Youssef Bencharki | Crop Improvement | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Youssef Bencharki | Crop Improvement | Best Researcher Award

Research assistant of ICARDA, Morocco.

Dr. Youssef Bencharki is a dedicated researcher with extensive experience in agricultural science and biodiversity conservation. He holds a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from the University of Mons/Belgium, with a specialization in the innovative Farming with Alternative Pollinators (FAP) approach. Throughout his academic and professional journey, Dr. Bencharki has actively contributed to research projects focused on enhancing agricultural sustainability and resilience to climate change. With a solid foundation in field experimentation and data analysis, Dr. Bencharki has conducted numerous studies to evaluate the impact of FAP on crop productivity and farmer livelihoods. His expertise extends to socio-economic assessments, habitat enhancement, and farmer training initiatives aimed at promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable agricultural practices. Dr. Bencharki’s dedication to research excellence and his commitment to addressing pressing agricultural challenges make him a valuable asset to the scientific community.

 

 

Professional Profiles:

Education

Dr. Youssef Bencharki earned his PhD in Biological Sciences from the University of Mons, Belgium, in 2024. His doctoral thesis focused on the Farming with Alternative Pollinators (FAP) approach at different field scales in Morocco. Prior to this, he completed a Master’s degree in Agro Resources, Plant Biotechnology, and Environment at the Faculty of Science, University Chouaib Doukkali, El Jadida, between 2013 and 2015. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Plant Science and Environment from the Faculty of Science, Khouribga, University Hassan I, in 2013. Dr. Bencharki also holds a Diploma of General University Studies in Plant Science from the same institution, completed in 2012. His academic journey began with a Baccalaureate in Experimental Sciences from Othman Ben Affan High School in Berrechid, achieved in 2010.

Professional Experience

Since October 2017, Dr. Youssef Bencharki has been a Senior Research Assistant at ICARDA, focusing on the “Biodiversity and Crop Improvement” program. He has contributed to major projects on the Farming with Alternative Pollinators (FAP) approach, involving sustainable intensification of faba bean production and pollinator diversity conservation. His duties include farmer selection, experimental design, field supervision, beneficial insect identification, and socio-economic assessments. He has trained farmers and national researchers in agricultural sustainability and biodiversity conservation. Previously, from March 2016 to September 2017, Dr. Bencharki served as a Consultant in ICARDA’s Genetic Resources section, where he characterized cereal and legume phenotypes, supervised seed processing, and conducted viability testing. He also gained experience in food quality control and microbiological analysis during short-term appointments at the Pasteur Institute Casablanca and Dairy Center El Jadida.

Research Interest

Dr. Youssef Bencharki’s research interests span a range of interdisciplinary topics within agricultural sciences and environmental sustainability. His primary focus is on the Farming with Alternative Pollinators (FAP) approach, where he investigates the impact of this method on different crops, including both pollinator-dependent and independent varieties. Additionally, he is interested in the socio-economic outcomes of agricultural practices, particularly how these practices affect farmers’ incomes and perceptions. Dr. Bencharki’s expertise also extends to plant biotechnology, where he has explored the effects of various treatments on plant androgenesis, and to the morphological and agronomic evaluation of crop varieties. His work contributes to sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and the enhancement of crop productivity through innovative and eco-friendly farming techniques.

Award and Honors

Dr. Youssef Bencharki has received recognition for his contributions to agricultural research and sustainability. His awards and honors include commendation for his work on the Farming with Alternative Pollinators (FAP) approach, which has garnered attention for its innovative and eco-friendly methods. Additionally, his efforts in advancing agricultural practices in Morocco have been acknowledged by organizations and institutions involved in promoting sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation. Through his dedication to improving farming techniques and enhancing crop productivity while preserving environmental integrity, Dr. Bencharki has earned accolades for his impactful contributions to the field of agricultural science.

Research Skills

Dr. Youssef Bencharki possesses a diverse set of research skills honed through years of experience in agricultural research. His expertise encompasses various aspects of research methodologies and techniques relevant to sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation. Specifically, Dr. Bencharki is proficient in field experimentation, data collection, and analysis, with a focus on assessing the impact of innovative farming practices such as the Farming with Alternative Pollinators (FAP) approach. He is skilled in designing and implementing experimental trials, conducting socio-economic evaluations, and analyzing the ecological implications of agricultural interventions. Additionally, Dr. Bencharki has demonstrated proficiency in scientific writing, including the preparation of research reports, peer-reviewed publications, and technical manuals aimed at disseminating research findings to diverse audiences. His research skills reflect a comprehensive understanding of the complexities inherent in agricultural systems and a commitment to advancing sustainable practices for the benefit of both farmers and the environment.

Publications

  1. Title: The pollinator conservation approach “Farming with Alternative Pollinators”: Success and drivers
    • Authors: A. Sentil, P. Lhomme, S. Reverté, A. Ssymank, S. Christmann
    • Journal: Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment
    • Volume: 369
    • Page: 109029
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  2. Title: “Farming with alternative pollinators” provides benefits also in large-scale fields
    • Authors: Y. Bencharki, D. Michez, O. Ihsane, P. Rasmont, S. Christmann
    • Journal: Acta Oecologica
    • Volume: 122
    • Page: 103978
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  3. Title: ‘Farming with alternative pollinators’ approach supports diverse and abundant pollinator community in melon fields in a semi-arid landscape
    • Authors: Y. Bencharki, S. Christmann, P. Lhomme, P. Rasmont, D. Michez
    • Journal: Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems
    • Volume: 38
    • Page: e6
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 3
  4. Title: Wild vegetation and ‘farming with alternative pollinators’ approach support pollinator diversity in farmland
    • Authors: A. Sentil, S. Reverté, P. Lhomme, S. Christmann, D. Michez
    • Journal: Journal of Applied Entomology
    • Volume: 146
    • Issue: 9
    • Pages: 1155–1168
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 2
  5. Title: Diversity and Relative Abundance of Insect Pollinators in Moroccan Agroecosystems
    • Authors: I. El Abdouni, P. Lhomme, S. Christmann, P. Rasmont, D. Michez
    • Journal: Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution
    • Volume: 10
    • Article: 866581
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 5
  6. Title: Impact of the “Farming With Alternative Pollinators” Approach on Crop Pollinator Pollen Diet
    • Authors: A. Sentil, T.J. Wood, P. Lhomme, S. Christmann, D. Michez
    • Journal: Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution
    • Volume: 10
    • Article: 824474
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 6
  7. Title: Farming with Alternative Pollinators benefits pollinators, natural enemies, and yields, and offers transformative change to agriculture
    • Authors: S. Christmann, Y. Bencharki, S. Anougmar, A. Tsivelikas, A. Aw-Hassan
    • Journal: Scientific Reports
    • Volume: 11
    • Issue: 1
    • Article: 18206
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 14