AWARD Fellowship
AWARD Fellowship Empowers Scientists to Champion Sustainable Farming and Community Development
A Senior Technical Officer at the CSIR-Soil Research Institute, Miss Mary Koduah, has successfully completed the prestigious African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) Mentorship Program, using the opportunity to promote environmental sustainability and support farming communities.
Mary Koduah participated in the year-long virtual fellowship in 2025, with support from the Director of the CSIR-Soil Research Institute, Dr. Collins Tay, and mentorship from Dr. Robert Brenya. The program provided valuable training in research, mentorship, stakeholder engagement, and gender-inclusive agricultural development.
As part of the fellowship’s community engagement activities, Mary Koduah led an outreach program at Nweneso No. 1 on April 21, 2026, under the theme “Clean Water, Healthy Soil, and Quality Food.”
The initiative focused on educating farmers and residents on environmental sustainability, safe agricultural practices, and the effects of illegal mining on food production, soil fertility, water quality, and public health.
Working alongside colleagues Leticia Ohenewaa and Enoch Danquah, and under the supervision of Dr. Robert Brenya, the team conducted interviews with local farmers.
The findings revealed growing concerns about deteriorating water quality, degraded farmlands, declining soil fertility, and challenges in maintaining crop yields.
Participants were also educated on the dangers of heavy metal contamination and its potential
health impacts. The team further introduced improved soil and water management practices, including the use of biochar systems to enhance soil productivity and environmental resilience.
The outreach fostered direct engagement with farmers, encouraged greater collaboration with the CSIR-Soil Research Institute, and highlighted the urgent need for safe and reliable water sources within the community.
Speaking on the impact of the fellowship, Mary Koduah noted that the AWARD Program significantly strengthened her skills in stakeholder engagement, scientific communication, and addressing critical agricultural and environmental challenges.
She expressed appreciation to the Director of the CSIR-Soil Research Institute, Dr. Collins Tay, her mentor Dr. Robert Brenya, and the AWARD Fellowship Program for their guidance, support, and commitment to empowering women in agricultural research.
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