insects to convert organic by-products into valuable sources of animal feed.
Dr Eyitayo Azaratou Ogbon has been named the recipient of the inaugural ICIPE Special Prize 2026 for her work in this field. This was presented during the MITA 2026 event organized by CORAF (West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development) in Freetown, Sierra Leone, from 19 to 21 October 2026. The award recognizes research on the use of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae in rabbit feed, an approach that aims to convert organic by-products into a protein-rich feed ingredient while contributing to more resource-efficient livestock production.
Dr Ogbon expressing gratitude to the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), CORAF, the award jury, the MITA 2026 partners, and the collaborators who supported the work, also acknowledged IITA-Benin, highlighting the contribution of the research team and its partners to the development of practical solutions for African agriculture.