On July 3–4, 2025, Senior Researcher MAENO Ould Koutaro from the Crop, Livestock and Environment Division delivered a keynote lecture at the 65th Tohoku Union of Elementary School Principals Research Conference Akita Meeting and the 2025 Akita Prefecture Elementary School Principals Research Conference, held at Akita Arts Theatre “Mille Has.” The event, organized by the Tohoku Union of Elementary School Principals, brought together approximately 900 elementary school principals from the six prefectures of the Tohoku region.

The Tohoku Union of Elementary School Principals promotes educational research under the shared spirit of “Tohoku Stands as One,” aiming to develop distinctive education that responds to the trust of local communities. For the 2025 meeting, Akita Prefecture served as the host under the theme, “Advancing Elementary Education that Nurtures Japanese Youth to Forge Their Own Futures and Build a Rich Society Together.”

In his keynote address titled “Fighting Locusts in Africa: Pursue Your Dream, Sharpen Yourself,” Dr. Maeno shared stories of his encounters with the desert locust, his fieldwork in Africa, and the path that led him to a career as an entomologist. Centered on the question “How does elementary education influence career development?” he reflected on his formative experiences growing up in the Tohoku region—including Akita—and how they inspired his passion for insects.

With humor and clarity, he recounted his challenges conducting field research in the Sahara Desert, his efforts to uncover the ecology of desert locusts, and his development of innovative control methods. He emphasized that desert locust outbreaks are a major social issue directly linked to food insecurity in Africa, and highlighted the importance of collaborative, science-based solutions developed alongside local communities.

The talk resonated deeply with attendees, who expressed strong appreciation and emotional responses to Dr. Maeno’s message about the importance of holding onto one's dreams and continuing to take on challenges, even in the face of adversity.