By Andi Anderson
Agricultural researcher Pamela Afokpe, a plant breeder and product specialist at East-West Seed International based in Benin, West Africa, has earned international recognition for her efforts to improve nutrition and food security through the development of climate-resilient indigenous vegetables. Her work has helped farmers grow, market, and distribute nutrient-rich crops more effectively across West Africa.
Afokpe is the recipient of the 2026 Norman E. Borlaug Award for Field Research and Application, presented by the World Food Prize Foundation. The award recognizes outstanding scientific achievements in agriculture and food production by individuals under the age of 40 who have made significant contributions to global food security.
As part of the recognition, Afokpe will deliver a lecture at Iowa State University titled “From the Seed Up: Transforming Indigenous African Vegetables to Improve Outcomes and Nutrition.” During the event, she will discuss how research and innovation can help address nutrition challenges while supporting rural communities and farmers.
Throughout her career, Afokpe has studied more than 2,000 indigenous vegetable varieties that are often overlooked despite their nutritional value. These crops include African eggplant, okra, yarrow, and amaranth. By combining plant breeding techniques with market development strategies, she has helped make these vegetables easier and more affordable to grow, sell, and distribute.
Her work focuses on strengthening food systems through climate-smart agriculture and improved seed access. These efforts have enabled farmers to increase the availability of nutritious foods while adapting to changing environmental conditions. The research has also created opportunities for smallholder farmers to improve productivity and incomes.
Beyond crop development, Afokpe actively supports agricultural innovation, seed system improvement, agri-product development, and women-in-STEM initiatives. Her work highlights the important role that science and education play in creating sustainable solutions to global food and nutrition challenges.
The lecture will feature a discussion with Iowa State University President David Cook and will provide insights into the impact of agricultural research on communities across Africa. Attendees will also have the opportunity to view student projects submitted for the annual Norman Borlaug Lectureship Poster Competition.
The annual lecture honors Norman Borlaug, the Iowa-born agronomist whose groundbreaking wheat research helped launch the Green Revolution and improve food production around the world. Borlaug received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970 and later founded the World Food Prize, which recognizes individuals who have advanced global food availability, quality, and nutrition.
Afokpe’s achievements demonstrate how innovative agricultural research can improve lives, strengthen food systems, and create lasting benefits for farming communities. Her success serves as an inspiring example of how science-driven solutions can address some of the world's most pressing food security challenges while supporting sustainable agricultural development.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zbynek-pospisil
Categories: Iowa, General