Rabat, Morocco – November 19, 2025 – iSDA is proud to announce that Dr. Keith Shepherd, Chief Scientist, has been awarded the 2025 IFA Norman Borlaug Plant Nutrition Award. The award was presented yesterday during the IFA Strategic Forum in Rabat, Morocco, recognizing Dr. Shepherd’s contributions to plant nutrition research and sustainable agricultural development across Africa.
A Testament to Scientific Excellence and Real-World Impact
Dr. Shepherd was selected by the Scientific Panel on Responsible Plant Nutrition (SPRPN). The panel was particularly impressed by the clarity of achievements from his research, which spans from significant scientific innovation to large-scale, tangible impact on the ground, delivering solutions that directly benefit smallholder farmers across the African continent.
Highlights from the IFA Strategic Forum
During the IFA Annual General Meeting, Dr. Shepherd delivered a presentation on iSDA’s recent achievements and future strategy during Session 2: “Fertilising Africa’s Future: From Vision to Action.” His presentation outlined iSDA’s innovative approaches to soil mapping, digital agriculture, and precision nutrient management, all aimed at transforming agricultural productivity while promoting environmental sustainability.
Joining the Scientific Panel on Responsible Plant Nutrition
Dr. Shepherd has also been invited to join the Scientific Panel on Responsible Plant Nutrition (SPRPN) as a member. This invitation recognises his expertise and positions him to influence global policy and practice in sustainable plant nutrition.
A Career Dedicated to African Agriculture
Dr. Shepherd’s research career spans decades of work focused on soil science, plant nutrition, and sustainable agriculture in Africa. His contributions have bridged the gap between laboratory research and field application, ensuring that scientific innovations reach the farmers who need them most.
At iSDA, Dr. Shepherd leads efforts to revolutionize soil health assessment and fertiliser recommendations through innovative technologies and data-driven approaches. His work has directly contributed to improving crop yields, farmer livelihoods, and food security across multiple African countries.
Looking Ahead
This recognition comes at a pivotal moment for African agriculture. As the continent faces challenges from climate change, soil degradation, and food insecurity, the work being done by Dr. Shepherd and the iSDA team becomes increasingly critical.
Dr Shepherd said “I am sincerely thankful for this distinction. It is rewarding to see decades of research translating into real, large-scale impact for farmers. I hope this recognition helps draw greater attention to the importance of sustained investment in balanced soil and crop nutrition as a foundation for food security, farm profitability and climate resilience.”
To hear directly from Dr. Shepherd about his research journey and vision for African agriculture, read our in-depth interview with him here: iSDA - Why Science Still Matters in the Ai Era
About the Norman Borlaug Award
Named after Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Norman Borlaug, known as the “Father of the Green Revolution,” the IFA Norman Borlaug Plant Nutrition Award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to understanding and advancing sustainable plant nutrition worldwide. Dr. Borlaug’s pioneering work in developing high-yielding crop varieties saved an estimated one billion people from starvation.
About the IFA
The International Fertilizer Association (IFA) is a global organisation representing the fertiliser industry worldwide. IFA promotes efficient and responsible production, distribution, and use of plant nutrients to support sustainable agriculture and food security.
Find the full press release here: https://www.fertilizer.org/news/ifa-announces-the-2025-recipients-of-the-ifa-science-awards/
