Through the Anne van den Ban scholarship, Nourou-Dine was able to pursue a university degree in Wageningen

Having four children at university means high tuition fees for his parents in Benin. Given the significant disparity in exchange rates, a master’s programme, for Nourou-Dine, in Wageningen would have been financially unattainable. Luckily, his stellar academic record and industrious spirit have been supported by the Anne van den Ban scholarship, paving the way for Nourou-Dine to pursue his degree in Wageningen.

“I am currently focusing on animal nutrition. As we are faced with the growing impact of global warming and climate change, I want to contribute to promoting and developing more sustainable, environmentally responsible practices.” In Benin, he saw firsthand how traditional livestock farming degrades the land through overgrazing. Combined with the growing consequences of climate change, partly due to nitrogen emissions from cattle, he feels the urgency to deepen his knowledge of animal nutrition to make a difference.

“My long-term plan is to establish an animal production and transformed animal products chain, which will also serve as a training centre for local farmers, enabling them to acquire more efficient and sustainable practices adapted to their realities.” Nourou-Dine explains that many farmers use antibiotics and pesticides solely to increase animal and crop production, often without considering the risks to animal and human health, as well as the environment. “I also want to make my products accessible to the local community,” he adds. In this way, he lowers barriers to sustainable food production and provides support to the most vulnerable populations. “Food and water should be something basic. It pains me when I see people struggling to find something to eat. For me, the importance of supporting communities should outweigh profit interests.”

He has also found a community here in Wageningen. “I met students with the same desire to be part of something, to make a change in the world - students in and out of the honours programme, from different studies. We hope to collaborate and build a community together.”

But before that, he wants to deepen his knowledge and gain experience. He hopes to pursue a PhD after his master’s degree. He is diligently preparing for this by following the honours programme and doing a research master. Working hard is a way for Nourou-Dine to honour his parents, he explains. “My parents always put my sisters and me before their own needs, trying to give us a good education despite their moderate income. Doing well in school is my way of thanking them.”

Initially, Nourou-Dine saw his chances of studying in Wageningen dwindle after being denied admission to the master’s in biotechnology, to which he had also applied. But then he received a letter of acceptance into animal sciences along with a scholarship offer, he says. “I read it. I reread it. It was one of the best days of my life.” He is grateful to the donors, as their contribution means a lot to students. “I received support. I will try, in turn, to also provide support when I get the chance to.”