Dr. Eltson Eteckji Fonkeng, PhD, is a renowned agronomist and soil scientist recognized for his significant contributions to sustainable agriculture, soil health, climate resilience, and agricultural policy reforms. With over ten years of experience, his work is centered on enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting climate-smart practices, and implementing systemic reforms to improve food security and rural livelihoods throughout Africa.

Dr. Fonkeng earned a PhD in Soil Science, specializing in Soil Fertility and Environmental Chemistry, from the University of Dschang in Cameroon. He has extensively contributed to research and policy in agroecology, land restoration, and agricultural innovation. During his tenure at World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), he pioneered efforts in soil carbon sequestration, agroforestry systems, and scalable land restoration strategies for smallholder farmers. These efforts align with global initiatives to combat land degradation and climate change.

Serving previously as a Senior Agronomist at Cameroon’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MINADER), Dr. Fonkeng led critical analyses of the agricultural subsector, provided evidence-based policy recommendations, and supported strategic planning to optimize productivity and sustainability. His consultancy roles with international organizations such as CIRAD and the Green Century Consortium exemplify his capability to bridge research, policy, and on-the-ground implementation for agricultural systems transformation.

Currently, as the Head of the Africa Science and Technology Advisory Group on Disaster Risk Reduction (AU DRR-STAG), Dr. Fonkeng advises the African Union on climate-related disaster resilience, secures funding for high-impact research, and fosters collaborations to address agricultural vulnerabilities. His leadership in this capacity showcases his proficiency in managing complex projects, engaging diverse stakeholders, and fostering innovation in risk-informed agricultural development.

Dr. Fonkeng’s technical expertise, policy experience, and field-level insights make him a strategic asset for the Stresemann Innovation Group’s mission in agricultural sector reforms and productivity enhancement. He leverages his experience to design and evaluate agricultural policies that enhance productivity, equity, and sustainability, integrates soil health and agroforestry into scalable solutions for resilient farming systems, and facilitates partnerships to promote transformative agronomic innovations. By applying his insights from AU DRR-STAG, he also works to mitigate climate-related disruptions in food systems.

As a collaborative leader with a proven track record of delivering results, Dr. Fonkeng is adept at translating scientific knowledge into actionable strategies. His commitment to excellence and systems thinking aligns seamlessly with the Stresemann Innovation Group’s vision for a sustainable and productive agricultural future. For strategic advisory, research collaboration, or policy insights, Dr. Fonkeng invites connections to explore potential synergies in driving science-led agricultural transformation for resilient economies.