Erasmus Aduteye
I am Erasmus Kabu Aduteye, a doctoral student at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in the Food and Agriculture Sciences program. My anticipated graduation date is May 2025. My current research focuses on “Biochar amended soil for crop production”. This research aims to study the effect of biochar on crop growth, yield, and soil microbial diversity. In December 2021, I graduated with a master’s degree in agriculture economics at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore where I worked on a project titled “Farmers' Perception of Climate Change and the Potential for Adaptation in the DELMARVA peninsula”. I worked with farmers from Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia to explore ways to adapt to climate change. In December 2019, I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering majoring in agronomy from EARTH University, Costa Rica. EARTH University is one of the most prestigious universities in Latin America. At EARTH University, I worked on several projects with students and professors from different continents (Africa, North and South America, Europe, and Asia). Before enrolling at EARTH University, I worked as an assistant farm manager for Eden Tree Ghana Limited for two years after graduating with a three-year diploma in general agriculture from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana in May 2012.
I am excited to work with the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Horticulture this summer as a graduate international research intern. I will be traveling to Guatemala to work with a team of dedicated researchers on climate-smart agriculture projects. My project focuses on Quality, Packing, shelf life, and Nutrition Composition, aiming to revolutionize horticulture practices. I will work with the Rafael Landívar University (URL) in Guatemala and the Ministry of Agriculture and Cattle in Guatemala (MAGA) to lead operations research seeking to catalyze sustainable linkages to established niche markets and increase incomes for farmers. The 2024 Cohort is making history as the first class of graduate international research interns from minority-serving institutions in the USA to join the Horticulture Innovation Lab’s global research program. Together with my team, we will harness the power of innovative farm technologies to tackle the challenges posed by climate change and ensure sustainable market access for farmers. We will explore innovative techniques, enhance product quality, extend shelf-life, and promote nutrition-rich produce. We will make the most of this amazing opportunity and leave a legacy in horticulture research!