Oumarou Souleymane was born in Kartaa small village in the west of Niger. As a result of his parents being farmershe started farming when he was only 6 years old. Progressivelyhe learned how to sowtake care of and harvest crops. Whilst in primary and secondary schoolhe continued to help his parents on the farm during holidays. Knowing the farm-related problems his parents experiencedhe decided to study Agronomy at Abdou Moumouni University in NiameyNigerto help. Souleymane further won a German cooperation scholarship on completion of his undergraduate studies to study Vegetable Biology at Cheihk Anta Diop University of Senegal. He undertook his practical training at the Regional Study Centre for Drought Adaptation Improvement (CERAAS) researching on maize. He works with the National Institute for Agronomic Research (INRAN)Niger.I count myself fortunate to have won the WACCI PhD Scholarship. This timeI want to study another cerealrice. It is a staple food in the big towns of my country. More than 80% of the rice consumed in Niger is imported which is adversely affecting our economy. I am hoping to increase rice yield to contribute to the development of my country and maybe all of West Africa Souleymane says.