Officer In Charge, Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute, Sierra Leone
Paul Musa Lahai is a highly accomplished researcher and agricultural specialist from Sierra Leone, currently based in Kenema. With a strong foundation in biological sciences, entomology, and integrated crop management, Lahai has made significant contributions to agricultural research, particularly in coffee and cacao crop improvement. His work spans various international collaborations, including partnerships with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the University of Reading (UK). In addition to his research, Lahai has played a key role in training technicians and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in Sierra Leone. His dedication to enhancing the genetic base of crucial crops like coffee and cacao highlights his commitment to addressing food security challenges in West Africa. Lahai’s work is recognized globally, and his contributions to genetic diversity studies in agricultural plants continue to have a lasting impact on the sector.
Profile
Orcid
Education
Paul Musa Lahai holds multiple academic qualifications that demonstrate his expertise in agricultural science. He earned a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Entomology from the University of Ghana in 2012. Prior to that, he completed his Bachelor of Science (BSc, Hons) in Biological Sciences at the University of Sierra Leone, Fourah Bay College, in 2009. He further enhanced his knowledge with a Master of Advanced Studies in Integrated Crop Management (MAS ICM) from the University of Neuchatel, Switzerland, in 2016. His commitment to combating hunger led him to pursue a Diploma in Plant Breeding to Fight Hunger from Michigan State University, USA, in 2022. Additionally, Lahai holds diplomas in Project Management and Human Resources Management, which further complement his leadership and administrative skills. His diverse education equips him with a robust foundation for addressing complex agricultural challenges.
Experience
Paul Musa Lahai has extensive experience in agricultural research and management, focusing primarily on crop improvement and sustainable farming practices. He served as the focal person for the collection and shipment of coffee and cacao leaf samples for molecular characterization through Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) analysis in collaboration with the USDA. Lahai has also been involved in international training programs, including workshops on pollination and seed management for cacao. He has worked closely with the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI) and international organizations such as the University of Reading (UK), promoting the introduction of elite cacao clones for genetic improvement. As a member of the Africa Phytosanitary Programme, he participated in a Train-the-Trainer workshop in Cairo, Egypt, in 2023. Lahai’s international experience and leadership roles underscore his dedication to advancing agricultural science and fostering knowledge-sharing across borders.
Research Focus
Paul Musa Lahai’s research primarily focuses on the genetic improvement and conservation of coffee and cacao crops. He has contributed significantly to the molecular characterization of Coffea stenophylla, Coffea liberica, Coffea arabica, and Theobroma cacao for their genetic diversity, an essential step in enhancing resilience and sustainability in these crops. Lahai’s studies on the phenotypic and genetic diversity of wild Sierra Leonean coffee, particularly in the Kenema and Moyamba districts, provide valuable insights for conservation and breeding programs. His work is crucial for developing disease-resistant, high-yielding varieties that can withstand climate change. Lahai’s research also emphasizes the importance of international collaboration and capacity-building efforts, as seen in his role as a trainer for technicians and his participation in workshops aimed at improving agricultural practices in West Africa and beyond.
Publications
- Genetic diversity of coffee germplasm in Sierra Leone: implications for conservation and breeding programs – Beverage Plant Research (2023) 🌱
- Phenotypic diversity of wild Sierra Leonean coffee (Coffea stenophylla) collected from Kenema and Moyamba districts – Beverage Plant Research (2023) 🌳