Robert Zougmore: A Pioneer of Climate-Smart Agriculture in Africa

African agriculture stands at a crossroads, grappling with challenges such as climate change, low adoption of innovation and ineffective agricultural policies. At the heart of the movement to address these issues is Dr. Robert Zougmoré – Principal Scientist at the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT and Director of AICCRA (Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa). He is dedicated to transforming the continent’s agricultural landscape amidst the detrimental effects of climate change: “It is essential that our agriculture becomes more productive while remaining sustainable and resilient” he asserts, emphasizing the importance of an agroecological perspective for Africa’s future.

A Journey Rooted in the Earth

Originally from Burkina Faso, Dr. Zougmoré developed a deep interest agriculture early in life. Though his parents were civil servants, they involved him in farming activities during vacations, especially rice cultivation. “This is how I developed an attachment to the land and to agriculture itself,” he recalls. This early exposure shaped his academic and professional path.

Graduating from the Rural Development Institute as an agricultural engineer, his thesis on soil sciences propelled him into a career focused on improving African agricultural systems. “I realized that agriculture plays a crucial role in our countries,” he emphasizes. Committed to providing concrete solutions to the challenges faced by African farmers, he devoted his life to agricultural research and development.

Beyond academic research, he aims to make agriculture more attractive and economically viable for younger generations. “African agriculture is not yet economically viable enough for farmers to make a sustainable living,” he laments. “To solve this, it would be wise to develop innovative business models based on agriculture.”