Research stay at Leibniz-Institut für Agrartechnik und Bioökonomie e.V.

Awouminassi Marcellin Atakoun is currently a PhD candidate in Climate Change and Land Use (CCLU) at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana, under the West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL) program. His research focuses on assessing the climate change mitigation potential of cattle corralling practices in soil fertility management, directly contributing to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 13 (Climate Action) and 15 (Life on Land). Through this work, he explores how sustainable agricultural practices can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions such as CO2, NO2, and CH4, while enhancing ecosystem resilience and soil fertility.

Marcellin holds a Master’s degree in Agronomic Sciences with a specialization in Soil-Water-Environment and Modelling from the University of Parakou, Benin. As a research assistant at the Integrated Production Systems Innovation Lab and Sustainable Land Management (InsPIREs-SLM), University of Parakou, he worked on biochar amendments for maize and cotton cultivation. His previous research, conducted in collaboration with the Institut de Recherche sur le Coton (IRC), explored the contributions of cover crops to conservation agriculture in Northern Benin.

Marcellin is passionate about integrating innovative digital solutions into environmental science. His research delves into the use of sensor technology for greenhouse gas assessment in agricultural systems, bridging the gap between traditional soil management practices and cutting-edge digitalization. His goal is to revolutionize how greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural activities are monitored and managed, ultimately contributing to global efforts for sustainable land use.

Marcellin’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Sciences and Techniques of Plant Production from the University of Parakou, followed by various roles in research and agricultural management. He has been involved in numerous projects and conferences, including the FAO Global Symposium on Soils and Water and the UN Climate Change Conference of Youth (COY 17).

Throughout his career, Marcellin has been recognized for his academic and research excellence. He is a recipient of prestigious awards such as the IPCC Scholarship Program and the CLIFF-GRADS Scholarship, Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships Program for Advanced Scholars - West Africa (QES-WA Netlinks), among others. His future aspirations include becoming a leading expert at the intersection of climate change, land use, and digital technologies, contributing significantly to global environmental policies and fostering sustainable agricultural practices.

Marcellin is dedicated to making a lasting impact on climate change adaptation and mitigation through innovation, research, and collaboration.