Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute, Sierra Leone
Dr. Prince Emmanuel Norman is a distinguished plant breeder and seasoned agricultural researcher from Sierra Leone 🇸🇱. Currently serving as the Deputy Director General for Research, Technology, and Innovation Development at the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI), he brings over two decades of expertise in crop improvement, focusing on yam, cassava, and sustainable agricultural practices. His leadership in agricultural innovation and dedication to food security has earned him wide recognition across Africa and beyond.
Author Profile
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🎓 Education
Dr. Norman holds a PhD in Plant Breeding from the University of Ghana (2019), an M.Sc. in Plant Breeding from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (2011), and an M.Sc. in Crop Science from Njala University, Sierra Leone (2006). He also earned his B.Sc. (Hons.) in Crop Science from Njala University College, University of Sierra Leone in 2003. His educational journey reflects a strong commitment to advancing scientific knowledge in African agriculture.
🧑🔬 Experience
Beginning as a Research Assistant in 2004, Dr. Norman rose through the ranks to become Chief Research Officer and now serves in a national leadership role. He has led yam and cocoyam improvement programs, developed participatory breeding initiatives, and overseen large-scale research projects at both the Njala Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) and SLARI. In 2024, he was appointed Deputy Director General, demonstrating his impact in agricultural innovation and institutional leadership.
🔬 Research Interests
Dr. Norman’s research spans crop genetics, agronomic trait evaluation, pest and disease management, molecular plant breeding, and precision agriculture. He is particularly renowned for his work on cassava and yam improvement, contributing significantly to food security, resilience, and productivity in Sierra Leone and West Africa. His focus on integrating biotechnology and local farming practices reflects a modern and inclusive approach to agricultural development.
🏆 Awards
Dr. Norman has received multiple nominations for national and international agricultural awards, including recognition for his contributions to genetic improvement of crops, sustainable farming systems, and research excellence. He is a nominated candidate for the International Plant Scientist Awards 2025, reflecting his multidisciplinary influence and leadership.
📚 Publications
Dr. Norman has authored or co-authored 30+ peer-reviewed publications from 2022 to 2025. Below is a selection with links and citations:
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Norman et al. (2025) – A global synthesis of naturalized and invasive plants in aquatic habitats (NeoBiota) – Accepted
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Torto et al. (2025) – Cassava crop loss by grasshopper infestation (Advances in Entomology)
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Diakite et al. (2025) – Spring wheat under microfertilizer/fungicides (J. Saudi Society of Agricultural Sciences)
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Saffa et al. (2025) – Cassava mosaic disease detection (Horticulturae)
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Norman et al. (2024) – Genetic traits of maize under nitrogen (American Journal of Plant Sciences)
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Norman et al. (2024) – White yam family assessment (SABRAO Journal of Breeding and Genetics)
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Norman et al. (2023) – African yam bean trait analysis (Journal of Tropical Crop Science)
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Norman et al. (2023) – Cassava germplasm profiling (Frontiers in Horticulture)
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Mabey et al. (2025) – Environmental impacts of sand mining (American Journal of Environmental Protection)
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Diakite et al. (2024) – Sulfur nutrition in climate change (Pedosphere)