06/09/2026
AWARD Documentation Visit to Benin
From August 23 to 26, 2026, a team from the African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) programme visited Benin to document the work of Dr. Ir. Olyvia Gwladys Fadeyi, the research activities of the Laboratory of Mycology and Tropical Plant Sciences (MyTIPS), University of Parakou, and its collaboration with local communities. The team comprised Amos Ochieng Omouh, Director and Lead Filming and Visual Storytelling; Ambrose Ochieng’ Okumu, Lead Videography Documentation; and Vincent Chetambe, Lead Photography Documentation, accompanied by an AWARD Communications staff member. The visit started on August 23 in Cotonou, with a welcome meeting with the Director of MyTIPS, Prof. Dr. Ir. Nourou Soulemane Yorou. On August 24, the team visited MyTIPS, where they were introduced to the laboratory and its main research areas. They attended a series of scientific presentations showcasing research results on ethnomycology, the food and medicinal valorization of wild mushrooms, forest degradation and ectomycorrhizal fungi, the contribution of edible wild mushrooms to rural household income, and mushrooms in climate change mitigation. The presentations were followed by questions, scientific discussions, and exchanges with researchers. The team also visited the MyTIPS library and mycological herbarium, observed edible mushroom cultivation trials and spawn production, and documented microscopy and molecular characterization activities. On August 25, the team joined researchers for a field survey in Okpara, documenting wild mushroom collection and training activities. They subsequently observed specimen processing, microscopy, and molecular identification procedures at MyTIPS before travelling to Ekpa Village to interview community members about their knowledge and use of wild mushrooms. On August 26, the documentation continued in Kilibo-Gare Village, focusing on forest mushroom collection and community interviews. Throughout the
