Dr. Kofi Frimpong-Anin | Sustainable Food Systems | Best Researcher Award

Senior Research Scientist at CSIR-Crops Research Institute, Ghana

Kofi Frimpong-Anin, a dedicated Ghanaian entomologist and Senior Research Scientist at CSIR-Crops Research Institute, specializes in pest and pollinator management with over 20 years of academic and research experience . He has contributed significantly to integrated pest control strategies and pollination ecology, helping improve sustainable agriculture in Ghana . Having served in various national and international research projects, including roles with FAO, ICIPE, and CABI, his work bridges field application and scientific research . A frequent speaker and trainer, he actively mentors junior scientists and educates farmers through participatory demonstrations . He has authored numerous peer-reviewed papers, manuals, and book chapters . His work in insect taxonomy, pollinator conservation, and pesticide risk reduction has earned recognition in the agricultural science community . Known for field rigor and scientific integrity, Kofi’s contributions support food security, environmental health, and resilient agricultural ecosystems .

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🎓 Education 

Kofi Frimpong-Anin holds a Ph.D. in Zoology (Entomology) from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, and ICIPE, Nairobi (2010) . His doctoral work focused on cocoa pollination and wild pollinator services, pivotal to Ghana’s agriculture . He earned an MPhil in Zoology (Entomology) from the same university in 2005, researching stored-product pests in southern Ghana . His undergraduate degree, a BSc in Zoology, was awarded by the University of Ghana, Legon in 2000 . Over the years, he complemented his formal education with several professional courses including scientific writing, pesticide risk management, and insect taxonomy through institutions like FAO, University of Liverpool, and AWARD. This combination of academic rigor and practical skill-building laid a solid foundation for his prolific career in insect science, sustainable agriculture, and pollinator conservation . His deep academic training continues to inform his work in ecological health and entomological innovation .

🧪Experience 

Frimpong-Anin’s entomology career spans over two decades, with progressive roles in research, training, and consultancy across Ghana . Since 2016, he has served as Senior Research Scientist at CSIR-Crops Research Institute, leading key studies in pest management and pollination . He previously advised the FAO-led Global Pollination Project (2010–2015) and consulted for agro-based organizations like Tete Agro Services and the International Stingless Bees Centre . From early roles as a research assistant on FAO projects and demonstrator at UCC, he rose to coordinate nationwide programs tackling invasive pests like the fall armyworm and tomato leaf miner . His leadership in projects funded by KAFACI, CGIAR, and CABI underscores his global collaboration and field-based research management expertise . He also plays a key role in farmer outreach, organizing training and field demos across multiple Ghanaian regions . His blend of academic, technical, and community work defines his impactful experience .

🏆Awards & Honors 

Kofi Frimpong-Anin was awarded the prestigious ARPPIS Ph.D. Scholarship by the International Centre of Insect Physiology & Ecology (ICIPE), Kenya . This competitive scholarship recognized his promise in entomological research and supported his advanced studies in pollinator ecology . His scientific excellence has earned him invitations to present at top-tier conferences globally, including FAO and international pollination summits . He has been repeatedly selected for specialized training by global institutions such as the University of Liverpool, FAO, and AWARD for his work in taxonomy, pesticide risk, and scientific writing . His contributions have led to multiple technical leadership roles in global agricultural initiatives funded by CABI, CGIAR, KAFACI, and UNEP . He’s also frequently recognized by Ghana’s Research Extension-Farmer Linkage Committee (RELC) for exemplary support in pest advisory services . While not always publicized, his accolades reflect high regard in national and international entomological circles .

🔬Research Focus 

Dr. Kofi Frimpong-Anin’s research centers on integrated pest and pollinator management, pesticide risk reduction, and pollination ecology . He investigates eco-friendly approaches to controlling agricultural pests like fall armyworm, using native bioagents and biorationals . He also focuses on safeguarding beneficial insects like pollinators critical to crops such as cocoa and rice . His work spans insect population dynamics, biodiversity conservation, and development of pest control manuals tailored for African ecosystems . A champion of sustainable agriculture, he blends entomological science with community outreach to promote practical, low-risk pest control solutions . His leadership in national and international research projects contributes to regional food security and climate-resilient farming systems . Kofi’s holistic approach combines field ecology, farmer education, and scientific innovation to ensure agriculture in Ghana remains productive, pollinator-friendly, and environmentally sustainable

🔍 Conclusion

Dr. Kofi Frimpong-Anin is a leading agricultural entomologist whose work on integrated pest management and pollinator conservation has had a transformative impact on sustainable food systems in Ghana and across Africa. His balance of field-based research, community outreach, and international collaboration makes him a highly suitable and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His profile embodies scientific rigor, innovation, and actionable impact in the domain of agricultural research and development.

Publications 📚

• Title: Dynamics of insect pollinators as influenced by cocoa production systems in Ghana
  Authors: E.A. Frimpong, B. Gemmill-Herren, I. Gordon, P.K. Kwapong
  Year: 2011
  Citations: 74

 

• Title: Structure and stability of cocoa flowers and their response to pollination
  Authors: K. Frimpong-Anin, M.K. Adjaloo, P.K. Kwapong, W. Oduro
  Year: 2014
  Citations: 52

 

• Title: Dynamics of cocoa pollination: tools and applications for surveying and monitoring cocoa pollinators
  Authors: E.A. Frimpong, I. Gordon, P.K. Kwapong, B. Gemmill-Herren
  Year: 2009
  Citations: 52

 

• Title: Cocoa farmers’ awareness of pollination and its implication for pollinator-friendly practices
  Authors: K. Frimpong-Anin, P.K. Kwapong, I. Gordon
  Year: 2013
  Citations: 22

• Title: Horizon scanning for prioritising invasive alien species with potential to threaten agriculture and biodiversity in Ghana
  Authors: M. Kenis, L.K. Agboyi, R. Adu-Acheampong, M. Ansong, S. Arthur, P.T. Attipoe, et al.
  Year: 2022
  Citations: 11

 

• Title: Harnessing technologies for vegetable cultivation: a panacea for food and nutrition insecurity in Ghana
  Authors: M.K. Osei, P.A. Ofori, J. Adjebeng-Danquah, S.O. Nketia, K. Frimpong-Anin, et al.
  Year: 2022
  Citations: 8

 

• Title: Invasive alien species (IAS) of Ghana
  Authors: M.K. Osei, K. Frimpong‐Anin, J. Adjebeng‐Danquah, B.N. Frimpong, et al.
  Year: 2021
  Citations: 7

 

• Title: Indigenous natural enemies attacking fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Ghana
  Authors: U.S. Issa, K. Frimpong-Anin, I. Adama, M.B. Mochiah, H. Braimah, P. Obeng
  Year: 2020
  Citations: 7

 

• Title: Pollination and yield dynamics of cocoa tree
  Authors: P.K. Kwapong, K. Frimpong-Anin, B. Ahedor
  Year: 2014
  Citations: 7

 

• Title: Pollinator management and insecticide usage within cocoa agroecosystem in Ghana
  Authors: P.K. Kwapong, K. Frimpong-Anin
  Year: 2013
  Citations: 7