JIRCAS is currently implementing the SATREPS Project on establishment of the model for fertilizing cultivation promotion using Burkina Faso phosphate rock (2017-2022) in Burkina Faso, West Africa. Due to the spread of corona virus infection, business trips have been suspended for a while and have resumed from last year. As a specialist in soil microbiology, Senior Researcher Papa Saliou Sarr has been working on phosphate-enriched compost, which increases the concentration of effective phosphoric acid in compost by adding phosphate, which is not easily used by crops as it is during the compost production process, and has clarified the effectiveness of its application.
Dr. Papa Saliou Sarr, who has been on a business trip since April this year, had an opportunity to be interviewed by the local newspaper “Infos-Sciences-Culture" and the article was published on April 15, 2022. This newspaper presents topics related to science and culture in Burkina Faso and is widely read by intellectuals, politicians, researchers, and teachers. In the interview, Dr. Sarr gave an overview of the SATREPS project, the process by which phosphate ore is solubilized by soil microorganisms, and explained how soil microorganisms play an important role in crop production.
Originally from Senegal, Dr. Sarr also explained the differences between Africa and Japan in terms of competitive research funding mechanisms and young researchers' commitment to research. Finally, he addressed the issue of strong hierarchical relationships in African countries and the need for an environment in which young researchers can conduct research freely without being beholden to superiors or teachers, and stressed the importance of investing in research.
In the words of Dr. Sarr, “If we do not pursue research, there will be no development. If new things are not developed, we will have no choice but to keep on using what is available and used for a long time”.
*SATREPS: Science and Technology Research for Sustainable Development
JIRCAS Open House 2022
SARR Papa Saliou: Realizing Earth-friendly Agriculture with the Power of Microorganisms
