“Farm management and analysis of the genetic and nutritional diversity of Macrotyloma geocarpum accessions grown in Togo.”
Country of Study
Togo
Institution
University of Kara
Expected Year of Completion
2026
Thematic Area
Agriculture and Food security
Education
Moustakimou holds a Master of Science degree in Nutrition and Food Safety from the University of Kara in Togo. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Agronomy at the same institution. Now in her second year, Moustakimou is expected to complete her PhD in March 2026.
Research Summary
Moustakimou’s research focuses on the sustainable conservation and valorization of Macrotyloma geocarpum, a key legume species in Togo that is facing genetic erosion and declining use due to the replacement by more economically attractive crops like soybean. Despite its high nutritional value and resilience to climate change-induced stresses, limited research exists on its genetic, agromorphological, and biochemical diversity. This research aims to fill these gaps by documenting indigenous knowledge, conducting agromorphological and molecular characterization (including SNP analysis), and performing field trials to evaluate the performance of local accessions. The study also examines drought tolerance and pest resistance. The findings will inform agricultural policies and propose a sustainable management strategy for the crop, which aligns with enhancing food security, agricultural sustainability, and climate change resilience in Togo.
Publications:
