Togolese plant physiologist Benziwa Johnson needed specialized equipment to study the African Kosso tree, an important source of timber and fodder in West and Central Africa. She had the expertise and a solid plan, but funding was essential. A grant from TWAS backed by Sida, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, provided the support she needed to advance her work in reforestation and biodiversity conservation.
Through the grant, Johnson received several pieces of equipment. She bought a GPS device to find the location of trees in a forest, a water purifier, a reflex camera for high-resolution pictures and videos, and an autoclave—a machine that sterilizes materials used for growing plant cells. Now, she is using all the equipment to train master's and postdoctoral students at the laboratory of forest research at the University of Lomé, in Togo, where she works.
Kosso (Pterocarpus erinaceus) is not only important for herders and farmers, but also valuable in traditional medicine. Additionally, this tree improves soil quality by taking nitrogen, an essential nutrient, from the air and converting it into molecules that plants can use to grow. Johnson's research focuses on understanding the tree's behaviour in the local ecosystem, especially with the challenges of climate change, to improve how people grow it and conserve it in Togo.
In the following interview, edited for clarity, Johnson explains why the grant has been pivotal for her career.
How is it being a woman scientist in Togo?
Doing science in Togo is not the easiest profession, because women often have to work twice as hard as men to progress in science. My main challenge was, from time to time, to find the motivation to pursue advanced science considering the societal beliefs, the difficulties in finding fellowships for education, and the effort required to be recognized and accepted. However, all these obstacles equipped me with skills and knowledge that now help me in my daily life and professional work.
What was the main goal of your study on the Kosso tree?
The genetics of Kosso tree is still barely understood. We reasoned that gaining more information could reveal its adaptation potential to the current climate crisis and guide the development of effective conservation strategies. Therefore, we studied the genetic varieties growing in five sampling sites and their spatial distribution. Data analysis allowed us to identify different populations and recognize two distinct species in Togo: one in the Sudanese-Guinean dry zone and the other behind the Togo and Atakora Mountain ranges.
How will your research make a difference?
I believe that our results will benefit stakeholders in scientific fields, forest managers and operators, ministries, and decision-makers, furthering education and research dissemination.
What did the grant allow you to do?
The grant has been instrumental in developing ambitious projects that otherwise would have been unfeasible, like conducting fieldwork in remote locations and procuring specialized equipment and materials. It has raised my scientific profile and made my research more visible within the scientific community and beyond, through participation in an international conference and publication in two peer-reviewed journals.
Did the grant impact the quality of your career and scientific network?
The grant provided invaluable support and opportunities for my career. It helped establish new and strengthen old scientific collaborations, improving the quality of my work. Now I have collaborations with two Nigerian institutes and two partnerships with French groups. Unfortunately, I was not invited as a speaker at conferences, but it is a new objective for the next projects I want to pursue, to shape the trajectory of my career in the years to come. In addition, the Sida grant has allowed me to enroll students in the Physiology-Horticulture-Biotechnology research unit, making equipment available for experiments. Currently, 11 students are under training, working on diverse research topics aligned with the team's themes for their final master degree thesis.
What did you bring home from the TWAS Skill Building Workshop you attended in Senegal, in November 2024?
The main benefit I have gained is networking. I realized, as never before, how important it is to establish connections, partnerships, and collaborations with other scientists, to complement or compare our research, better align with our needs, and build something strong for our communities and countries. I am currently working with another Sida grant awardee, whom I met at this workshop, on a project related to molecular biology.
What purposes did the grant-funded camera support?
In our field, it is important to document plant development processes such as germination, growth, and flowering, as well as ecosystems change. Likewise, we must document our lab experiments, including growing plant cells and the observations we carry out using microscopes. High-resolution photography is essential for capturing fine details that phone cameras may miss—for instance, the emergence of a radicle during germination. Many scientific publications rely heavily on visual illustrations, and these images contribute to building a valuable photo archive to showcase lab achievements. Beyond research, these photos enhance science communication and outreach, supporting training materials for farmers and strengthening reports, presentations, and funding proposals. The camera is also used by students and young researchers, helping them develop documentation skills. Thanks to the 'Showcasing Science through Multimedia Content and Acknowledging Donors' session at the Dakar workshop in November 2024, I gained valuable photography tips, improving how I capture and present scientific work effectively.
What would you suggest to young women who wish to pursue a scientific career?
Be passionate despite the challenges and societal expectations placed on women. Don't give up and follow your dreams. Fortunately, there are many funding opportunities for women in all fields, and persistence will be rewarded in the end.
Cristina Serra